Ecotech 2.4 water pump replacement, near disaster averted & surprise superheated exhaust issue !!

A disaster avoided. A tool I'm not crazy about. And I find a potential Catalytic Converter melting problem
#keepwrenching #wesselmotorworks #wrenchingwithkenny @wrenchingwithkenny

[@geneauberry7115]

Thanks for your honesty and humility, and for being such a relatable mechanic. Thumbs up!

[@glennfields8121]

Hey Kenny, back in the late 60's when I worked in a garage, my boss told me that whenever a job came in that he preferred to Not do he would give the customer an outrageous price to do the job. Either they took it elsewhere or the garage I was with mad an enormous profit. His explanation was what if it comes back as well. At least you are honest!

[@davidsirvio7716]

How much for the exhaust manifold?

[@craigjorgensen4637]

Today’s labor rates are now touching or even exceeding 200.00 /hr or more. Add a tough water pump that takes four hours. By the time it’s done it, with a cracked manifold to replace along with the fluids etc this could be a 1500.00 job. On a high mileage car what probably has other needs I foresee a lt of cars that the owners would simply junk as the repairs exceed the cars value.

[@randymetts6607]

All I can say is "WOW!" Great job on the repair -- your determination and thoroughness are an inspiration! Have a good weekend!

[@Rickwenx]

The never ending job...been there. Good job ...appreciate your videos. Water pumps should not be internal.... darn those engineers

[@spelunkerd]

This was a fun video to watch, I wrongly thought I already knew all there was to know about water pumps. What I liked most about this video is the way you emphasized your dropped bolt. Wisdom is born of misadventure, and the learning curve will always be faster if you get to learn from others' mistakes.

[@gabrielsierra6890]

My son has a 2016 Malibu and it has a lot of complicated stuff, like the brake vacuum pump, which we replaced the other day. We replaced the radiator and boy, you have to take the whole front off!

[@dougturngren5027]

I feel your pain, it's happened to all of us that have been wrenching for a lot of years.

[@DJR5280]

Great job. I had mine done by a shop and the car whined afterwards. Common problem. You have to pull the cover and reset the balance shaft chain tensioner since the pump rides on the balance shift chain. Mechanic lost it and refunded my money and told me to never come back after years and thousands of dollars spent with him. Sad part is I told him if he didn't want to reset the tensioner I'll do it. No biggie. Anyway, came home, pulled the cover and reset the tensioner and whine gone.

[@pinzguy4937]

I got the whine after replacing the pump. My lesson learned is to hire this done in the future, the job is just too difficult to do twice.

[@DJR5280]

@pinzguy4937 Just make sure if your car whines after the water pump replacement, the mechanic will reset the balance shaft tensioner

[@bmfilmnut]

Thanks for posting these videos. I'm not a professional mechanic but I've done all my own work since the late 60s. I could feel your frustration when the bolt fell because that sort of thing happens to anyone who works on cars, trucks or motorcycles, eve pros. I'm impressed with your skill and knowledge but also your honesty for showing the problem you experienced.

[@WrenchingWithKenny]

Thanks! I really needed to hear that today.

[@joepokrzywa1416]

Hint take a thin piece of magnet... glue/epoxy the magnet to the bottom inside of the socket it will reduce the chance of losing it in the engine... 👍 E

[@joepokrzywa1416]

Boom. MAGNETIC SOCKET

[@dans_Learning_Curve]

​@@WrenchingWithKenny You are a great person! Keep wrenching! Thank you for your videos! I'll be careful when I change the pump on my '13 Equinox 2.4L 170.000+ miles. Doing great on oil consumption. Slight leak by the water pump.

[@markcondrey2297]

Wow Kenny sorry for the bad luck! It impressed me that you are honest enough to show us the good and the bad. I do my own work, but I wouldn’t hesitate to visit your shop. Please keep your videos coming. You have a fan. Mark C.

[@kennethperry6753]

That has happened to me before on the same vehicle, I bought an aluminum flexible magnet and fished around wildly while hoping and praying and I found it. Best 30$ magnet I've ever bought. Good video!

