It's always a good idea to consult the owner's manual or workshop manual for your specific vehicle model and year to get accurate information about the amount of antifreeze required. Here are the general steps involved in replacing a water pump on a Chevy 4.3L engine and refilling the cooling system with antifreeze:
1. Drain the coolant:
- Locate the drain plug at the bottom of the radiator and place a drain pan underneath it.
- Open the drain plug and allow all of the coolant to drain out.
2. Remove the water pump:
- Disconnect the hoses and electrical connectors attached to the water pump.
- Remove the bolts holding the water pump in place and take out the old water pump.
3. Install the new water pump:
- Clean the mating surface of the engine block and the new water pump.
- Apply a thin layer of sealant to the gasket and position the new water pump in place.
- Secure the water pump with the bolts.
4. Reattach the hoses and connectors:
- Reconnect the hoses and electrical connectors that you removed earlier.
5. Fill the cooling system:
- Remove the radiator cap and start pouring the antifreeze into the radiator.
- Continue adding antifreeze until the radiator is full and the coolant level reaches the "Full" mark on the coolant reservoir.
6. Start the engine:
- Start the engine and let it run for a few minutes to circulate the coolant.
7. Check and adjust the coolant level:
- After the engine has cooled down, check the coolant level in the radiator and reservoir. Add more antifreeze if necessary to bring the level to the correct mark.
It's important to use the correct type of antifreeze specified by the vehicle manufacturer. Mixing different types of antifreeze can cause problems with the cooling system.
