Changing a 1999 Chevy 4.3 V6 Water Pump

[@michaeljoseph1965]

Thanks for the video and the tips for installing the new water pump by placing the bolts in the holes with the gaskets. That tip made it so much easier!

[@homebuiltshop]

Awesome! I'm happy it was helpful.

[@northendgaming3831]

2000 S10 ZR2 here. Just changed out the old water pump that was bad and replaced the serpentine belt. Thank you for the video.

[@homebuiltshop]

Awesome! I'm happy you got it going.

[@FeloniousDream]

I have a 2001 Silverado. Watched several videos, but watched this one several times before I did the swap. Someone suggested that I not rtv the gaskets because if the application is not even it can harden and cause a bad seal. But after wrestling to get the gaskets and bolts in place for 30 min, I went with a thin coat of rtv just to keep the gaskets from falling off. This was my first time under the hood. I was most worried about getting the fan nut off. But I rented the wrench and was lucky enough to get it with a screwdriver under the pulley bolt. Excellent video. Thank you sir.

[@homebuiltshop]

Awesome! I'm glad you got yours fixed. Sometimes a little RTV is a big help holding the gasket.

[@stevesplace7230]

What an awesome video. Very Well thought out. Very Well explained. Camera work was awesome. Watched this video and then headed out to the garage and replaced the water pump on my 02 Chevy Blazer. I did do everything I could to cross thread that huge fan blade nut, but I got lucky. Saved me a little over $300. Thanks for helping me!!!

[@homebuiltshop]

Nice! I'm glad you got it done. Thanks for letting me know.

[@frankyknighton568]

Its nice to see someone who knows what they are doing and knows the function and symptoms and can explain everything clearly. I cant tell you how many videos ive seen, where the "mechanic" has no skill and is doing the work. Then never follows up with the finished repair

[@homebuiltshop]

Thank you. I appreciate that.

[@judybantom2642]

Thanks for making that video, made my life much easier. I was really concerned about removing all the accessories around the water pump. Seems that wasn't the case. It was a bit of a challenge to get the new pump to line up, but no big deal. I had it all done in less than 90 minutes. One tip to add. While got the belt off, check the idler pulleys. I found the bearings in both idlers were bad. Thanks Jeff.

[@williampurvis7282]

B

[@HighRiseFlyin]

I had no idea the s10 had the same exact layout as the blazer. Thanks man!!!!

[@homebuiltshop]

Yep. It's the same exact setup. Just a different body on it.

[@toddco.2260]

Just wanted to thank you for posting this video, I decided to give it a shot after watching this and the job was a success. I have a 2000 GMC Jimmy but the parts were the same. I rented the wrench for the fan from AutoZone. It was for a Ford but it still worked. If anyone out there is a little skilled then watch this video and do it yourself, save some money and take pride in your accomplishment. Total cost was about $70. Thanks

[@homebuiltshop]

Awesome! I'm glad you're back up and running.

[@danakimsanders-howell3611]

Thank you for this video!!! Honestly I couldnt have done the job without it. Had already replaced the fan and radiator, then found out the water pump was bad! Also, thanks for the small detail info like the thread sealers! Many thanks!!!

[@cool69455]

WOW !! When my 99 S10 ZR2 got up to halfway on the temperature gauge, my intake manifold gaskets needed replacing. What I did on my fan bolt was, I got a set of visegrips on the waterpump pulley after removing the S-belt, and with the 2 foot long crescent wrench that I bought, (could of went with a 18 inch) loosen the nut and the viseggrips get wedged in place from the pulley. Truck went down in Oct 15' and Im still doing the job! Im a truck driver, so Im not at the S10 everyday !! Also what you can do on that nut is take something long and put it under the lower right waterpump pulley nut and that will hold the pulley from turning...................................

[@grumpypoof9648]

Thanks man. I have a 96 S10 that Im pretty sure has a leaking water pump. I don't know jack about vehicle repair but thanks to your video I think I can do it myself and save alot of money. Good video!

