Waterpump replacement-my amateur experience

My 2006 was oozing smelly pink juice so I ordered h2o pump and serpentine belt, tophose, thermostat, 2gal Zerex for Asian cars at Napa.
Total $160.
I looked at many posts re method to replace, incl shop manual.
I took it all in and kind of made it my own.
First, remove skid shield and the cover connecting the radiator to the fan shroud.
Crack the drain over a bucket.
Next top hose and bottom hose.
It is suggested in the manual the shroud comes out next....this is not true....you have to un-bolt the fan and take both out together...there is not clearance for the shroud without removing the fan.
Then the pulleys, left, right, and tensioner(tensioner is LH thread).
The two coolant lines to the oil filter base.
then the 14 bolts for the pump, plus 3 for the inlet.
remove the pump (reposition your catch bucket first!)
clean the surfaces and 14mm bolts you removed...they had sealant on the threads.
I did not apply Permatex to the gasket...it looked clean and tight and didn't see the need.
I did not drain the heater core.
the fillup took 2 gal of coolant incl overflow reservoir.
worked great.
2.5hrs for an amateur with handtools, doing it for the first time.
Saved over $300.
Thanks to those who offered knowledge.

 

Wow!! My hat off for ya, I would probably double your time frame if it was me, but like you said you saved $300.

 

good job on the swap out. Some one else will probably chime in here... but you should have gone to the stealer to buy the antifreeze. Not sure if mixing the two brands is a good idea or not....

 

way to tackle this yourself! i have found that trying to do it yourself is very rewarding and getting to know your truck better. props to ya man.

 

You should be fine with the antifreeze.

http://www.valvoline.com/products/brands/zerex/antifreeze/105