So my water pump went today...

[Diagram14]

So this happening has pretty much defaulted me into replacing the blown head gasket that Ive been babying. Seeing the large amounts of coolant spilling out for the first time got me all excited inside about the giant job that I get to do, syke. I have a couple questions about product and proceedure...

How do you feel about the HG Kits on ebay? Brands such as Eristic, Domestic Gaskets, or Car Parts Wholesale... Trying to avoid spending the $400 on a FelPro.

Would it be beneficial to pull the radiator and grill for ease of access during the job? If so, does the tranny fluid drain back into the tranny pan or is some held in the cooler?

I saw a post awhile back with a tool/lever used to help in breaking the crank bolt loose. I haven't been able to find it again for the dimensions that someone used to make one out of a 2x4. If someone has that bookmarked or has done it themselves do share.

Thanks in advance

 

[t4r4life]

i would buy one with lifetime warranty if its possible, pay a bit now is better than stuff breaking down in the future

 

[49Runner]

At the end of the day, by the time you buy the needed gaskets, water pump and possible needed belts hoses etc you'll be at $400-500.

Most the eBay HGs are cheap. You'll want to buy better quality layered metal ones.

Yes, you'll want to pull grill and radiator for ease of tear down/install. It only ads 1-1.5hr to total time.

Let me know if you need any advice... I'm fresh off doing this

 

[Diagram14]

Any opinions on those HG kit brands mentioned above? Are the graphite gaskets the ones I want to avoid? And when I pull my rad am I going to lose any fluid from the cooler or does it all settle back in the tranny after sitting a second?

 

[dd210]

And yes you will lose some fluid from both there will still be trans fluid in the line when it stops. Its a little bit of work to do but do it right the first time or you might have to do it again. Go to home depot and get a big ass pipe to put on a breaker bar problem solved.

 

[Diagram14]

Oh Im all in on doing a thorough and proper HG/TB job. Im just trying to prep myself for anything I can foresee before I jump in nuts...and bolts deep. Thanks for all the tid-bits.