[@timradde4328]

That was going to be my question to if this would have been possible. Those things are great at grabbing dropped bolts and other stuff into areas of the engine where fingers can't go. We've all had it happen if you work on cars long enough.

[@fixxerautomotive4917]

I agree with you on the tool- it makes it too likely to drop a bolt in there. Also, there is a gasket available for the water outlet. The one they have looks circular, but you just push it into the groove and it makes the rectangle you need- its the Felpro 36122

[@MrRightNow]

No man, that's a thermostat gasket. The water outlet gasket is different

[@swan9680]

You so much have the right State of Mind to be a Great Mechanic. I know a few like You and it amazes me a lot !!!

[@dave1135]

I usually pull that one bolt before I install the tool, so I don't have to worry about trying to get the bolt out thru the hole. The 2 remaining bolts are more than enough to hold the gear on and are much easier to access with the tool bolted in place.

[@Ghostacc956]

Those 3 bolts on the timing sprocket HAVE to come off? I thought all I had to do was get the sprocket holding tool on and then just unbolt the water pump

[@scottwest6703]

Water pump seal kit is available at every parts store I've checked with ,, thank you for the mistakes you've made , I ordered the solid tool and got it overnight threw amazon, the job was very simple considering what I expected ,, thanks again.

[@fchck040]

Great job Kenny! I really appreciate the fact that you take the time to do the job right. 😊

[@letzrockitrite8469]

Yep, I learned alot... 1. buy the factory tool 2. those parts came apart way better than I thought they could (exhaust) 3. Your tenacity is infectious 4. you're fun to watch !

[@WrenchingWithKenny]

Thank you soo much for the compliments !! I really appreciate it !! Hope you have a great day my friend !!

[@adamsbackcountryliving]

5 dont buy ecotech

[@robertqman5751]

Wowser! ... Patience takes up the most space in toolboxes nowadays .. lol. Nice job ..

[@03mm24]

Just finished this job and just wanted to add my .02 cents, the parts store tool worked pretty good for me I didn't need to find the GM recommended tool that covers the entire water pump sprocket. Also I found it much easier to unbolt the pass side engine mount and lift the engine slightly so you can see the 3 sprocket to water pump bolts much easier. And last but not least PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE I would strongly advise on getting magnetic sockets for those 3 bolts. They are 10mm but my magnetic 7/16 worked just as good. And I also did not need to remove the cat or exhaust manifold but rather only the heat shield for a little more visibility. My exhaust manifold also had a crack in it in the exact same spot as the one in the video and I also had no codes or driveability problems concerning that....Happy wrenching and also this was an awesome video!!!

[@CROFTY71]

I love Kenny spin about the manifold. That looks like it's gotten almost up to cherry red I reckon 600 degrees Celsius

[@jeffryblackmon4846]

Who among us have never erred? It's universal! It was very good that you took the time to fish out the missing bolt. It was a lesson is manufacturers over compacting their products.

[@r.clydelockley5839]

Great hard job! Much more than you expected. The big thing is not to get frustrated! Good video!

[@iampennochio]

This is why i like inline 6 cylinders engines the most, usually plenty of room to work around them. East/west 4 cylinders are pita.

[@jamesvuxta8723]

Thanks for not mentioning names when you’re frustrated with another shop that is very respectful of you I admire that

[@kicknsystm]

This was an awesome video! I'm a very visual person, so often if things are just verbally described & I had no previous "at least foundation" of knowledge on it & combine that with many people don't communicate clearly then I'm just lost. You went over every question I might have had & I wouldn't have made sense of the relationship the special tool had without seeing the gear exposed from the back view. Very educational, thank you!

