Can't remove water pump/thermostat studs - any thoughts.

[mraitch]

Need to remove the water pump and thermostat tower from red roadster block/head.

Any thoughts??

[notoptoy]

Nuclear powered tools? This seems to be one of the toughest "simple" projects on a 1600. Heat, penetrant and prayer. Otherwise sacrifice the tower, beat it into submission and replace.

[keith0alan]

It can be done without destroying things but it does take patience.

[C.Costine]

Need to remove the water pump and thermostat tower from red roadster block/head.

Any thoughts??

As others have said the pump can be removed with a lot of patience, the key is breaking the bond between the steel studs and aluminum pump. The tower is quick and easy. Grinder or reciprocating saw 1/4 inch above the head surface.

[fj20spl311]

propane torch and 5 lb BFH. Cycle heating/cooling and LIGHT taps. I like a 5 lb BFH because you can just sort of drop it to get a consistent light tap. Easy on heating the aluminum

[nismou20]

Lots a PB Blaster too

[baxtersit]

This is a bit difficult to explain and I don't have photos but I used two pieces of shallow channel steel (Home Depot?) with holes drilled to match the smaller threaded holes and then larger stud holes. Nuts were threaded onto each large stud and the appropriate channel bar was placed on top . The other bar is laid across like a cross and then secured to the aluminum housing with long bolts. The top bar is secured to the housing and as you turn the nuts up, the bottom channel forces the housing up. I did the whole heat/PB Blaster routine and this is what finally worked. It was REALLY seized and took a lot of pressure. I needed the channel bar stock because the flat bar stock I initially chose bent immediately. I coated the studs with Never Seize prior to reassembly. Good Luck.

[Curtis]

And once I got mine off it went back on with stainless studs, bolts and lots of anti-seize. Too bad the channel steel won't work for a 3 hole housing.

If the water pump is toast you might be able to use a slid hammer on it.