Water Pump on '02 Sunfire

[michelle]

So it appears my sister's car (2002 Sunfire with the 2.4L) is leaking slightly from the water pump.

She got an estimate for $615 to replace it.

How bad are we talking here, labor-wise? Anything else out of the ordinary that should be replaced at the same time? Any tips, suggestions, etc?

Thanks!

[Dasred]

I know my roommate changed one on his Caviler with the 2.2, pretty similar. He's got a little experience, but not a full fledged mechanic, he didn't have too much trouble.

[Holeshot]

Michelle Book time is 6.3 hours 7.3 with A/C Its driven by the timing chain on that motor.

[Holeshot]

2002 Pontiac Sunfire L4-144 2.4L DOHC VIN T SFI
Vehicle Level Engine, Cooling and Exhaust Cooling System Water Pump Service and Repair
Service and Repair
Notes

Water Pump Replacement

Removal Procedure
1. Drain the cooling system.
2. Remove the exhaust manifold.
3. Remove the coolant outlet pipe.
4. Disconnect the heater hose quick connect from the heater outlet pipe.
5. Remove the timing chain and tensioner.
6. Remove the water pump cover-to-cylinder block bolts.
7. Remove water pump cover pipe bracket bolt (Bellhousing bolt)
8. Remove the water pump-to-timing chain housing nuts.
9. Remove the water pump and cover assembly.
10. Remove the water pump cover-to-coolant pump assembly bolts.
11. Clean all sealing surfaces.

Installation Procedure

Important: Before you install the coolant pump, read the entire procedure. Follow the tightening sequences in order to avoid part damage and to provide proper sealing.

1. Install the water pump cover to the water pump assembly.
2. Install the pump cover bolts. Hand tighten the bolts.
3. Install water pump/cover assembly.
4. Install the cover-to-block bolts. Hand tighten the bolts.
5. Install the coolant pump-to-timing chain housing nuts. Hand tighten the nuts.
6. Install water pump cover pipe bolt (Bellhousing Bolt).


Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.

7. Torque in sequence as follows:
7.1. Tighten the pump assembly-to-timing chain housing nuts.
* Tighten nuts to 26 Nm (19 ft. lbs.) .

7.2. Tighten the pump cover-to-pump assembly bolts.
* Tighten the bolts to 14 Nm (10 ft. lbs.) .

7.3. Tighten the coolant pump cover-to-engine block bolts.
* Tighten the bottom bolt first.
* Tighten bolts to 26 Nm (19 ft. lbs.) .

8. Install heater hose to water pump cooling pipe.
9. Install radiator outlet pipe.
10. Install the exhaust manifold and install new gaskets.
11. Install oil level indicator tube and indicator.
12. Connect the brake vacuum pipe to the cam housing.
13. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
14. Install catalytic converter.
15. Install the timing chain and tensioner.
16. Lower the vehicle.
17. Fill the cooling system.
18. Inspect the system for leaks.

[wrencher]

They are a pain. The timing chain drive part is what makes this so.
Then it is underneath the exhaust manifold on the back of the motor.

Seen plenty of these... + you have the possibilities of needing more parts found defective along the process of doing the job.
Like the timing chain, the chain tensioner the shoes etc.
You might want to do the thermostat while your there.

[Reverend Cooper]

Ask Tom he knows those cars really well!

[Irish]

...

[michelle]

Doesn't seem to be all that different then what we just did to my '01 Taurus (water pump, timing chain, gaskets, heater hoses, etc.). I'm sure she has more that needs to be replaced as well.

The weather this weekend looked so nice too. I was looking forward to getting things done outside the house for winter. ):

[Coops Brother]

I know my roommate changed one on his Caviler with the 2.2, pretty similar. He's got a little experience, but not a full fledged mechanic, he didn't have too much trouble.


Absoultely NOT at all similar to the 2.2L !!

[BAD LS1]

Yeah big fuck story on the quad 4 to do this job. Worth every penny of that $615 to the shop doing the job. Ive seen them higher than that, consider that cheap.

[Plum Crazy]

Id rather do a water pump on a PT Cruiser than a Quad 4! I did one on a Malibu a while back, FUCK THAT!!!

[michelle]

Yeah big fuck story on the quad 4 to do this job. Worth every penny of that $615 to the shop doing the job. Ive seen them higher than that, consider that cheap.

So is that your way of saying you don't want to do it? :goof

[Coops Brother]

bring it up here I'll do it for $450

[michelle]

Thanks for the offers, but it looks like we'll be doing it so we can replace other things so that car will hopefully last her longer. She bought it brand new in '02 and my dad's theory is that if a car dies, fix it a few hundred times, and then replace it. That's what you get for having an ex-mechanic in the family. (:

[Irish]

...

[Coops Brother]

Thanks for the offers, but it looks like we'll be doing it so we can replace other things so that car will hopefully last her longer. She bought it brand new in '02 and my dad's theory is that if a car dies, fix it a few hundred times, and then replace it. That's what you get for having an ex-mechanic in the family. (:


Your Dad= smart man:thumbsup

[michelle]

Your Dad= smart man:thumbsup

Yep, he's a very cool guy! He bought his first brand new car in '99 off of the showroom floor. I think it got colder in a pretty warm place that day. (:


Thanks again for your offer to help! We'll be tackling it next weekend. It's a small leak, so she's still been driving it to work. For some reason she didn't want to keep driving my Grandma's Taurus that we store here while she lives in AZ for the fall, winter, and spring. :goof