I am following jmx's swap procedure (a thanks here to jmx!!), but want to know is it absolutely necessary to remove the water pump? There has to be someone who has figured out how to get the power steering bracket left bottom bolt out w/o water pump removal??????
Any help here is mucho appreciated.
Randy

 

The water pump does not need to come off. Just go to your local autoparts store and purchase a power steering removal/installer kit. It will remove the PS pulley and then you can remove the bolts that hold the pump to the bracket.

 

Thanks Jason! How does this kit work? I guess it will have instructions.

 

Or, save the money and just take the water pump off. Takes maybe 3-4 minutes to take it off. <shrug> Everybody has their own favorite way I guess.

Glad the instructions help <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" />

 

One more ?. Is it necessary to drain oil for the head swap? I just changed it and would like to keep in the engine till I change at 200 mi after swap.
Thanks again.

 

When you pull the heads you're going to get coolant in the cylinders and bolt holes. Even when you mop it out, it will still get in the oil. Just put in some $5 oil for 200/300 miles. Save yourself from pumping coolant into the oil system.