[@george10R11]

I replaced my ECT water pump(three weeks ago) on my HHR first I used a half moon tool for the sprocket, dropped a bolt inside. Got a three port full circle sprocket timing tool($35.00 on ebay) , secured the timing gear. remove the cross over water pipe by losing the bolts on the thermostat housing, removed the water pump and fished out the bolt with a magnet from the backside(where the water pump) goes. This was not an easy operation . the most difficult of this procedure was taking out the the bolts on the sprocket and and securing the tool and replacing the original bolts back. childen said 4.5 hours by the time I figured which tools to use and how it was a loooong time. The new pump works great no leaks. I did not have to remove the exhaust manifold. Used a M6 2" bolt to align the pump(with the head removed)

[@WrenchingWithKenny]

Great Job !! Glad you were able to snag the bolt out !! Thanks for sharing your story with me !!

[@dougwebber784]

I’m just fascinated by some of these videos. I would never have the tenacity to attempt something like this. In my younger days I wasn’t intimidated by anything but I get anxiety watching something like this. Things are so complicated these days I’ll gladly pay someone hopefully like Kenny to do it. Great work.

[@jacobuszwanenburg1629]

Sick man ! I’m a cat mechanic and after 40 years that’s way different too these days It was in the works years ago when we heard “Warning warning will smith “ Lol now it’s here

[@djhaze103]

Just did this repair…this absolutely sucks…and like you I dropped a bolt too…what made it worse was it was at the end of the job….literally the last bolt to put back on…dropped in engine 🤦🏾‍♂️….getting that bolt out damn near took a day by itself….great video very informative…idk who at GM thought this design was a good idea

[@russellberreth6513]

All the wrench pulling respect to you my friend, you bring a great atmosphere to a shop👍

[@jamesdonley3226]

Unexpected complications! We have all been there! Keep up the great work!

[@scottyparker2534]

You are a damn good mechanic and I thought a 91 Grand Am water pump was bad LOL

[@2nickles647]

Morning Kenny. So after the original quote. Now additional labor and parts. This is why it's a QUOTE only. I had a customer ask me the same question about the job. I told him. Shops and many mechanics use a time and labor guide as a means. Parts are going to change. I like your decision to go with the best part and not taking chances on a reman part. Many people choose to buy the Cheapest part and end up paying for the part twice and labor again. I understand your rant to Kenny. I'm a dyi mechanic for years. I do use the time and labor guide. I've heard of the exhaust manifold cracking. But you showed us the actual part. Thanks again for your video.

[@dans_Learning_Curve]

Just picked up a rust free '13 Equinox. 170,000+ on it. Was concerned about oil consumption while driving it to MN from Vagas. Oil did fantastic! Didn't have to add any the whole trip. Did smell antifreeze. Checked the coolant cap and found the O-rings were hard and flat. Replaced the cap. Still smelled antifreeze. Looks like the water pump is leaking. Don't know if it's the mounting gasket or the seal it's self. Will check into it further.

[@edwardmmanns7454]

You are a better man than I, Gunga Din!

[@WrenchingWithKenny]

😂

[@Sam-hj8hy]

I was a tech with Saturn for about 10 years. I had a long bolt with the same size as those pump gear bolts that I would use as an alignment tool for the pump bolt holes. I cut the head off and would screw it into one of the bolt holes on the new pump. Since the head of the bold was cut off, you could feed the shank through the gear that was fixed to the holding tool. You could then finger start the two other bolts and then remove the the "alignment tool."

[@tobysirus4996]

Very good video ! Thanks for the heads up on the tool. I am currently in the process of changing a rattling old 2.4 LAF for a much better LEA engine in a 2011 buick regal. Servicing it before install. These videos really help. Thanks !

[@michaeljohnson1006]

I like the idea of using tape inside the socket to hold the bolts

[@efrenmora5975]

Great video doin right now my water pump on my equinox ecotec thanks

[@WrenchingWithKenny]

I hope the video helped. You've got this. Keep wrenching 🔧

[@robertbell525]

We did the timing chains on the 2L turbo version. Removing the timing cover is very easy I'd recommend that over the access hole any day. Replaced the pump while in there. One, you have easy access to the pump. Two, you better replace the guide for the chain that runs the pump. Ours has broken which is why we were in there in the first place. Dealing with that pipe off the pump was the hard part. You also have to remove the cat but that's not too bad. All in all not a horrific job but ridiculous that it has to be done.

