How to Replace a 1.6 Aveo's Water Pump

by Russell Wood

The water pump on a Chevrolet Aveo with the 1.61 engine pushes the coolant from the radiator and through the engine block, ensuring that the coolant always circulates through the system. If the water pump fails, then the coolant sits in the engine block, heating up because it doesn't have a chance to cool down. This will cause the engine to overheat, which could cause extensive damage. If the water pump in your Aveo fails, replace it with a new one. It should take about three hours to do.

Step 1

Let the Aveo cool for at least four hours. Put the drain pan underneath the radiator. Open the drain plug on the radiator with your hand. Empty the radiator into the drain pan.

Step 2

Remove the hose clamps holding the radiator hoses to the water pump on the passenger side of the engine with the flathead screwdriver. Pull the radiator hoses off of the water pump.

Step 3

Unbolt the rear-most timing belt cover from the engine with the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket. Unbolt the water pump from the engine block with the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket. Then slide it out of the block. Scrape the mounting surface of the engine with the gasket scraper to clean off any gasket remaining residue.

Step 4

Apply the gasket sealant to the mounting surface on the engine. Install the replacement water pump with the replacement gasket onto the engine with the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket.

Step 5

Reinstall the lower timing belt cover with the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket. Then reinstall the radiator hoses on the water pump with the flathead screwdriver.

Step 6

Open the radiator cap. Fill the radiator with the 50-50 pre-diluted coolant. Start the car and put the heater on high. Allow the Aveo to run for 10 minutes. Then turn off the car. Open the radiator cap again and add as much coolant as necessary to fill up the system.

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