Genuine Pontiac Firebird Water Pump

Pontiac Firebird Water Pump Parts Questions & Answers

• Engine Coolant Pump Kit
  88894247
  Q: What are the ways to check the operation of the water pump while it is still installed on the engine for Pontiac Firebird?

  A: A faulty water pump can cause engine overheating and damage due to lack of coolant circulation. Three checks can be performed on the pump. First, squeeze the upper radiator hose when the engine is warm; a working pump will cause a pressure surge. Second, inspect the pump's "weep" holes for coolant leakage, indicating a seal failure. This may require a flashlight from underneath the vehicle. Lastly, a squealing sound or movement in the water pump pulley may indicate shaft bearing failure. Don't confuse this with drive belt slippage, which also causes squealing. Replace a defective pump immediately.
• Water Pump Kit
  19417097
  Q: How to remove and install a water pump on Pontiac Firebird?

  A: Disconnect the cable from the negative battery terminal. Drain the cooling system. On models with multiple V-belts, mark the accessory drive belts with white paint to simplify installation. On models with an engine-driven fan, remove the upper fan shroud. On models with multiple V-belts, remove the accessory drive belts by loosening the pivot and adjusting bolts and pushing the accessory toward the engine. On models with a single serpentine belt, rotate the belt tensioner pulley away from the belt to release the tension on the belt, remove the belt, and release the tensioner. On some engines, it may be necessary to remove one or more accessories to gain access to the water pump. Remove the bolts retaining the fan to the fan pulley hub, then separate the fan and pulley hub from the water pump. Disconnect the heater and lower radiator hoses from the water pump. Remove the water pump mounting bolts and separate the water pump from the engine. Prior to installing the water pump, remove all old gasket material and sealant from the gasket sealing surfaces. Clean the threaded holes in the block as well. Installation is the reverse of the removal procedure. If a new water pump is being installed, transfer the heater hose fitting from the old pump to the new one. On L4 engines, use a new gasket or RTV type sealant when installing the pump. On V6 and VB engines, use a new gasket when installing the pump. Tighten the bolts to the specified torque after coating the threads with RTV sealant to prevent leaks. Adjust all drive belts. Connect the negative battery cable and fill the radiator with a mixture of antifreeze and water. Start the engine and allow it to idle until the upper radiator hose gets hot. Check for leaks. With the engine hot, fill the radiator with more coolant mixture until the level is at the bottom of the filler neck. Install the radiator cap and check the coolant level periodically during the first few miles of driving.