I'm wondering if someone could tell me anything about replacing the water pump in a 2004 ION. I'm not looking for detailed instructions or anything, just a general "yea or nay". I've been told that it's located in a very difficult to access spot and the engine might need to be lowered/removed to replace it. Obviously it's an older car, plus it's got a lot of miles, we didn't pay that much for it, and it has a rebuilt title. We're planning to sell it, but if it's not a terribly difficult fix, I'd like to fix it to get a better price.

If anyone could tell me if it's reasonable for a backyard mechanic to do, I'd appreciate it! Thanks!

 

It is not overly complicated but yes it is on the firewall side of the engine and it is driven by the balance shaft chain. You need to purchase a tool to hold the chain and sprocket in the correct position. The cooling system across the back side of the engine must be disassembled and removed below the exhaust manifold. The exhaust stays in the car.

 

There are a number of YouTube videos on this job on this engine, which was also used in several other GM models. To see what is involved, here is a link to one of these videos.

 

Timing chain needs to come off. Then balance shaft/water pump chain. May as well do the timing kit while you're in there. Big upside if you're just trying to flip it

 

I change them often using a tool similar to the one shown in the video, no need to open the timing cover.

 

Technically yes you can just use the tool. But with how prone our chain is to failing, and if he doesn't have a service history, why not do the chain?

 

Because the car runs fine and just needs a pump for resale. My car has 252000 miles and the original chain.

 

I guess I would just do it for the upsell point since its not difficult to do.