[@iamjeffbaker]

Awesome! Thank you. I'm sure you can do it. Its not real hard. Just take your time and make sure you get all the old gaskets off.

[@benman1u]

A BIG THANK YOU! I You pointed me in the right direction!!! I had no idea where i had leak, but i had one, and it stranded my wife, but she was smart enough to reconize the 2002 xtreme was overheated,so she parked, called me, had it towed home, but still couldn't fiqure when the leak was, till I filled it completed back up ran it for awhile (10 minutes) no hoses were leaking, then i saw a drip from the bottom of the timing cover,1st thoght was a cracked block, jacked the car up and found it dripping a lot from the bottom of the watrer pump,(The Weep Hole) You saved a ton of time! this was a relatively an easy fix with your help!

[@ProBuffMaintenance]

+benjamin lopez best to use a radiator pressure tester - pump it up to 15lbs and you'll be sure to find your leak - it will be flowing out - I did this recently on two 4.3's - one was a leak at the intake manifold front of engine and the other that I'm doing now was the water pump. It's hard to tell sometimes with the engine running and the fan blowing and coolant dripping from god knows where when everything is wet. Make sure you top up the system first.

[@markhartman8972]

very help full video. followed from start to finish. good advice on thread sealer. worst part was the fan. as you said.

[@homebuiltshop]

+Mark Hartman glad you got it done.

[@rabdj]

Auto Zone has one, perfect for the job,and you can borrow it from them. Took me 5 seconds to get it loose. But thank for the video!!

[@jeffreynobles948]

Good video. Thanks for taking the time to video the procedure.

[@homebuiltshop]

You're welcome. I'm glad you liked it. Hopefully it was of help.

[@Killinem313]

More helpful than my Haynes manual for sure! Thank you!

[@homebuiltshop]

+will new Haynes are good but definitely nothing like actually doing it.

[@shadowstevenson701]

Awesome tutorial man, I have a 97 GMC Jimmy 4.3 V6 and this really helped me out! I was about to call a shop to have them fix it but this really helped me understand the process. Beautiful S10 by the way. Probably the cleanest engine I have seen in an older truck, definitely shows that you take care of her.

[@homebuiltshop]

+Shadow Stevenson thanks!

[@michaelkorrek7856]

​@@homebuiltshopfriend left fan and all on my water pump before abandoned..no i cant get it off..should i just put it back on to remove the fan etc..

[@leacasperson1923]

Excellent instructions on your video. Yes, the fan clutch removal is tricky, but your approach worked for me, as well. I understand you may be able to rent the removal tool at places like AutoZone. Upon opening the NAPA water pump box, the inside top box flap states that the number one reason for new water pumps to fail is failure to flush the cooling system BEFORE installing the new pump. That make sense to me, as well as perhaps, changing out any hoses that seem a little soft or "iffy". This video really helped me know what I was in store for. THANK YOU!

[@gibsonsk8sagain]

Thanks man! never changed the water pump on my `02 Blazer before,this helped immensely!

[@homebuiltshop]

+Brian Minor awesome! Glad to help. 👍

[@domcastro7915]

Im moving across the country and I'm stuck cuz my truck is over heating. I'm on the side of the road right now... Gonna let my truck cool down limp it to the auto parts store and replace this video was great thanks a ton

[@gpecaut1]

Check you fan clutch too, if you're over heating happens in stop and go/city traffic. It's also worth checking your thermostat and radiator cap too.

[@WTFisjuice1]

yea I just did one hell of a coolant flush on the blazer, because I ran dex a little low, and it reacted sludgy to the oxygen that entered the system, now I'm putting in the newer zerex g05 coolant it is highly favored by blazer and s10 owners for its lubrication properties on the water pump and seals!

[@boscoalbertbaracus1362]

Great video dude. I'll definitely be referencing this real soon, about to do power steering pump, radiator, water pump, and thermostat.

[@homebuiltshop]

Awesome. Good Luck, you can do it.

