Alright, new here and just need some info about the water pumps. Already read that it must be for an LT1 since the other ones aren't correct for it. The big thing about this is that the temp gauge doesn't go past the normal range (I know the normal, and have had it hooked up to the comp to be sure at school) so I'm wondering if a bad sensor would cause a low coolant light to come on. Thanks in advanced to anybody who can answer.

One: I know...should be going to the dealer...but truthfully I can't justify spending 30%-40% more for a water pump than I would aftermarket for a car that will be sitting in the side of my mom's yard while I'm in Japan for 3 years. So, is the Bosch at Pep Boys going to fit?

Two: The toad at Pep Boys says it's belt driven...the repair book and my bro say it's electrical...I'm inclined to think that the dolt at Pep Boys doesn't know what he's talking about, but I want to make sure that it's not belt driven...as if it is I'll be taking it to someone to get it fixed rather than climbing under there myself.

Three: What is the time I'm looking at spending to get this thing replaced myself? Estimates are fine.

Four: Just to be sure...top coolant hose isn't getting pressure and the thermostat has been tested. Would it be the water pump? I only ask because we're not hearing a whining noise or leaking coolant that we can see, so we don't want to go spending the money on the pump if that's not it.

 

To answer question four: The top hose may feel like it has no pressure because it is the suction to the pump. It's when that line has pressure that you have a problem. Try feeling the lower hose for pressure.

 

The water pump on the Lt1 is driven by a shaft coming through the front cover. There are no belts involved, and it is not electrical unless it was replaced wit an electrical pump.

Chec kthe water level by removing the raditor cap, it should be very near to the top. If the radiator is full and you have alow coolant indication, the coolant level sensor in the radiator is bad. You can try cleaning it & see if the lite goes off, you can replace it. or you can short the 2 wire s together and kill the lite.

If the coolant temp is good, and the radiator is full and stays full, dont't worry about it

 

Thanks for the advice guys. I had to go out and prove to my husband that it wouldn't overheat. Of course that took a while in cold weather waiting for the fans to kick in and show him the temp would drop back down even with the low coolant light on. Definately won't be replacing the water pump since we're supposed to be leaving in a few weeks anyway.

Thanks again

 

Just cause I'm curious z28pete, if it's not electrical and no belts drive it, how does this shaft turn the pump? Is it by the timing chain?

 

The low coolant level sensor is at the top left hand corner of the radiator. When I bought my 95 the light was on. I checked the coolant, it was fine, checked the temp, it stayed fine... Unplugged the sensor and the light went off. PROBLEM FIXED. From what I have read, this sensor goes bad fairly easily and if you stay on your mainatance... what do you really need it for?

 

Ok 02StangGT. This is the best I can explain it, but it should makes sense when you look at the engine.

All the magic takes place inside the front cover. The rear of the camshaft timing chain sprocket has a gear that meshes with the water pump drive gear. The water pump gear shaft extends through the front cover and drives a coupling connected to the shaft at the rear of the pump.

Pete