[@chuck1739]

I felt your Exact pain 2 weeks ago with that same scenario luckily i was already doing belt,chains,gears and head.

[@MrStreet69]

Amazing work Thankyou

[@rickwidlund3512]

Great video, all of the process,from start to finish. What to pay attention to through assembly.

[@AccountabilityMatters2023]

i bought a 10m deep magnetic socket specifically for this job lol makes things so much easier and less stressful knowing there is a magnet on it the whole time to avoid this worth the investment.

[@martinwedgeyt]

VERY interesting. Thanks for showing ALL the problems that you had. M

[@jeremypike9153]

The guy I work with bought the same tool setup and figured out the same exact problem.

[@garymcmullin2292]

it is gratifying that you have your eyes open to finding other problems, it is actually a benefit to customers. There was a time that shops would make up stuff and it made people wary of believing the advisory of failing components. But what you found here is a critical issue. I get the impression that in most shops, especially dealerships, they take no time to make such observations and if they do notice something they just focus only on what the present job calls for, the old time is money and a full list of jobs ahead for the day, no time to perform unscheduled work. Sadly needful work goes unattended, in fact not even known, much of the time.

[@steveedington5231]

good video great work you kept your cool during the whole process thank you

[@gabrielmejia-pedroza7221]

Just finished one on a 2015 Equinox. Not too bad of job.. definitely labor intense. Tho Suggestion tip : use a magnetic 10 mm 1/4 in socket. When unbolting and bolting water pump sprocket bolts .. youll avoid the possibility of dropping it in the cover.. Felpro makes the waterpump seal kit.. Comes with all the seals

[@davidyendoll5903]

What a nightmare of a job ! My friend was a designer at BAE . He had been fully apprenticed as an engineer and had worked on the factory floor on many different jobs for fifteen odd years before being offered a job in the design side of things . What a wise management decision !

[@dougturngren5027]

Glad you were able to get it without pulling the timing cover

[@garya9875]

Thanks for a great video and your total honesty Kenny that’s why I always enjoy them.

[@WrenchingWithKenny]

Thank you for watching and sharing your thoughts !! Much appreciated !!

[@Visitour72]

Nice video, very informative. Get rid of those sniffles with a good decongestant .

[@MrDixon1969]

Hey Kenny just watched this video and it was very informative as I have this same car and motor with 114000 miles on it. I'm probably gonna be doing this sometime soon. This will help. Thanks

[@garyisaac5634]

Sell it now.

[@gerrylizarraga]

I replaced this pump this weekend and it’s no joke trying to get those bolts off the timing chain, I ended up dropping 2 bolts into the timing cover, had to borrow a inspection camera and bought a flexible reach magnet, I finally got lucky and pulled both out, job complete, and hope I never have to do one again.

[@HUBBABUBBADOOPYDOOP]

Thanks, Kenny!

[@gabrielsierra6890]

Excellent video! I soon need to endeavor to change the timing chain kit on my 1995 Pontiac Sunfire. Surprisingly, the local GM dealers refused to do the job because "The car is to old"! In fact, (I called all GM dealerships here on the island), they all said they will not service any car older than 10 years...WOW! The local mechanics love to modify things from factory specs so I don't trust them. I've been reading and watching videos and learning from good people like you, so I feel pretty confident on pulling off that job, thanks!

[@MarzNet256]

Get a set of Koken Nut Grip sockets, they hold nuts and bolt heads extremely well. Also, get their 3/8 drive long spinner handle w/ wobble for easy nut and bolt installs.

[@rjm7168]

That Lisle tool works if you move it twice. You could screw it in, remove a bolt, then remove the tool, rotate it, remove the 2nd bolt, then take it off and rotate it a second time. At this time, you're gonna leave the tool in pkace and take out the 3rd bolt that way every time you take out a bolt, it's fully enclosed by the tool. This is a PITA but you can make it work so that it keeps you from dropping a bolt into the timing cover.

