Hey, welcome back!

They're not too bad to do. The separate metal pipe is a little tricky, but not too bad. If you have any oil seeping from the front camshaft seal, it will ruin the top "mushroom" seal on the pump. Good idea to fix that leak (and/or PCV issues) first.

For the pipe, make sure you install the cylindrical seal on the pipe and not in the pump. I add a *little* silicone sealant on the seal, mostly on the back and sides of it. It would not be helpful to put a big lump of silicone into the pump or heater tube. The tube is attached with either a nut and bolt, both 8 or 10mm, or just a small flange bolt. The fastener is in an inconvenient spot (on the bottom, I think).

You'll want to either transfer or replace the fan studs between the old and new pumps. They're about 80 cents each, which seems very worth it to me.

I never had to lever up on anything to get the pump installed. I did have to cut away a little bit of the timing belt cover on one engine, but not on 2 others.

I avoid Bosch pumps like the plague. I had 2 shaft seals fail under warranty and did not get the 2nd one replaced. I think I went with GMB. I try to get the one with the nicest looking impellers, but am not brand loyal.


Cheers!