OT: chevy mechanics? Help with a 97 cavalier..

[mike reeh]

a good girlfriend of mine has a 97 cavalier w/ a 2.4liter 4cyl. Well the water pump went out and her boyfriend thought he'd be a good guy and replace it. That was a week ago and he's given up and reluctantly told her to call me.. Ive been talking myself up, and I will get it done but can anyone give any insight? He doesnt even have the old pump off yet. I think he's stuck w/ a problem with the timing belt/chain.

Im going to go check it out tonite but if anyone can give any words of wisdom or let me know ahead of time of any special tools, that would be great.

When I say reluctant, I mean reluctant.. I dont think this guy likes me a whole lot and doesnt like the idea of me coming in and showing him up. Even though I am very modest about the whole situation. He was even going to tow it to a shop until they gave him some hellacious labor quote, and another shop wouldnt even work on it because he had torn into it half way. heh Either way I will be the hero in the end

thanks in advance

mike

[old Rusty C10]

LOL dont ya know that guys hate bein shown up by other guys?? ya know the old comparison better mechanic maybe hes better with his own tool??? ANYWAY
you need to bing your metrics and standards and be real patient. If its the motor im t hinking its gonna be a PITA. you will have to pull apart the timing belt, and if im not mistaken that means pulling off the harmonic balancer too. the timing belt is tensioned by the water pump and theres a special tool for setting that, but you can rent that for free at autozone. the water pump is the small round one. again im not sure if thsi is the same motor i had to do last year but if it was you also had to be a contortionist and take the air conditioner bracket with the compressor offi had to get the help of a kid here who has real small hands and arms to get in there
if ya ever did a waterpump on an old dodge with the 2.2 or the 2.6 mnmotor this isnt as bad as that

[1FaastC10]

if i remember correctly from when i was working at the dealership, the gasket kit you buy for the water pump also includes intake and exhaust gaskets. and GM doesnt just throw extra gaskets in there for the heck of it. i'll go out and have a peek at my sisters car in a little bit and let you know what i find.

[shavn80]

not that hard, if I remember. the timing belt has to come off, but a manual will show you how to line up the timing marks again. Real easy, if you take your time to do it right.

[chevyforever]

they are a PITA, but be patient and get a good manual to show how to time the engine withgout the special GM tools to lock the cams in one spot. make sure that you are 110% sure it is perfect before starting the motor because it is an "interference" engine meaning being off one tooth on either cam with the timing chain will end up with valves bent and broken. Dont be afraid to use a floorjack under the oilpan with a piece of a 2x4 to keep from breaking it, and be sure to take the upper motor mount out of the car before lifting. this should help u out, and have fun!!

chevyforever