definatley ck. for proper funtion of the fan clutch, should be some drag on it as you try to spin it and check for end play,easier done while attached.
also would be good to replace the short lengths of 5/8" dia. hose attached to the pump. procure a factory formed hose for the top and it would be an excellent time also to replace the 6" section of 5/8" that runs down the passenger side of the engine and connects to the water pump via some hard lined pre-bent tubbing that go's to the short hose on the bottom of the pump.
and yes it would also be perfect time to do the thermostat as your coolant will already be drained. Takes two gaskets, make sure to get both first time out.
Just did the pump on the girlfriend types 91'.
It might possibly have been done in less than eight hours if I hadn't had help. (couple hours spent locating the one nut and bolt that got inadvertantly kicked out of the work area).
I also slightly re-torked the timing cover bolts as most were loose, one made a full revolution before contacting the cover. reason why I add that is that it is a lot easier accessed while all the brackets,hoses and fan is removed. Your seepage may or not be a loose timing cover. But you know, while your there,an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!
Also, the radiator R&R itself is nearly as much to do as the pump replacement. If you choose to replace your front main seal, go ahed and replace all of your belts and hoses at the same time to avoid unnessesary return trips. I replaced the rad. & all the sundry items associated with it just before the end of the year. Do it all yourself and save enough to buy a new bumper or some sliders!
May the almighty be with you!
stuck my foot in my mouth by telling her that it looked like it was going to be a piece of cake compared to the pump I still have to replace on her twenty year old chevy astro van!
Oh well! No rest for the wicked! Eh!
I may be slow, but I do go, and thats whats important!
