In the process of modifying the divider plate in the water pump as many of you have probably done and while I'm there I would like to replace the outlet sleeves that fit into the 2 passages in the timing cover. One of the sleeves slid right out. The sleeve on the driver's side won't budge. I tried to free up by lightly tapping the outside of the sleeve with a hammer, but no luck. I also used a little PB Blaster penetrating loosener around the outside area of the sleeve (was very careful to not get any in the outlet itself), but no go. Anyone run into this and if so, how were you able to free it? I really don't want to remove the timing cover to get that thing out!

I did some digging on the Pontiac PY forum and it seems that some recommend only replacing the seals on the sleeves, so instead of trying to beat on the one that I can't remove, I'll just replace the seal on it.

I''m also going to replace my 11 bolt pump with one that I have seen recommended on this forum by a couple of people
(TFW 43102 11 bolt cast impeller @ NAPA).

I assume that the pump does not include the divider plate. Any recommendations on whether I should get a stainless steel or steel divider plate (I see both available @ Classic Industries)?

As always thanks for the advice. As novice I am learning as I go and the information that's available on this forum has helped me out tremendously and has bailed me out more than once!

Go SS on the plate. It will eliminate a possible source of rust in your coolant. The regular steel plates can look like a chunk of the Titanic hull if you let your antifreeze go.

Got it. SS it is. Thanks for the guidance!