That said, here's a general outline of the process. This is NOT a substitute for a repair manual:
Tools and Supplies You'll Need:
* Repair Manual (Haynes or Chilton for your specific year/model): Absolutely essential.
* Jack and jack stands: Safety first!
* Wheel chocks: For extra safety.
* Socket set (metric): Various sizes, including deep sockets.
* Wrench set (metric): Various sizes.
* Ratchet and extensions: To reach those hard-to-reach bolts.
* Torque wrench: Crucial for tightening bolts to the correct specification.
* New water pump: Get a quality replacement part.
* New thermostat (recommended): While you're in there, it's a good idea to replace the thermostat.
* New coolant: Use the correct type and amount specified in your repair manual.
* Drain pan: To catch the coolant.
* Gloves: Protect your hands.
* Safety glasses: Protect your eyes.
* Pliers: Possibly needed for various hoses and clamps.
* Screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead): Might be needed depending on your specific vehicle.
General Steps (Consult your repair manual for precise details and torque specs):
1. Safety First: Disconnect the negative battery cable. Raise the front of the car securely using a jack and jack stands. Use wheel chocks for added safety.
2. Drain the Coolant: Locate the coolant drain plug (usually on the radiator or engine block) and carefully drain the coolant into a drain pan.
3. Remove Related Components: This will vary depending on your engine, but you'll likely need to remove:
* Serpentine Belt: This often requires loosening or removing the tensioner pulley.
* Fan and Fan Shroud: May need to be removed or moved out of the way.
* Possibly the Pulley: Depending on design, this might need to come off to access the water pump bolts.
* Hoses: Disconnect the hoses connected to the water pump. Be prepared for coolant spillage.
4. Remove the Water Pump: This usually involves removing several bolts holding the pump to the engine block. Take pictures or make notes as you go to remember how everything goes back together.
5. Install the New Water Pump: Install the new water pump, ensuring the gasket is properly seated. Tighten the bolts to the specifications in your repair manual using a torque wrench.
6. Reinstall Components: Reinstall all the components you removed earlier in reverse order. Make sure to reconnect all hoses and the serpentine belt correctly.
7. Refill Coolant: Carefully refill the cooling system with the correct type and amount of coolant. Refer to your owner's manual or repair manual for specifications.
8. Bleed the Cooling System: This is crucial to remove air pockets from the system. The method varies depending on the vehicle. Your repair manual will detail this process.
9. Check for Leaks: Once the engine is running, check carefully for any coolant leaks.
10. Lower the Vehicle: Carefully lower the vehicle from the jack stands.
Important Considerations:
* Coolant is corrosive: Wear gloves and eye protection.
* Use the correct type of coolant: Mixing different types of coolant can damage your engine.
* Torque specifications are critical: Using a torque wrench to tighten bolts to the correct specification is essential to prevent damage.
* This is a complex repair: If you're not comfortable with this type of work, take your car to a qualified mechanic. A botched water pump replacement can cause serious engine damage.
This is a simplified overview. Always refer to your repair manual for detailed instructions specific to your 1987 Cadillac Seville. Failing to do so could lead to damage to your vehicle.