[@WrenchingWithKenny]

Yea, that'll work. Didn't even think of that !!

[@jeffryblackmon4846]

Very good plan!

[@jedi03master]

I did this same job an when researching it several technicians stated GM most be proud of that pump as it seems the car is built around it lol.

[@chicanobluesaz4191]

That's why the actual GM factory tool is a FULL circle and not a half moon shape.

[@Chevytech1977]

Chevy technician here. Drop that front engine mount and give yourself some room to work! Lol Love doing these. So simple once you do a couple.

[@jensenwilliam5434]

Thank you for your videos. I totally enjoy them!!!

[@shemp308]

Interesting video!

[@valvaguy695]

Great video. Very thorough and complete.

[@tywebb355]

Great job !! This would be a nightmare for me to do. You have to take half the car apart just to change a water pump. I'm glad your customer didn't cheap out and let you change the manifold.

[@OldManTinkers]

Thanks for the video and your honest opinion. Great video

[@robertmedina6875]

Kenny you can also use an old red shop rag near bottom.Great video!!

[@1126beta]

Kenny, that engine was designed by GM's Opel division in Germany. I visited their engine plant and saw it around 1999.

[@saltydog7006]

There are two different timing chains in there. One goes to the balance shafts and water pump and the other to the cams and crankshaft. Yes it is fun because the cams are spring loaded

[@allanparks4942]

Getting that great GM feeling.

[@user-dq8pm9by2w]

Good job 💯

[@duanearechigo1829]

Love your videos I. Been working on car all my life and I'm still learning as I go

[@alaricrivas3819]

Great Content.. looking forward to more.. going to check out some of you past stuff..

[@WrenchingWithKenny]

Thank you !! I do appreciate it !!

[@gregorytrenhed8318]

I work where they make bumpers and it’s all about assembly speed Clips and push pins are way faster then the screws Everything is tapped or crunched into place

[@WrenchingWithKenny]

Good to know. Thanks for sharing that info. Keep wrenching 🔧

[@donreinholz8121]

That job is a lot of labor and harder than it looked originally. Good catch on the exhaust manifold and 02 sensor. 3 different bolts too. Too bad the port gasket isn't included with the water pump.

[@bobv8219]

Could’ve stuffed a rag in the open space? Good video amazing technical skills. 👍👍👍

[@martinjay5906]

Thanks for sharing ur experiences with us.

[@rolomaticz5009]

You also need that tool to hold the chain when you pull the DOHC head off to replace the head gasket. If you don't use the tool and lock the crank with a wedge, the parts will move and the chain will skip teeth on the crank.

[@Anonymous-it5jw]

While you’re in there check the chain tensioner for the cam chain. GM did a water pump warranty repair Program a few years ago, which caused the cam chain to have to be removed to get to the water pump chain, etc? But no time or money was put in the budget to ensure everything relating to the valve timing went back ❤in place. The dealership mechanics figured out a shortcut? Which caused a total loss of oil pressure on the cam chains in A few thousand miles. Only way to be sure is to remove the cam tightener and take it apart. It’s so tight and rusty back there, it is obvious when the correct 32 mm bolt has never removed to do the job correctly. When your 2.4 EcoTec jumps time, that’s where you look first.😊

[@johnthompson1453]

You can retrieve a steel bolt from an aluminium casing by sliding it out with a strong magnet on the outside if you are lucky.

[@garyisaac5634]

One of the best tips I ever read! TY

[@vinnystack5596]

The spring head magnet that you're looking for 10 mm wrench and socket I borrow them I forgot to return them to you LOL LOL keep doing an awesome job

[@jamesgreen3080]

Thank you so much for making this Video! You're a godsend! 👏 I'm using your video to help fix my girlfriend's car!

[@WrenchingWithKenny]

Awesome! Thanks for watching. Keep wrenching 🔧

[@deniro2695]

Nice job Kenny 👍👍👍👏👏👏👏

[@andrewkarppinen4348]

David at Omega Auto "Car wizard" on youtube said you need that tool and now I see why he hates that engine. Great job though and very in depth look at it. Thanks for posting this. I have not done one of these but I sure learned alot if I ever have to.

