I managed to get to the 10mm bolts on the thermostat housing. Had to remove the right side pipe. I can see why people hate working on these cars and why labor costs are so extreme. I wouldn't do this for anything else for less than $500 lol

 

Ok I've narrowed it down to this thing. Anyone know what this is? Does it need to be adjusted if I remove it?

 

Not sure how but I've managed to wiggle it out.

Not fun but it was rewarding.

Here are some pics.

 

A crusty looking water pump! Now clean the mounting surfaces and put new orings in place and install the new water pump,

 

Can I re-use the outer cover? All that orange stuff scraped off.

 

Looks like the pump was previously replaced by someone that doesn't trust rubber O-rings for sealers. The previous owner did not believe in changing oil or using the proper synthetic oil. Synthetic oil leaves a brown/orange color on the metal not black.
What "outer cover"? If it is metal and not bent reuse it.

 

I don't know the proper name. Its the half shell that faces the driver side that holds the 2" silver pipe. It has 4 or 5 10mm bolts that holds it into the actual water pump. And it has the drain bolt on it.

 

Yes you can reuse that, clean it well and use a new gasket

 

Happy new year everyone!

How does this look?

 

Nice! You have a good helper there!