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90's GM 3800 water pump
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Posted by: 87accordlxi

I may be getting a 92 Olds Eighty Eight basically for free from a friend

. The only thing is, everything works great on it except it's spewing antifreeze. I haven't seen the car yet, but apparently some piece that's part of the water pump broke (by-pass pipe? I dunno), so I may want to replace the entire water pump. I know it could be a pain in the ass, but is it so much of a pain that I should just have it done professionally? Where exactly is the water pump on these engines, and what needs to be done to replace it?

Posted by: skeezix

What kind of engine is it?

If it's a 2.8/3.1 there's a stand-pipe located on the right hand front of the engine that's attached to a coolant tube that wraps aound to the back. That's probably the one he's talking about. It's not a hard job to replace and the pipe runs for about $30 I think.

There may also be a bolt broken off in the water pump housing too. Best to take it to a shop to repair it. The water pump itself is just a small component that bolts to the water pump housing, so you probaly won't need to replace it. Keep in mind this refers to a 2.8/3.1 only. Not too sure about the other engines you get in those cars.

*UPDATE* Just read the fuckin' post again!

As for the 3800, I got nary' a clue. Sorry.

Posted by: cswrench

Some of the mid 90's 3800 water pumps were a bitch to do. You had to take tre front engine mount and entire accessory system off of it. Then early-mid 90's the changed design and made it cake, Not sure what design you have. Sorry?!?

Posted by: 87accordlxi

Quote:

Originally Posted by cswrench


	Some of the mid 90's 3800 water pumps were a bitch to do. You had to take tre front engine mount and entire accessory system off of it. Then early-mid 90's the changed design and made it cake, Not sure what design you have. Sorry?!?

I'll just have to take a look at it on Saturday. From what I understand, the water pump itself is fine, but something near it is leaking. It's the original water pump (116,000 miles), but I don't know how long they generally last. I can probably get away with not changing it, but I'll worry about it crapping out on me right after I just had the chance to put a new one on.

*edit* OK, I talked to my dad, who has seen the car, and what is broken is a metal piece that is attached to the engine block, and fits into a rubber coolant hose.

Posted by: 87accordlxi

OK, good news. I looked at it today, and all that's broken is a shitty plastic hose fitting that screws into the intake manifold right underneath the alternator. Went to the dealer, got a new metal fitting, and it should be fixed within an hour. Apparently it's a fairly common thing to happen on older 3800's.

Not bad for a free car

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