99 Bonne 3.8 VinK Power Steering Pully

[TruthWalleyes]

Need some help on this one.

I'm replacing the water pump on a 99 Pontiac Bonneville SE 3.8L Vin K.

All is going well with removing the water pump except the power steering pulley is in the way of the last bolt on the water pump and i cannot break the bolt holding the power steering pulley on loose.

Here is a picture, I'm pointing to the stuck bolt:

Any ideas, tools, etc that can help me remove this pulley so i can gain access to the last bolt on the water pump? I've tried using a 3/8" bolt to keep the pulley from spinning while i'm wrenching on the P.S. bolt, but i have bent 4 of these bolts already...So this one's stuck pretty good. I soaked it in WD40 last night so that may help.

Thanks in advance for any help.

Will take tips on draining/replacing coolant too.

[Macgyver55]

If I remember correctly you take the (PS) pump loose from the mounting by accessing the bolts through the holes in the pulley and moving it aside. I dont remember ever taking the pulley off to do the water pump on a 3800. (but its been a while)

[TruthWalleyes]

The last bolt for the water pump that is behind the pulley is not accessable through one of the holes in the pulley. The last remaining bolt is closer to the outer edge of the pulley than it is to any of the holes in the pulley.

[Macgyver55]

Sorry I wasnt more clear on that. After rereading my reply I see why it was confusing!

You need to remove the PS pump mounting bolts through the holes in the pulley. After the PS pump is loose you can swing it aside and get the last water pump bolt.

[TruthWalleyes]

Ahhh. Thanks. Just searched on how to remove that PS Pump. Looks like 2 13mm bolts - Does that sound right?

I need to pick up some deep sockets to get in there.

[Scott K]

[JOHNBIGDOG]

at the same time you are replacing the h2o pump, is the plastic 90 degree elbow that comes out of the belt tensioner assembly that goes into the lower intake, leaking?

[TruthWalleyes]

Yep it came off just like that diagram, in about 2 minutes! I owe you one Macgyver.

The water pump started leaking out of the small hole that is meant to leak when the bearing goes out... Sure enough, upon inspecting the removed water pump, bearing is out. So it's good to know that once i scrape off the old gasket and get some RTV sealant, Fill er up with coolant, i should be good to go. Hopefully there's not other issues.

Does anyone have a good instruction on draining and refilling the coolant system? Should i be using Dex Cool? I've heard some bad things about gaskets and Dex...Thanks.

[TruthWalleyes]

at the same time you are replacing the h2o pump, is the plastic 90 degree elbow that comes out of the belt tensioner assembly that goes into the lower intake, leaking?

No leaks found above the water pump.

[Jeremy airjer W]

Does anyone have a good instruction on draining and refilling the coolant system? Should i be using Dex Cool? I've heard some bad things about gaskets and Dex...Thanks.

What color was the coolant before you started?

If it was redish in color than it was dexcool. If it was green it was regular coolant.

Go easy on the RTV, it ill cause more problems than it will solve! I couldn't tell you the last time I used it on a water pump.

[TruthWalleyes]

I figured i was supposed to use RTV on the pump gasket...I won't if it is your recommendation though.

Coolant was definitely DEX, just wanted to make sure i should continue with DEX.

When filling with coolant (at the proper ratio) do i just put it into the reservoir? Or Radiator cap?..Will have to read over the manual this weekend.

[Jeremy airjer W]

As i read through your first post again I thought I would mention that the power steering pump pulley is not held on by a "bolt" but is pressed on to the shaft. A power steering pump pulley removal tool is required to remove the pulley. For future reference.

A little RTV Black (not red. orange, or blue) between the gasket and the timing cover is fine if the timing cover is pitted.

If the coolant was not terrible discolored than using dex again is fine. If the coolant was really bad than I would recommend having the cooling system flushed. If you have it flushed running regular green coolant (cheaper) will be fine. We have been using a recycled extended life at the shop for a couple of years so converting to green may not be an option. Mixing green coolant with dexcool is not good.

The reservoir is just a container that captures the expanding coolant as the engine warms up. You will need to fill the cooling system through the radiator. I will recommend getting a "spill free funnel" (available at any parts store). Fill the radiator, start the engine and let idle until the thermostat opens. Monitor the coolant level and top off as necessary. once the fans come on replace the radiator cap and you should be good to go.

[1968]

There's usually a bleeder screw at the stat housing to help the fill process.

[TruthWalleyes]

Yeah i'm obviously not a mechanic. Power steering pump pulley was what my first post was referencing...Pressed it - well that'd be why i had such a hard time getting it off

Thanks so much for the info guys!!

[Jeremy airjer W]

Yeah i'm obviously not a mechanic.

Neither am I, but I play one in real life! lol