replaced water pump

96' cavalier was over heating and the radiator was boiling some took it in to get fixed and was told that one of the radiator hoses had perished so i got that fixed, the problem continued and was told the water pump had failed now so had that replaced. Now after spending a great deal on mainly the labour of taking off the exhuast to replace the water pump, i get the car back and the timing in out and it shakes while stationary. The car didn't seem to have a timing problem before the water pump was replaced, and the mechanic said the perhaps the overheating from the failed water pump had damaged the head gasket, or the spark plugs may need replacing. Considering that there was no obvious timing problem before the water pump was replaced, and now there is, could someone suggest what may be happeing in this situation.

I just had the water pump replaced on my 97 Z-24 (2.4 Quad)

My mechanic told me that the timing chain, guides and pulleys should be replaced at the same time since they are all part of the same assembly. I believed him because a friend of mine also with a 97 Z-24 opted to leave the old timing chain in despite his mechanic's advice when his water pump went and the car made one hell of a racket when he got it back. The old parts don't seem to mesh well with replacements when disturbed. On the 2.4s, you have to take the engine out to replace the water pump (LABOUR!!! $$$) so you might as well spend the extra hundred bucks or so for the chain assembly and do it all while it's out. As it turned out, he had to get the chain done 2 weeks later and spent another $800.00.

Remember, this is based only on the Z-24s with 2.4 Quads....Not sure about the 2.2 engines. Hope this helps.

Thanks, i think you are right.

The parts that also need to be changed are the timing belt, pulley?, Guides? Do they all come in a single kit?

Yes it came in a complete kit. Timing chain, guides, pulley's etc. I think the kit sells for $100 to $150 depending on make or where you get it etc.

Good luck!

I got it fixed, the mechanic had put the timing chain one tooth off, he didn't replace the timing kit and it seems to be ok.

Excellent! Glad it worked out for you.