How much should it cost to replace the water pump on a 1999 Sunfire GT (2.4L?) I used to have a 1997 Pontiac Sunfire GT and the water pump went out. They said it would cost over $600, but I had the extended warranty so I just had to pay for the $100 deductible.

Now my water pump on my 1999 Sunfire seems to be going out and they said it would take 7 hours labor(!) to replace it! that seems a little insane....why would it take so long to take out? is there an easier way to do it?

is that an ecotec or a Twin Cam? It depends a lot on if the water pump is run by the timing chain or not.

I'm sorry, but I have no idea...How would I find out?

Normally they say "Ecotec" on the top of the motor. IIRC, '99 was still using the 2.2L single cam as a base engine and the 2.4L twin cam (quad 4) for the upgrade engine.

Our Cavvy has the twin cam quad 4 and I've replaced the waterpump in it. Not a fun job. They are driven by the timing chain and the front cover has to come off, the water pump is in a godawful place requiring the removal (partial) of the exhaust system to get it out, and it's just generally a PITA. I think it took me about 8-9 hours but I'd never done one before so the 7 hours flat rate quote is not out of line for a twin cam.

John Stricker

quote Originally posted by burdell1: I'm sorry, but I have no idea...How would I find out?

thanks for the info...it is definitely a 2.4L

99 is the quad4 they didnt start using the eco's till like 02-03ish...

The water pump placement on the 2.4 TwinCam and older 2.3 Quad4's = teh suck.

It's driven off the engine timing chain.

How To:

http://www.j-body.org/faq//141/

My best buddy is the head mechanic at a GM dealership.
He had a 1997 Sunfire Convertible.
Took him 5-3/4 hours to change the waterpump, and I think he said that book rate was 6 hours.
He sold it recently and got a new 2008 Vibe.

Now he wishes he had bought the new G-8.

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Marko.

'85 SE 2M6

I believe that is the same engine that was used in my 97 Grand Am. Consider yourself lucky. The bill to replace the water pump in mine was over $1000. Apparently it required pulling the engine out of the car to reach it.

99 sunfire has the 2.4 twin cam, not the quad 4. 95 was the last year for "quad 4's". i'm thinking there should be a TSB out there somewhere. i had a '00 Z24 and the water pump went out on that, IIRC it was around $600. it went out the day after i bought it and it came with one of those 50/50 waranties and i recall paying about $300 so $600 sounds about right.

quote Originally posted by wikid_one: Apparently it required pulling the engine out of the car to reach it.

I'm under the impression most dealerships do it that way; if nothing else it frees up a lot of room.

quote Originally posted by fastblack: 99 sunfire has the 2.4 twin cam, not the quad 4

Same basic engine.

quote Originally posted by css9450: Same basic engine.

yup. heads can be interchanged relatively easily, and the oiling system can be interchanged (from 2.3 to 2.4) with only relatively minor block modification (also gets rid of the 2.4's balance shafts).

If you read the How-To I posted, you don't *have* to remove the engine, but it would be an understandable approach. It's an UGLY job to say the least

Man, it's one of those engines I will never buy again in my life. What jerk decided to put the water pump there is beyond me.

I had one, thought I was going to have to change the water pump on it, and was planning my exit strategy, buy another car, one that "normal" mechanics can work on. It turns out it was another problem, but yep, they were saying 600.00+ here to replace the water pump.

Brad