[Lifted07Duramax]

Im replacing the water pump and there are two quick disconnects on the thermostat that have the metal retainer clips.
Well its basically impossible to get the tubes on the thermostat back into those quick disconnect fittings.

Any tricks to getting this done?

[EuroKar]

Originally Posted by Lifted07Duramax

Im replacing the water pump and there are two quick disconnects on the thermostat that have the metal retainer clips.
Well its basically impossible to get the tubes on the thermostat back into those quick disconnect fittings.

Any tricks to getting this done?

Take the thermostat and water pump out together as 1 assembly. Its not really that hard. Just looks like a pain in the ass.
Good luck !

[BMWM.D.]

Originally Posted by Lifted07Duramax

Im replacing the water pump and there are two quick disconnects on the thermostat that have the metal retainer clips.
Well its basically impossible to get the tubes on the thermostat back into those quick disconnect fittings.

Any tricks to getting this done?

What exactly is the problem? Can you just not get those connections the snap back into place? I always spray the 2 contact areas with dry silicon spray (or similar) to make connecting those things easier. Sometimes the large connection (from the radiator) can be a little tight.

FWIW, I never remove the thermostat when I do a water pump -- unless I'm replacing it, of course. The less hose clamps you have to deal with the better. I just remove the 2 quick-connect lines and push it out of the way.

[Dave W.]

The connectors have an index tab so it has to be rotated in exactly the same way it came off.

[Jklad]

I had the same problem with those not-quick disconnects. My mini-tech friend have me the following steps to follow if they won't budge:

1. Fully remove the metal locking clip. ( Be careful it does notgo flying and you lose it when removing it cause then your screwed.) try to wiggle and pull, if it doesn't budge...

2. Apply wd40, or liquid wrench, or wtv lubricant all around the hose and contact points. Let it soak for a couple mins. Try to pull. If it doesn't budge, try this again a few more times.

3. If none of the above works, take a flathead screwdriver and ever so gently pry the hose off of where it connects. Know that This comes with the risk of breaking the plastic connector. If this happens, your screwed. So do it slowly and gently. It may be better to use a non marring pry tool, not sure.

On mine, I ended up having to pry with a flathead to finally get it to pop because nothing else would work. Hope this helps.

Edit: my bad, thought you were trying to get them OFF.

[deadmn1337]

i had the same problem, WD-40 is your friend. I sprayed some one after messing with it for an hour or two and they slipped right on with no effort.

[Lifted07Duramax]

I got it all on. My gfs lil sister with small hands put the top bolt in and even she had a hard time getting her hand up there.
The wd40 worked. I kept snapping them on and taking them off to get it worked in good.

How the hell did you guys get that top bolt on? If it wasn't for the girls small hand I would've had to run car without top bolt

[Jklad]

Top Bolt was a major pain. I think I used some combination of a flexible socket and couple extensions on a 1/4 ratchet and could only turn a little at a time, and it kept slipping off. I just tightened it as much as I could from that terrible angle but I'm confident it will hold just fine. Wtv you do don't do like some others and leave this bolt off, as this would likely cause vibrations and premature ware.

[blisstik]

Here's some life saver tips.

To take out the quick disconnects, use a long flat head screwdriver to wedge them out.

To put them back in easily, apply a dab of oil in the O ring inside the quick disconnect. It should seat all the way in.

The easiest way to the top bolt for the water pump is to take out the FMIC. Route your arm through the radiator fan. There will be a bigger hole up top. Use a small 1/4 ratchet.

Also, it's strongly recommended to replace the radiator drain plug if you took out the blue screw. In my case it was the green and blue.

[Lifted07Duramax]

I drained it from heat exchanger I think it was.
And yea if fmic was out it would've gone faster lol.

When the DIY says you CAN do it without taking out IC he doesn't say how much of a bitch the top bolt is

[deadmn1337]

I did it with the IC in but took the radiator fan out since it is only held by a clip and one screw and that gave me plenty of room to get to the top bolt.