Before you begin:
* Safety First: Disconnect the negative battery terminal. Allow the engine to cool completely before starting any work. Use jack stands to securely support the vehicle. Wear safety glasses and gloves.
* Gather your tools: You'll need a variety of wrenches (metric), sockets, ratchet, pliers, screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead), a drain pan, new coolant, and possibly a water pump pulley puller. A torque wrench is essential for proper tightening.
* Gather your parts: A new water pump, new gasket(s), new thermostat (recommended), new coolant, and possibly new belts and hoses depending on their condition.
General Steps (This is a simplified overview. Refer to a repair manual for precise details):
1. Drain the coolant: Locate the drain plug on the engine block (usually low on the side). Place a drain pan underneath and carefully open the plug to drain the coolant.
2. Remove the serpentine belt: Consult your repair manual for the specific routing of the serpentine belt and the proper procedure for removal. This usually involves loosening the tensioner pulley.
3. Remove the fan and fan shroud (if applicable): Depending on your engine, you may need to remove the fan and/or fan shroud to access the water pump. This often involves removing bolts or clips.
4. Remove the water pump pulley: This may require a pulley puller.
5. Remove the water pump: This usually involves removing several bolts that hold the pump to the engine block. Be prepared for coolant to leak out.
6. Clean the mating surfaces: Carefully clean the engine block and water pump mounting surfaces of any old gasket material.
7. Install the new water pump: Install the new water pump gasket, ensuring it's properly seated. Mount the new water pump and tighten the bolts to the manufacturer's specified torque (found in your repair manual).
8. Reinstall the pulley: Carefully install the water pump pulley.
9. Reinstall the fan and fan shroud (if applicable): Reinstall the fan and fan shroud in reverse order of removal.
10. Reinstall the serpentine belt: Carefully reinstall the serpentine belt, ensuring it's properly routed around all pulleys.
11. Refill the coolant: Fill the radiator and overflow reservoir with the correct type and amount of coolant (usually a 50/50 mix of coolant and distilled water).
12. Bleed the cooling system: This is crucial to remove air pockets from the system. Consult your repair manual for the bleeding procedure. It may involve opening bleed valves or running the engine with the radiator cap off (carefully!).
13. Check for leaks: After running the engine for a while, check for any coolant leaks around the water pump and other connections.
Important Considerations:
* Engine Type: The 1995 Buick Century came with different engine options (e.g., 3.1L V6, 3.3L V6, 3.8L V6). The procedure will vary slightly depending on your specific engine.
* Repair Manual: Investing in a repair manual specific to your 1995 Buick Century is highly recommended. It will provide detailed diagrams, torque specifications, and step-by-step instructions.
* Professional Help: If you are not comfortable performing this repair yourself, it's best to take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic. Improper repair can lead to significant engine damage.
This is a general overview; always consult a repair manual for precise and safe procedures specific to your vehicle. Improperly completing this repair could result in engine damage. Proceed with caution and at your own risk.
