The belt that runs to my water pump slipped off when I hit this huge puddle today. I'm having a hell of a time getting it back on. Any suggestions?

 

If it slipped off, replace that belt.

 

Well, how do I get the new one on? Do I have to loosen the water pump?

 

Ok. I squeezed the radiator tubes to see if there was still some compression and I saw fluid leaking out of a small rubber piece on the block. I have no idea what this is or how to get to it to replace it.

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That's the water pump to the head O ring-common problem... So, it's time to get the water pump off in order to replace the thing. While you are at it check the water pump itself for leaks (from the little whole on the underside). If it looks like it's been leaking, change the pump too. If not, just get the water pump gasket and the Oring from the parts store, and that should do it. The water pump R&R is fairly simple...Oh, and better chage the belt too. It shoudn't have slipped off if the tension and/or condition of the belt had been OK...

 

So Ican just pick upthis O-ring at somewhere like Autozone?

 

Yes, also don't forget the pump gasket... Better first get the pump off and see what you'll need then make a trip to Autozone. I hope they don't have to "order" it...

 

to replace the belt for the water pump pulley, which connects to the harmonic balancer and power steering pulley, you're going to need to adjust the lock-nut which applies tension to that belt. It's very easy, a socket wrench and regular wrench and the bare basics are all you'll need. take a good look around the assembly of the p/s pump and notice the points of bolt-on and hinge points. understand the principles of how tesioning occurs with the nut and bolt which is there for tensioning. be sure to loosen retaining nuts to allow the pump to rotate. BE SURE to re-tighten all nuts/bolts that you loosened.

 

I took the pump and the gasket was shot. Napa said that they would have one come from the Denver Warehouse. I also stopped by Autozone and they gave me the wrong O-ring [:@], go figure. Im going to try to track another one down. Thanks for all of your help