Coolant leak - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

tboyer · 02-20-2009, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Viper5

Did you have someone tell you that or were you able to figure that out on your own? If so, then how? And how much did it cost?

How is it the water pump if I didn't turn the car on (not giving power to pump) and it's still leaking?

Cost: $900.00

Could be leaking and catching residual on the surrounding brackets/hoses/etc....after the dealer replace my water pump (and sep belt), it appeared to still be leaking the next day with a fresh puddle under the car.

Turns out that coolant had found its way and pooled on other parts surrounding the pump. Problem solved after a day of driving.

Viper5 · 02-20-2009, 07:30 PM

After thinking about what is happening with the dripping of fluid, I have come to the conclusion that the hose is OK. The nut is OK. I strongly believe that the leak is actually above the point of drippage. I'm leaning towards a bad pump, but what other possible parts could it be if it's dripping from right above (which is right where the pump is located)? Basically, I want to know if any other possible part could be failing causing a leak at that spot. Or maybe due to a lesser expensive part such as an o-ring or gasket.

Also, if it is indeed the water pump, will I be able to tell if I take a look at it tomorrow by tearing the firewall down and looking at it from a top view?

Another question is, if I remove the water pump, can I determine if it is the causation of the leak and if so, how?

Thanks.

Viper5 · 02-22-2009, 02:19 PM

I removed the water pump and I'm not sure what to look for to see if it's bad, but it seems to look fine. I attached some pictures of it. When I turn it via the pulley, it does not turn freely, but at the same time there is some resistance. Is this normal?

cnavarro · 02-22-2009, 03:20 PM

Is it me, or does it look like there's a bit of silicon on that sealing surface and transfer onto the gasket? Looks like it might have been removed previously.

While holding the housing and trying to spin the pulley, it doesn't freely spin? That doesn't seem right - every pump I've handled spins freely without any resistance.

Viper5 · 02-22-2009, 05:21 PM

It turns freely in the sense that there is no sound of rattling from inside. But obviously there is some object inside causing friction to slow it down. Thats all I meant. When I grab the pulley and rotate, it will go for about 4 times around. I can't really see the impellers while they are spinning but it seems like about that many. Which picture are you referring to with the silicon? And what should it look like.

Blue-S · 02-22-2009, 07:12 PM

There should be a weep hole on the front of the pump casting, at the bottom of the bearing area. The weep hole is needed to vent coolant that will seep into the bearing if the shaft seal is failing. The problem is that the pulley hides the weep hole.

My 2000 S has a one-year-old genuine Porsche pump on it, and it's already weeping -- as is evidenced by a coolant smell in the garage after driving the car, and pinkish streaks all over the front of the pump casting. Looks like I will be swapping a new pump onto my car soon. I can't pursue a warranty replacement because the pump was installed before I owned the car.

Viper5 · 02-22-2009, 07:25 PM

I just can't tell if there is anything wrong with the one I have. I think I may just order another one with the gasket anyway since I don't see what else it could possibly be.

My current pump has a part number ending in '3,' but this one ends in 4. Blue-s, what does yours say? I'm gonna call tomorrow to see if it fits. When I click on info, it says it fits all models up to 2004 whether it be boxster or boxster s EXCEPT for the 2000 boxster s. This sounds like a mistake and I will call to confirm this. The Laso part number is the same and it says it is indeed compatible with the 2000 boxster s.

http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/raframecatalog.php?carcode=1364385&parttype=2208&a=FRc1364385k1134011