1990 Buick Electra Water pump

Tiny
PDW81375
  • MEMBER
  • 1990 BUICK ELECTRA
Noises problem
1990 Buick Electra 6 cyl Two Wheel Drive Automatic

I replaced the belt now I have a lound grinding noise. It looks like my water pump wheel is wobbling, and the belt is barely staying on. How do I know for sure and is there anything you can tell me abot how to replace. Your online belt diagram was great. Thanks for any help you can offer.
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Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009 AT 12:10 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
IMPALASS
  • MECHANIC
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Hello -

To better assist you is your model the Limited, Park Avenue, Park Avenue Ultra or the T-Type and what is your engine size in liter.
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Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009 AT 12:30 PM
Tiny
PDW81375
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It is a Park Ave, with a 3.8
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Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009 AT 1:29 PM
Tiny
IMPALASS
  • MECHANIC
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Hello -

Thanks for the info. . .. . .. . .. . ..

If the pulley is wobbling as you say then the shaft is worn. Is there water leaking out?

I would take the belt off and check by hand also. Based off of what you are saying though you need to replace it.

Before you take it apart make sure you look at your belt tensioner. Automatic tensioners have a belt-wear indicator. See Fig. 2 . If tensioner reaches its travel limit, indicated by marks on tensioner, belt should be replaced. If a whining or grinding noise is heard from tensioner or idler pulley, check for possible bearing failure.


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/248015_f2_7.jpg



One the belt is off also check all of the other pulley wheels for freedom of movement, noise etc.


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/248015_f9_2.jpg



Is the 8th digit of your VIN number "C"

This is all of the information on the water pump the manual shows. No pics etc. Many times they consider it general maintenance and with experience a mechanic can look at and perform the task without pics etc. To me. . ...I think they should have detailed pics on everything. . ..but that's me.

Anyway. . ..here is the info below.

Note, not sure how you do it but the way I do it is either have the new water pump there or poke a hole in cardboard with the same hole pattern as the water pump to ensue the same length bolt goes in the correct hole.

Also, I like have the part there in case I need to transfer any parts from the old part to the new that doesn't come new.
WATER PUMP
Removal
Disconnect negative battery cable. Drain cooling system. Remove water pump drive belt. Disconnect necessary coolant hoses. Remove water pump pulley bolts and pulley (Access hole in body side rail for long bolt). Remove water pump bolts, water pump and gasket.
Installation
To install, reverse removal procedure using new gasket. Fill cooling system.
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Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009 AT 3:37 PM
Tiny
PDW81375
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I turned the pulley only to see it leaking water.I removed the pulley wheel, and what I believe to be the whole water pump. But it doesnt look like it goes into the block. Is there a picture on your site I could view. Thanks for the help
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Monday, December 28th, 2009 AT 10:45 AM
Tiny
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Hello -

No sorry....... The manufacture didn't include any pics for this.

When you say ""but it doesn't look like it goes into the block" what do you mean by that so I can better assist you?
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Monday, December 28th, 2009 AT 12:24 PM

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