Before You Begin:
* Safety First: Disconnect the negative battery terminal to prevent electrical shorts.
* Gather Tools: You'll need various wrenches (metric), sockets, a ratchet, possibly a breaker bar, pliers, screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead), a drain pan, coolant, new gasket(s), and potentially a new thermostat and housing.
* Coolant Drain: Allow the engine to cool completely. Drain the coolant into a suitable container. Locate the drain plug on the radiator and the engine block (if applicable).
* Repair Manual: Having a shop manual specific to your year and engine is absolutely crucial. It will provide precise torque specifications and diagrams.
General Steps (this will vary based on engine):
1. Access the Water Pump: This usually involves removing some components to gain access. This might include:
* Serpentine Belt: Remove the serpentine belt. Refer to your repair manual for proper routing.
* Fan and Fan Shroud (if applicable): Remove the fan and fan shroud. This may involve removing the fan clutch.
* Pulley(s): Depending on your engine, you might need to remove the water pump pulley.
* Other Components: There might be other components blocking access (e.g., hoses, brackets). Remove them carefully, noting their positions for reassembly.
2. Remove the Water Pump:
* Disconnect Hoses: Carefully disconnect the hoses from the water pump inlet and outlet. Have a container ready to catch any remaining coolant.
* Remove Bolts: The water pump is secured by bolts. Remove these bolts carefully, noting their location and orientation.
* Remove the Pump: Once the bolts are removed, the water pump should come off relatively easily. However, it may be stubborn due to corrosion. Gently pry it loose if necessary, being careful not to damage the engine block.
3. Clean the Mounting Surface: Clean the mounting surface of the engine block thoroughly to ensure a good seal for the new water pump.
4. Install the New Water Pump:
* Install Gasket: Install a new gasket on the engine block according to the repair manual's instructions.
* Install the Water Pump: Carefully align the new water pump and install it onto the engine block.
* Tighten Bolts: Tighten the bolts in the sequence specified in your repair manual to the proper torque specifications. Over-tightening can damage the pump or engine block.
5. Reassemble: Reinstall all removed components (pulleys, fan, shroud, hoses, serpentine belt) in the reverse order of removal, ensuring everything is properly seated and connected. Double-check your work.
6. Refill Coolant: Refill the cooling system with the correct type and amount of coolant. Refer to your owner's manual for the correct coolant type. Bleed the air from the system to prevent overheating. Run the engine for a while, checking for leaks.
Important Considerations:
* Torque Specifications: Using the wrong torque can easily damage components. Always consult your repair manual.
* Gaskets: Use new gaskets. Reusing old gaskets will likely lead to leaks.
* Coolant Type: Use the correct type of coolant as specified in your owner's manual. Mixing different coolants can be detrimental.
* Professional Help: If you're not comfortable with this level of car repair, it's best to take your Nova to a qualified mechanic. A poorly installed water pump can lead to engine damage.
This is a general overview. The specific steps and tools will vary depending on the engine in your '87 Chevy Nova. Refer to a repair manual specific to your vehicle's engine for detailed instructions and torque specifications. Failure to do so can result in damage to your engine.
