OK, I just got everything back together. I replaced the radiator, opti-spark, ignition wires, spark plugs, thermostat, water pump drive seals, opti-seals and general cleaning / replacing of vacuum lines.

I crossed my fingers and started it up. First start I heard a quick sound of grinding gears, I shut it down real quick. After looking for the obvious and finding nothing I started it again. It started right up and has a very smooth strong idle. I let it idle for about 5 minutes and sounds great. Once it starts to reach operating temperature the radiator starts spills some coolant and then it started to make an awful gear grinding sound. It sounds like it was coming from the water pump. I shut it down again and after a few minutes I restarted it no gear grinding sounds but it was getting dark so I didn't have to time to let it warm up again.

Could I have not lined up the water pump drive coupler correctly ??? It took a few turns to get it to line up and seat. I figured either it seats or it doesn't.

I'm really gonna hate taking things apart to get this right. Any ideas or advice ??? Does anybody have similar experiences ???

Thanks,

 

sorry didnt see your thread here, got by somehow.

how old is the water pump? sounds like the bearing may be going, could be something in the pump as well, missing any nuts or bolts,,, did you bleed the air out of the system? was the pump forced on using the bolts? are you sure its not coming from the opti? did you take the cap off and lock tight the screws that hold the rotor on?

 

I took the water pump off again and the splines were not damaged anywhere. The coupling also had no damage. I then reinstalled the water pump, put grease on the coupling, and made sure it lined up correctly. While I was reinstalling the fan assembly I spun each fan and the left side fan makes an ugly grinding sound. I wish I had done this in first place, LOL. I guess I should had examined the problem closer. The water pump is not an "on-demand" water pump it always spins not just it reaches operating temperature.

 

easy fix is good. well versed in the art of lt1 water pump removal. by the way it is a good idea to replace the water pump if installing a new opti, failiing pump will leak on the opti and most times ruin it. also seal up the wires or connections, i put some gasket maker on the o ring for the cap to give it some extra seal. if opti has a plug in i use electrical grease on it and the plug wires. in the case of the msd opti it has wires coming out that go up to the connection up on the intake. i seal them at the opti with gasket maker to give it some extra seal. anyways some info for next time