1. Look over the entire system for leaks after it has reached operating temperature, with the radiator cap installed.

2. After the engine has run for at least 15 minutes, turn it off and recheck the belt tension. Retighten as necessary.

3. Check the antifreeze protection level. A 50/50 mixture will give the best protection against winter freezing and summer boil over.

4. Check the operation of the heater. If it doesn't function correctly, allow the engine to cool and recheck the coolant level.

5. Road test the vehicle to make sure the coolant remains in the specified limits. Also check the operation of the other components that may have been removed or loosened during this procedure involved (power steering, air conditioning, etc.)

6. Some cooling systems require bleeding the air out. Refer to the appropriate service manual for the location of the cooling system bleeder screw and proper bleeding procedure.

This is not a difficult job in most cases. Some vehicles may require jacking the car up to gain access to the water pump. If this is the case with your vehicle, be sure to use jack stands and block the rear wheels. Never work on a car supported by a jack alone.