[@hischyoudontneedtoknow2896]

Thank you much for the video, watched 3 months ago, when the water pump went, have to do it again

[@hischyoudontneedtoknow2896]

Wasn't the water pump the second time, intake manifold gasket

[@ComicBookDad73]

Good job at covering all the bases! Informative and helpful thank you

[@homebuiltshop]

Glad it was helpful!

[@RetiredTony]

great video man thanks! doing my Sonoma tomorrow morning

[@homebuiltshop]

Right on. Good luck.

[@1995--]

Nice truck you've got there and very informative video! I have a 99 S10 with a 4cyl

[@homebuiltshop]

I really liked this truck. I don't have it anymore and miss it. It was a blast to drive. It was probably one of my favorite vehicles to date.

[@mr-b-manmrb1159]

diggin the vid, and the s-10...looks good!

[@sammydiesel3046]

Awesome video of the water pump from A-B 'brother...

[@homebuiltshop]

Thanks!

[@HiddenRamza]

great video bro, i'll be trying this in the morning and after watching this i know what i need and what i will be dealing with before hand. Thanks a lot.

[@hischyoudontneedtoknow2896]

Thank you much for the video. Looks like it'll help, think the water pump in my 97 is going. Probably didn't help that it sat a long time

[@robbeewisher8972]

Love the outtakes

[@nickp4084]

I nearly lost my mind trying to get the gaskets to stay in place while installing the pump. Ended up destroying them from falling off into oil and coolant, even with the bolts in the pump. I ended up buying a sheet of gasket material and making my own gaskets, so I could make the bolt holes just a hair smaller than the bolts, and they held in place perfectly. And now about a year later I have a massive coolant leak from what I'm assuming is the new pump, or possibly the gaskets, I'm having trouble pin pointing exactly where. So I get to do it all over again.

[@grumpy05pb]

Thanks is was very Helpful and made our changing of our waterpump much easier!

[@homebuiltshop]

+jackie b awesome. Glad I could help.

[@baldy194859]

i have a 4.3 in my 99 Blazer ! which way does the big nut turn to get the fan off ? thanks man !

[@LoneWolf-mh4ob]

Counter Clockwise

[@bjobrien7413]

This is a really good video, well explained with details. Thanks

[@goedertd]

Nice job on this! Made it very easy

[@homebuiltshop]

+goedertd thank you

[@likesitquite]

Thanks for the video's they've been a big help. Another easy way to get the fan off is to put a small chain behind one of the ac bolts and one of the four bolts on the water pump pulley that holds it nice and tight so you can loosen the fan

[@homebuiltshop]

Thats a good idea. I may have to try that.

[@chilenot5852]

Good job 👍 I like it, that's how I plan to do mine...

[@homebuiltshop]

You can do it!

[@JodBronson]

Good Video and Clear as well. You should have protected the Radiator Fins... Cut a Cardboard same size, Tape it on there. Then you can work without worries :D

[@gpecaut1]

Or just pull the radiator and clean and flush it while it's out.

[@JodBronson]

@@gpecaut1 - Yup, that would work too! :)

[@bobbymerritt7750]

Very helpful, thanks for making this video

[@davidrobertreyes7823]

thanks guy your video will be very helpful I'm fixing to do my S-10's water pump....

[@homebuiltshop]

+David Robert Reyes right on. It's not too bad.

[@huntermcbride6005]

Great video! Thanks for all the help.

[@zaynora]

Great video thanks a bunch, project for the weekend!!!

[@mike4164]

Great video, dude.

[@iHeartKawasaki]

Let me save EVERYONE the headache for these fan clutch bolts.. 1. Put your wrench (15 in adjustable is the easiest and cheapest to find) on the nut. 2.with the belt STILL ATTACHED have the wrench sitting vertical so that the back half is sticking up above the motor. 3.smack it with something (I used a jack handle like a baseball bat). Smack it hard. Imagine that the wrench just insulted your s10.

[@lorenwade7385]

J L I just used your advice, worked perfectly,

[@hischyoudontneedtoknow2896]

36 mm wrench is a great fit for the nut

[@dona9970]

Thanks Jeff! Really made it easy for me with your video!

