yep water pump is on that side and it does require a special tool to remove it. you should be able to get a loaner tool at an autozone or simalar shop. I would check around the water pump with an inspection mirror just to make sure before you decide to change it out.

 

There are several places on the driver's end of the engine which can develop a coolant leak. Including w/p seals. Yes, it takes a special keyed socket to remove the pump, turning CLOCKWISE, with a decent sized (long) socket handle. The pump body locks into a keyed recess with pretty good force. The socket costs around $25 at parts stores, although some will rent one for a day or so. Be sure you have the seals on hand, and make sure the belt tensioner pulley is smooth, quiet, and straight (true).

You might as well do a complete DEXCOOL coolant change if you pull the pump. Follow the GM recommendations for your year and engine.

Do a search for water pump replacement. Thousands of words, pictures, tips in here and N* threads.

Dump the Haynes manual and spend the $135 for a real, 2 volume, Helm Manual from GM. Address in your owner's manual.

 

Check the water pump cover for a leak. I think some 2000+ years have had a problem with the crossover gasket (big job). Had mine replaced under warranty.

Here is a pic of a water pump socket I made so you know what it looks like. Cheap stamped steel ones run about $20. A good machined one will run $85 or so. And YES, it is necessary.
http://www.geocities.com/grandolfo/

 

I just had my newly aquired 2002 deville at a dealer having the transmission fluid changed.
The tech pointed out a possible crossover gasket leak while it was up on the lift. The evidence of the leak was pink colored deposite on the heads of bolts on the left side. He differentiated this leak from a water pump in that a water pump leak is much futher forward.
I changed the coolant two weeks before and added the pills. I will be keeping an eye on things to see if the pills will seal this leak up! I hope this leak does not bite me! I never heard of a crossover leak until this.

Blue_Eldo
72 Eldo Conv, 90.5 Allante, 96 deville, 2002 deville

 

Thanks for all the help guys . Nice job on that waterpump tool Ranger.
I think I will wait for spring to further investigate

 

Nice job on that water pump tool Ranger.

I have yet to "test drive" it. Making it was good insurance I guess.

 

Incidentally that's the rear of the engine not the front.

 

I keep getting mixed up with these transversed mounted engines. I do much rather prefer the engine to sit with the front to the front and the rear to the rear .

 

The way God intended. :thumbsup:

 

LOL I agree. The N* is especially confusing because there are belt driven accessories on both side.

 

Gee, I hope for his sake its not the crossover, I just posted about having to do mine today, what a nightmare!!! (and this is coming from a guy who has done EPC and TCC solenoids with the tranny still in the car)-----Jack