Timing belt change on 2006 Aveo LS: My new detailed write-up

[petrified.rabbit]

Its the oring that is stuck, i hope you are replacing the water pump at that mileage. so pry it a little to pop the seal.

[skydriver2008]

thanks rabbit. I do have a new water pump which is why I've been trying anything, including hammering, to get this old one off. I'll have to pick up a crowbar and try this tomorrow morning. It's hard to believe that none of the aforementioned methods had an effect and that a crowbar will, but I'll try anything at this point.

[petrified.rabbit]

just a thought, but did you drain and open the coolant system? it might be held in there with "suction"

[avguy]

I can't imagine anything other than one or more of the WP bolts being capable of holding the pump on through all the stuff you're doing. Did you remove all 3 of the 5MM allen bolts? If so, the only other possibility is for the pump to be somehow rusted into the block. But, I can't imaging that being able to withstand hammer blows, without breaking up the corrosion. Edit: after posting I read Rabbit's reply - never occurred to me, but 16 psi might be enough to hold it in!

[skydriver2008]

i did not drain the system. I couldnt find the drain plug and the instructions didnt call for it, so I didn't worry about it. All 3 5mm bolts are removed.

[vante@q.com]

I had to use Vice Grips, and was able to slowly work it loose. I am in the Arizona Desert, so I know about the heat, and ours was at 100K when we acquired it, so I know the Baked On parts! Keep at it, and it will break free. about 30 minutes for me. Good Luck

[Aveo5_boy]

i did not drain the system. I couldnt find the drain plug and the instructions didnt call for it, so I didn't worry about it. All 3 5mm bolts are removed.

Open the hood and on the left (passenger) side of the radiator near the bottom is the drain plug for the coolant. If i remember correctly i think its either a 13 or 12 mm bolt.

[avguy]

I think Rabbit is right about the suction caused by not draining. I didn't think of that because I drained the system, and the old pump came off with hardly any effort. First try removing the coolant overflow cap and maybe that will be enough to allow it to move. If that doesn't help, then drain from the bottom of the rad. If you don't drain via the rad, be prepared to get a lot of coolant once the pump finally comes out!

[vante@q.com]

That could be the case, but I had just replace the head, and my system had no fluid in it. When the ambient temps are over 120 each day, parts tend to be hard to remove. I just found a 69 camaro (Barn Find), and my Impact is having a lot of trouble. It has been sitting since the 80's.....

[skydriver2008]

Open the hood and on the left (passenger) side of the radiator near the bottom is the drain plug for the coolant. If i remember correctly i think its either a 13 or 12 mm bolt.

Found that, thank you!

Good thought on the coolant system, guys, but that didn't work. This thing still won't budge. Everyone I've talked to, whether it's on here or mechanic relatives or the guy up the road, asks about missing a bolt. I've got all three 5mm hex bolts sitting right here with me. Guess I will try to pry it off now.