[@72601Life]

Thank you for the insight. I do appreciate it.

[@krayzieworld]

@homebuiltshop did you put a six bolt gasket as well i saw 2 3 bolt gasket but not the 6???

[@hischyoudontneedtoknow2896]

Mine had no coolant come out taking off the fan. The lower hose clamp screws are in very bad angles.

[@rufhouse42]

Thank you, because of your informative video, I successfully completed my replacement today. Using the wrench, screwdriver and hammer to remove the fan was a HUGE addition. Appreciate your help!

[@homebuiltshop]

Awesome. Glad you got it done, and glad I could help.

[@DeeR1ck]

Thanks for the video !!! Your awesome 💪

[@homebuiltshop]

Thanks, I'm glad it helped you out!

[@timwalk3467]

Man,thanks ,great video, big help

[@HighlightDriver]

Great video! Very informative

[@homebuiltshop]

Glad it was helpful!

[@engineerdan3077]

Very good video! Thanks!

[@garyalice71]

Great video. Very thorough. Thanks.

[@markstafford4015]

So no torquing for water pump bolts ? Or just tight

[@erickvolquez9071]

Great video man, I’m currently rebuilding my brothers s10 that he left begging for us.. question, When re installing the fan clutch, do you just spin it on like you showed or did u cut out the part where u tighten down?

[@homebuiltshop]

I did use the wrench to tighten it down.

[@xSmashxKingx]

Thanks a lot, I have the same truck so it should be really easy! Really helpful.

[@baldy194859]

nice truck ! I have a 99 too but mine is a blazer !

[@eipi5173]

great his ! clear with no BS. thxs

[@qcbtbx]

Did you only put gasket sealant between the pump and the gaskets or the mating surfaces where the pump is installed and the gasket too?

[@homebuiltshop]

Both sides of the gasket.

[@xplorearizona154]

Great video. I gotta do this today.

[@beowulf4100]

How long did you wait for the permatex to seal

[@joejoebus8814]

I had to borrow a special tool just for braking those loose from Autobone to get mine off.

[@homebuiltshop]

Yes, the specialty tools like that make the job a little easier.

[@robmcmuffin8453]

awesome video sir! love the realism ! its not a hard job, but it isnt as easy as some of the other videos make it out to be, also including items needed like gasket sealent and high temp stuff was also helpful! keep up the awesome!

[@4chocobojosh]

Where did you wedge the screw driver when you were trying to break the nut lose?

[@homebuiltshop]

You have to wedge it between one of the bolts that hold the pulley on, and the fan shaft. There are 4 bolts on the pulley. You have to play with it a bit to get it in the right spot. Its kind of tricky to get that large fan nut loose. Mine was really tight. I think they make a tool that somehow holds the pulley while you loosen the fan but once you get the screwdriver in the right spot, it works OK. Hope that helps.

[@elduende367]

Caveat ... you Should replace the fan clutch too as a set with the water pump ... FYI!

[@Tobaldolang]

Good video! About change wp on a 03 sonoma. Thanks

[@datboydee8063]

How long does it take for the gasket to dry up

[@colerichardsmusic]

Very informative and professional video. I have a 2001 s10 v6, would this most likely be the same procedure and part?

[@homebuiltshop]

The procedure should be the same. I'm not sure if the pump is the same. Check the auto parts store.

[@seannolastfuqingname7308]

Pretty sure GM has been running the same 4.3 since the mid 90's with slight modifications until at least 2010; Workplace has two new-ish GMC that have the 4.3 Vortec, different configuration but same block.

[@geogeoo876]

Good video I will try to replace water pump on 2001 gmc Sonoma

[@homebuiltshop]

+geo geoo thanks, you can do it.

[@adolfomendez2440]

I got a chevy 2000 s10 6 cylinder can't find my water pump is it on back of fan attach to fan.

[@homebuiltshop]

Yes, the fan bolts to it.

[@BSGuardian452]

This was very helpful. Thank you for this video.

