I know this particular problem may have already been answered in the past because i found a thread on this stie through google answering it but couldnt find it again... so i have to ask it anyway despite what the thread said about not asking previously answered questions... if it cant get answered right away, i understand...


I drive a 1995 pontiac bonneville with a 3.8 V6... I have been leaking anti-freeze for some time now when the car heats up and i followed the leak and discovered it is coming from the water pump... my car has not over heated so the pump is not broken i just need to replace the gasket on it... i have the part already but now i would feel much better having a step by step from a proffessional or from someone who has done it before...

i know i need to jack the engine and remove the mount... but where do i jack the engine at? and i know i need to remove the belt but i do not know where the tensioner is...

after that i think i can manage putting the gasket on and putting it all back together...


i apreciate your time very very much, thank you...


-JoE

Welcome. Please put your car info in you signature. Trim level is very helpful as in determining which engine you have.

Some general info.. support engine by placing a floor jack under the oil pan, putting a piece of wood in between to spread the load. Tension pulleys are on swing arms. There is only 1 per belt (some motors have 1 belt, some have 2. Hence the need for trim level info)

Replace the water pump, this isn't up for discussion, just do it.

The reason Sonoma mentions replacing the water pump is that odds are probably 99% yours is bad. There is a weep hole on the underside of the pump. This can easily be mistaken for a bad gasket. Also..the gaskets don't typically leak. For ~$35 you can install a lot of insurance and peace of mind.

Thank you very much


this is the detailed answer i was looking for


thank you

ok


one last thing


correct me if im wrong


step 1: Lossen tensioner and remove belt

2: loosen engine mount bolts

3:jack engine

4:romeve engine mount and rest of bolts

5: remove old water pump

6: put new one in

7: put belt back on put tensioner back on

8: put engine mount back on

9: lower engine

10: drive away


thank you for your time

I would swap 2 and 3..

Don't remove the motor mount before you support the motor

thank you

Don't you have to move the power steering pump out of the way to get to the water pump?

I could be wrong, so don't listen to me until someone confirms this, PontiacBoy.
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Ive heard that before but my water pump looks easy to access...

but i will wait for a yes or no from someone else as you said