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2003 silverado water pump


ftxlcincy
12-20-2009, 10:17 AM
I have a 2003 silverado with a 5.3, 92000 miles. Have had a anti freeze burning smell since it was 2 years old, even had it pressure tested and flushed before it was out of warranty and they found nothing. Have read on the forum about the water pump gasket problems and its finally leaving a small spot on the garage floor and shows signs of seepage from the gaskets. Going to replace the pump next weekend and was wondering if its a pretty straight forward job or if there's anything I need to look out for. Thanks for any comments.

j cAT
12-20-2009, 11:08 AM
its all about the corroded metal. the gaskets must have a solid surface to seal upon. if it is damaged you must repair this area before installing the new gasket. there are many products designed for this repair..

your engine coolant capacity is 4.5 gallons...that means 2.5 gallons of dexcool is required..the rest is distilled water...to do this you must drain the entire engine..if you cannot drain the engine then you must add only dexcool...about 2gallons gets traped in the engine...

flush out the heater core use a water hose..disconnect at engine hoses , not the fire wall...

only use dexcool with the GM approved logo...compatibles coolant is dangerous...since removal of all coolant from this engine is impossible..

I have used dexcool with these proceedures and since 1996 no corroded metals or blockages and sludge..

fan nut is reverse thread..

cramer_77
12-20-2009, 11:28 AM
yeah the water pump gaskets are a common problem, my 01 6.0L had the exact same thing happen to it. but if you have replaced a water pump on the old 305's and 350's then it should be a breeze just remember not to over tighten the bolts, and the fan nut can be a small challenge also.

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