How do you replace a water pump for a 2001 Pontiac Sunfire?

Answer 1

Very Carefully ;)

Seriously, this is what I, for one, would consider a fairly challenging job at least at my skill/determination level. I've replaced them before, though not on a Sunfire, and once you can get at the pump, it's pretty straightforward. On the Sunfire, because of the sideways engine, there's not a whole lot of room to work. You'll have to pull the serpentine belt, (consisder replacing while it's off) locate the pump, maybe drain the cooling system before removing the hoses, pull the pump off, clean up the mating surface on the engine, probably use some RTV or similar gasket sealer and replace the pump. Sound easy? It really isn't too too bad, but I wouldn't even attempt it without a Chilton or Haynes manual. You really need to know the exact order in which to do things, or this job could become really painful.

I don't know if that helps or not. If you can, get a friend to lend a hand when you do it. Morale support is worth it's weight in beer. OR.... have a good local mechanic do it.

Good luck!

Fripilot

Plus if its a 2.4 litre i would highly recommend a mechanic to do the job if u don't know how to time the motor cause u have to pull the timing chain off to change it.