Repair 7

How to Install an LT1 Electric Water Pump

The Generation II LT is a series of eight-cylinder engines manufactured by General Motors. The LT1 version has a displacement of 5.7 liters and was in production from 1992 to 1997. The LT1 appears in high-performance General Motors cars made during this period, such as the Corvette, Camaro and Firebird. The water pump for the LT1 circulates coolant to the cylinder heads, which then flows through the engine block. A faulty water pump can cause the engine to overheat even when it has coolant.

Instructions

1

Disconnect the cable from the negative battery terminal with a socket wrench. Detach the electrical connector from the cooling fan. Disconnect both cooling fan assemblies.

2

Position a drain pan under the radiator and disconnect the knock sensor. Remove the drain plug for the radiator and allow coolant to drain into the drain pan. Replace the drain plug and connect the knock sensor.

3

Disconnect the air filter and air intake duct with a socket wrench. Detach the radiator hoses and heater hoses from the water pump. Remove the heater hoses from the throttle body. Detach the electrical connector from the coolant sensor.

4

Release the retainers on the bracket for the ignition coil, and push the ignition coil aside. Disconnect the air pump and its bracket with a socket wrench, if your vehicle is so equipped.

5

Remove the mounting bolts for the water pump with a socket wrench, and disconnect the water pump. Discard the gasket for the water pump, and clean the mating surfaces for the gasket with a clean shop towel.

6

Install the new water pump and gasket. Tighten the mounting bolts for the water pump to between 30 and 32 ft. lbs. with a torque wrench. Connect the air pump and its bracket, if your vehicle is so equipped. Place the ignition coil and bracket into their proper position, and fasten their mounting bolts with a socket wrench.

7

Connect the electrical connector for the coolant sensor. Attach the heater hose to the throttle body. Connect the heater hose and radiator hoses to the water pump. Connect the air intake duct and the air cleaner with a socket wrench. Install the cooling fans and attach their electrical connectors.

8

Fill the radiator with coolant, and attach the cable to the negative battery terminal with a socket wrench. Start the engine and check for coolant leaks.