[@darronborntreger3981]

You should have out the holder on the bottom after removing the bottom bolt. Therefore no risk of losing that bottom bolt. Just did a water pump on the 2.4 in a solstice with no view of the bolt holes at all and didn't have any trouble

[@toenails.]

Those are extremely strong durable engines. Love the 2.4.

[@WrenchingWithKenny]

It is an extremely good motor for the most part

[@jonsvideos321]

Good job!! May help on the next one I made a guide bolt screwed it into the new water pump to line up the water pump gear holes . Once thru remove guide bolt. Also fel pro makes a water pump repair kit with all seals for water pump replacement .

[@stevemarquez9628]

I paid $600 to a shop to do this on a Buick Regal, basically the same car. After watching this video I feel like I really got a deal.

[@RealLife73]

The other shop gave that price because they really didn’t want the headache. 😂

[@kyzercube]

Kenny I've done these water pumps before when I worked for a GMC dealership and GM has an OE tool for this that works perfectly. And yes, doing it from down under is much much easier. Also those exhaust manifolds cracking on the Chevy Cruze, Malibu etc. are super common. One thing you never do with those is buy aftermarket though. I can't tell you how many times AM manifold casts don't line up the bolt/studs.

[@billmonroe8826]

What you have done here is make sure I won't ever own one of those Pontiacs. Engineers still could care less how hard they are to work on!

[@WrenchingWithKenny]

These are actually extremely good engines . Very rare to have any issues . I've seen many with over 350K on the clock .. This just happens to be its Achilles Heal so to speak . Really stupid design ..

[@justintime5375]

There is a saying that goes , an engineer will step over a pile of the hottest women ever to screw one technician. I did edit it for pc reasons

[@frnkjones40]

I think they COULDN'T possibly care less

[@alanlashley943]

Good job, positive attitude during the whole process. It is what it is with the new stuff. As far as the sniffles go, I have the same issue with sinus, I had knee replacement a year ago and part of the pre admission I had a COVID test and mine started soon afterward. Never had any issues with sinus before.

[@cowshottv5867]

The sad thing is, you're gonna have a hard time finding anything that's any better

[@robhunter2435]

Grey Pneumatics has magnetic sockets, short and deep ones. They have come in handy for me working on my vehicles

[@samkam6282]

Sorry I didn't review all the posts so this may be redundant...it appears the tool is to remove one bolt, remove and rotate the tool to remove each bolt separately...that should work...nice video though, super informative and detailed, nice work!

[@beefeekeefee]

The engineering of the splash shields was just the tip of the iceberg.

[@johnkozero6842]

You do great work Sr. every engineer should have to work on there design before it is released to production have a great day

[@mogart01]

Always mount the holding fixture at the bottom of the hole. The original one was a full circle, not a half-circle tool. When they originally came out with the half circle tool, there were additional instructions about making sure to mount the tool in such a way to prevent bolt drops into the motor.

[@kenhilson786]

I'm thinking maybe put a tube over the timing pulley bolt that projects just beyond the cover opening. Use socket into tube to loosen bolt . Then short rod magnet to pull bolt out of the tube.

[@clearsailing7993]

Could you have spotted the location of the dropped bolt with a bore scope. The scope like what plumbers use to look inside pipes? The broken manifold should be changed because of leaking carbon monoxide getting in the passenger compartment. I am impressed how you can figure out the issues on these cars.

[@michaeldorosz6446]

Thank you for posting this!! Typical engine designed by a non- automotive engineer!!

[@victorvillasana3409]

Could you stuff a rag behind the lisle tool, just to prevent a falling bolt from dropping into the timing cover. Anyway, I’m on a Kenny video binge. Keep them coming sir! I enjoy the way you show your face on camera briefly ….then proceed tell us about an issue. Maybe you can edit a funny noise when this happens,lol.