Northstar 4.6 water pump how to
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True Car Nut
Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Somewhere south of Ottawa with your girlfriend driving faster then you.
NO really it'* not really that hard.. But not something I want to explain.
There is a cover on the Drivers side of the block remove the 3 10mm bolts and the pump (Internal) is right there.
I'm waiting for the how too aswell
There is a cover on the Drivers side of the block remove the 3 10mm bolts and the pump (Internal) is right there.
I'm waiting for the how too aswell
Thread Starter
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Posts like a 4 Banger
Joined: Jun 2007
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sorry guys couldnt get my camera to upload on my new computer so here it goes
1. Drain the coolant
2. disconnect upper and lower rad hoses from driver side of the motor i also disconnected the upper engine mount - note: upper one isnt neccesary to remove but i did anyway to make the removal quick as possible
3. there are 4 10 mm bolts that hold on the thermostat/water pump cover remove them and be careful not to drop them.
IM000233.jpg
IM000230.jpg
4.now for the fun part use a breaker bar (1/2) with the northstar water pump tool insert it into the cavity until it locks firmly in place NOTE: THIS IS THE MOST DELICATE PROCESS THE ALUMINUM HOUSING CAN BE EASILY CRACKED CAUSING IT TO LEAK USE CAUTION AND FINESSE! )
now push the bar clockwise-(towards car) it will click foward
IM000227.jpg
5. use a ratchet where the cam tensioner arm is to release the water pump/cam belt off the pulley(rotate clockwise as well to loosen belt tension)
IM000231.jpg
IM000232.jpg
6. gently pry the old water pump out and replace rubber o-ring
7. Line up new water pump into the slots attach tool gently but firmly rock the pump towards you till it locks back into place
IM000229.jpg
8.reassemble everything , now is also a good time to replace thermostat, tighten all connections start it up and check for leaks
1. Drain the coolant
2. disconnect upper and lower rad hoses from driver side of the motor i also disconnected the upper engine mount - note: upper one isnt neccesary to remove but i did anyway to make the removal quick as possible
3. there are 4 10 mm bolts that hold on the thermostat/water pump cover remove them and be careful not to drop them.
IM000233.jpg
IM000230.jpg
4.now for the fun part use a breaker bar (1/2) with the northstar water pump tool insert it into the cavity until it locks firmly in place NOTE: THIS IS THE MOST DELICATE PROCESS THE ALUMINUM HOUSING CAN BE EASILY CRACKED CAUSING IT TO LEAK USE CAUTION AND FINESSE! )
now push the bar clockwise-(towards car) it will click foward
IM000227.jpg
5. use a ratchet where the cam tensioner arm is to release the water pump/cam belt off the pulley(rotate clockwise as well to loosen belt tension)
IM000231.jpg
IM000232.jpg
6. gently pry the old water pump out and replace rubber o-ring
7. Line up new water pump into the slots attach tool gently but firmly rock the pump towards you till it locks back into place
IM000229.jpg
8.reassemble everything , now is also a good time to replace thermostat, tighten all connections start it up and check for leaks
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Posts like a 4 Banger
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 111
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sorry this was a 98 model northstar im not familiar to the diffrent variations, but i couldnt imagine them drasticly diffrent if it is then i will just delete the post , just tryin to help out
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Posts like a Camaro
Joined: Aug 2004
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From: Chi-Town
Green coolant? Shouldn't you be running Dex?
Yea, you need a special tool to take the water pump out, you can rent it at Autozone or buy at Napa. Theres no other way to get that sucker out.
Yea, you need a special tool to take the water pump out, you can rent it at Autozone or buy at Napa. Theres no other way to get that sucker out.