[@brandonduttenhoffer6968]

Is the fan reverse threads

[@donaldwilcox9006]

Did you have to replace the thermostat?

[@homebuiltshop]

You don't need to but its not a bad idea.

[@Leon1982db]

Anyone know what size wrench that would be for the fan ?

[@purpledoge4466]

What needle pliers you use to remove the hoses? The 90 degree or 45 degree?

[@brownmantsaz]

Hey what's the size, thread and length of the bolts that hold in the pulley you pulled off in this video?

[@zaj58]

What's size is the fan nut ...wrench size????

[@markstafford4015]

Great explanation

[@jacaughron55]

how long did this take actual time minus the trip to the store?

[@homebuiltshop]

+jacaughron55 maybe an hour and a half, or 2 hours. Its not bad.

[@ForrestMillerMusic]

Super helpful! 😊

[@RiderOutdoors55]

Great vid thanks man!

[@homebuiltshop]

Thank You! I hope it helped you out.

[@fernandogaxiola4405]

Great video, But what size is that fan clutch bolt.

[@homebuiltshop]

I'm not sure the exact size. The large adjustable wrench works well. I think I used a 12" wrench. The 10" one didn't go large enough.

[@GOGSANGEL]

awesome video, I'm about to do this on a 2001 blazer.

[@homebuiltshop]

Did you get your pump changed?

[@GOGSANGEL]

+Jeff Baker i did thank you, i also had to change the radiator. Seeing the issue you had removing the fan, i rented the tool to remove it. I still had to use my wrench and your favorite tool lol. I pretty much used every method you did, even for installing the gaskets in the water pump.

[@homebuiltshop]

Awesome. Did the fan tool make it any easier?

[@GOGSANGEL]

+Jeff Baker it has when I've used it doing it on a 350 vortec suburban. the tools on the kit were either to big or to small.

[@dillonkoch72]

I have wrenches 32mm,1inch and sockets that go up to 36mm do you think those are big enough for the fan clutch Nut ?. my water pump looks like it's covered in rust so I'd rather replace it then be sorry later

[@homebuiltshop]

+Dillon Koch a socket will not work. It needs to be a wrench. Grab some of yours and see if they fit.

[@alfonzo907]

Thanks man. Very helpful!!!!!!!!!!!

[@rockylosco5596]

ernest johnson yea thanks man my buddy is replacing my old water pump on my 99 gmc Sonoma so there's not much difference in yours and mine,I'm waiting on him to get back over here and finish putting the new water pump in so this video showed me what he still had left to do thanks again:-)

[@rockylosco5596]

hello

[@chevyracer666]

thank you for the video. you saved me

[@homebuiltshop]

+chevyracer666 👍awesome! Glad I could help you.

[@D0UGDlMMADOME]

When you removed the nut from the fan, instead of hitting it with a hammer why didnt you just use a breaker bar? A long metal pipe or similiar over the wrench and turn?

[@homebuiltshop]

That probably would have worked well. I just didn't think of it at the time.

[@breckenridgecaineiii9201]

+Tyler Bullard I had to use a piece of chain and a longer bolt on the sheave and bolted it off on a part of the car frame to keep it from rotating. AND a long piece of pipe on the end of the open end wrench. AND a sludge hammer. Not fun, a little Never Seize when reinstalled. I did that for a fan clutch the beginning of the summer, now I get to do it again for the water pump. Might as well pull the thermostat and give it a flush before I change the pump.

[@D0UGDlMMADOME]

Breckenridge Caine III Get an air chisel man. I tried everything but your way to break the clutch bolt lose and hold that sheave/housing. 4.3 s10? Didnt even have to hold the housing, buddy let me borrow an air chisel and i went at it for a bout 20 seconds and it broke right loose and spun off.

[@homebuiltshop]

I've heard of the air chesel attachment and I have an air chisel. I just don't have the attachment for the clutch.

[@breckenridgecaineiii9201]

+Breckenridge Caine III Got it off; ran the chain to the cross bar underneath and the clutch nut came off with a tug on the open end adjustable wrench. Everything is off, engine flushed, I'll put the new water pump on Monday.

