How to Remove a 6.5L Diesel Water Pump
by Russell WoodThe 6.5l diesel engine was found in Chevrolet trucks until 2000, and was a popular engine because of the extra torque provided by the turbo. This engine uses a water pump on the front of the engine just like a traditional gasoline engine, in that it circulates the coolant in the engine and the radiator to keep the system running cool. If the water pump fails, the coolant can't flow and the diesel engine can overheat. To fix the issue, you first have to remove the water pump from the vehicle.
Step 1
Pop the hood and let the engine cool down. Put a drain pan underneath the radiator. Open the radiator cap. Open the petcock on the bottom of the radiator and empty out all of the coolant in the system.
Step 2
Unbolt the fan shroud from the core support with the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket. Unbolt the fan from the water pump pulley with an open-end wrench, then remove the fan and fan shroud from the engine bay. Unbolt the vacuum pump and vacuum pump bracket from the engine with the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket.
Step 3
Remove the hose clamps on the hoses coming off of the water pump with the flathead screwdriver. Pull the hoses off of the water pump. Unbolt the water pump from the engine with the 3/8-inch ratchet, extension and sockets. Pull off the water pump and water pump gasket.
References
- "Chilton General Motors Full-Size Trucks 1988-98 Repair Manual"; Thomas A Mellon; 1996
Things You'll Need
- Drain pan
- Flathead screwdriver
- 3/8-inch ratchet, extension and socket set
Writer Bio
Russell Wood is a writer and photographer who attended Arizona State University. He has been building custom cars and trucks since 1994, including several cover vehicles. In 2000 Wood started a career as a writer, and since then he has dedicated his business to writing and photographing cars and trucks, as well as helping people learn more about how vehicles work.
