Hey guys. I tried the search but didnt find an answer. Im doing a cam swap on my 98. I removed the water pump bolts but the pump wont budge. Apparently the crappy gaskets lock the bastard in place like glue. Is there a trick to getting it off? Other than a big pry bar I mean. Thanks guys.

 

After removing all hoses and 6 bolts, I was able to get mine free by pulling on it. If it's being stubborn, try tapping with a rubber mallet or hammer and block of wood. Have fun scraping those old gaskets off...

 

is the gaskets different on a 98 than they are on an 02 ?i just took mine off today and it fell right off and the gaskets look 100 % intact.

 

The stock WP gaskets on a 98 are paper. You need to replace them with the 99+ O ring style gaskets.

John

 

which should come in your gasket kit if your ordered one with your cam

 

wedge a screwdriver in there and give it a tug.

 

Make sure you got all the bolts. If I recall correctly, one is sorta hidden behind a pulley. I believe it's on the driver's side of the pump.

 

They have basically covered it.

Just to make sure: There are six bolts. One of them is partiallly hidden and cannot even be removed all the way until the water pump is off. Don't miss it.

The gasket will need to be replaced.

It might be stuck on there pretty good. After removing/loosening all bolts I pulled on mine and nothing happened. Pulled harder and nothing happened. Put a big wrench between it and the engine to use as a lever and it broke loose. Use a lever or potentially rubber mallet.

General cam swap information can be found through the link in my sig line. Check it out.

 

Thanks for the help guys. I got all 6 bolts, including the one behind the idler pulley. I also have bought 99 gaskets to replace them. I'll try the big screwdriver tonight. I've heard how big a pain it is to get the old gaskets off. NOT looking forward to it. Thanks again.

 

Do NOT scrape the alluminum block or water pump with a razor blade or knife. If the gaskets are paper, use a gasket remover solvent. If you must scrape, use a PLASTIC blade. A metal blade will score the alluminum and increase your chances of a leak.

You can get plactic razor blades that fit into anything that holds a regular blade. Like these:

http://www.wellworthproducts.com/ima...azorblades.jpg

 

yes the old paper gaskets suck,have fun scrubbing.the o-ring type on mine made things much easier,now if i just had the headers,motor mounts,starter and bellhousing bolts loose i'd be in high cotton.

 

I think they held my '98 gaskets in place with cement. They were a BITCH to scrape off. I did it with a razor blade, which can be done but you have to be very careful.

 

Big screwdriver mod worked. Gave it one good tug and it came right off. Now for the gaskets......


Thanks again for the help guys.

 

Had the same problem, just gave it a tap with a screwdriver while hitting the top of it with a rubber hammer and it came off. Its just seized on there. Make sure when you put the pump back on you remove all the old gasket completely. I used factory water pump gaskets when I put my pump back on, I also have a 98.

 

in terms of gaskets... for my head gaskets on my car brake clean and a "metal finishing pad" worked great for me.