[@tweed187187]

I cant find a video on this for a 1999 gmc jimmy 2 wheel dr to save my life. There's s10 and blazer videos so i went by the to do a thermostat which was suppose to be a 15 minute job but turned into a 2 hours job because i had to remove more stuff.

[@USMC-Sniper-0137]

Thank goodness I have no shrouds, to remove in my monster truck!! I have an electric fan too. And I remember saying that exact same thing to my very first girlfriend ...... LOL.... 1:52

[@manuelavina383]

thanks for your help man

[@homebuiltshop]

+manuel avina awesome! Glad I could help.

[@jeffpenner6868]

Thanks for the video man

[@ThatGUY-br4zs]

I have an 02 blazer 2dr, after months of sitting I started it after warm up steam city from under hood let it sit month or 3 longer and changed upper hose thinkn it was issue filled up radiator and started it and water was gushing out the bottom of engine thought it was the two lines that run by oil pan then saw it was gushing out the water pump seal not weep hole so my question is will replacing water pump likely to fix it or u think I will find another issue ? No water or anti freeze in oil n water pump is hella rusty . Next question is how hard to replace ac pump since I'd be in the area and are there other things that I shld check or replace while in the area of water pump

[@homebuiltshop]

If its gushing out the water pump, the pump has probably failed. Its hard to say without seeing it but I think that may be your problem. As far as the AC pump, it shouldnt be hard. You'll need to pull a vacuum on it to remove the refrigerant but the actual replacement of the pump shouldn't be hard.

[@ThatGUY-br4zs]

@@homebuiltshop ty bro I'm serious when I say that you going out your way to reply to a stranger promptly and with encouraging words is the sign of a good person whom I have much appreciation for. Ty again brother and I'm waiting on wtr pmp to arrive once I finish I'll lyk and it will be with your videos help. I also watched your video on rust removal and another way to get it off of things like hand tools is white vinegar add a cup of salt to every gallon vinegar let sit covered for 24 hrs (less time depending on how bad it's rusted) take out wire brush it rinse in water and baking soda to neutralize the acid from vinegar n salt and 3 n 1 oil it to prevent flash rust it's excellent way I use it for tool restorations on vintage tools I do as hobby and extra money.

[@gpecaut1]

Replacing the AC compressor isn't hard, BUT when you open the AC system you should also replace the dryer. The system should have the refrigerant pumped out, a very expensive tool, as today it must be recovered. If your car is old enough that it has R12, the whole system should be converted to the new EPA specs, as R12 will 1; be hard to find and 2; cost a fortune.

[@geogeoo876]

I replaced water pump today but when'd turn on the heater to ad the coolant I saw that started to liquid weather next to the freeon deposit do you know what wrong on it ?

[@homebuiltshop]

+geo geoo do you mean on the AC piping? Sounds like condensation. The pipes will do that when the compressor is on.

[@jasondriskell9318]

I am replacing a 2001 Blazer's water pump. You did say thread sealant on the bottom bolt?

[@homebuiltshop]

+Jason Driskell I don't remember which one goes through to the water jacket. I think I put the sealant on all the bolts.

[@jasondriskell9318]

Thanks Man. That's exactly what I did.

[@AllY0urB4se]

thanks man good video!

[@johndoe-rw6qt]

Yo this was very helpful.

[@piroosehajizadeh-amini6219]

when you remove the hoses does all of the anti freeze dump out?

[@homebuiltshop]

You will lose dome fluid when removing the hoses. Its best to drain the radiator first to try to minimize the mess. It can be messy.

[@vamr503]

Thanks for the tips man

[@grantbeeson9734]

what about the torque? does that matter? I've heard it does for water pumps

[@homebuiltshop]

I'm not saying it doesn't matter but I didn't torque mine to spec and never had an issue. 👍

[@grantbeeson9734]

Thanks! This vid saved my life btw! I did go out and buy a torque wrench tho just to be safe. =)