This is a long shot, but I'm trying to replace the water pump on my wife's 1988 Toyota pickup. The guy who put the last pump on used a TON of RTV liquid gasket to seal it on, and it might as well be fucking welded in place for all it will move. It's an aluminum engine, so I'm trying not to attack it with a chisel or anything too violent. Any comrades here with car mechanic experience got any tips? I'd prefer not to drop the $400+ the mechanic is going to charge to do it.

  • Philosoraptor [he/him, comrade/them]
    ·
    3 months ago

    You can also take a plastic mallet (a heavier one, say 1-2 lb), and wack on the water pump pulley/shaft (whatever is being replaced). The trick is a quick, sharp hit vertically (and slightly away from the block, if there's room), to lever the pump off. You're just trying to break the adhesion of the silicone on the top edge.

    This is a good suggestion. I need to get a plastic hammer in that weight range.