Repair Update

Okay, I'm finally almost finished replacing the smog and water pumps.

As I mentioned, the top bolt for the water pump was a bit stripped so I had to put in a new bolt and secure it with a nut. This required moving the A/C compressor out of the way.

Also, it was a tight fit to get the pulley onto the new water pump flange - I wound up buying 4 short screws to clamp the pulley down onto the shaft. I couldn't force the pulley on with my hands - too tight. So, after clamping it down I removed the 4 short bolts and attached the fan assembly with the long bolts. This method was kind of nice as the holes for the fan assembly, pulley, and water pump were lined up by using the short bolts, saving some aggravation trying to get the long bolts screwed in.

So, I got everything put together, tightened the belts and filled the radiator. Cranked it and didn't notice any leaks so things seem to be okay. Crossing my fingers!

It was getting late in the day so I didn't take the car for a spin and the weather looks kind of crappy today, so it looks like I'll wait 'til next weekend to warm up the engine with a drive and change the oil.

I noticed that a lot of the rubber gaskets around various emissions components (PCV valve, etc.) are pretty rotted, so I'll have to look into getting replacements.

I still have to attach the fan shroud, but I think I'm pretty much done with this job.

Brochure Photo

Here is a sweet photo of a 1971 Eldorado from a Cadillac brochure. It's a lighter blue than my Eldorado, but the interior is the same. Gorgeous!



I downloaded this from www.oldcarbrochures.com, a really neat site I just discovered the other day.