Coolant Leak Water Pump Replacement - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

JamesBorisPerez · 04-28-2010, 08:03 PM

I installed the aftermarket (NAPA) replacement water pump today. I made a mistake an purchased a cheap torque wrench, really upset when it did not work. Installing the unit was easy, you have to torque the bolts to 7 foot pounds, but since my torque wrench was no good, I just decided to tighten them gut und tight, no too tight. The serpintine belt was easy to install and I filled and bleed the cooling system.

The cars all put together, washed and waxed.

Tomorrow morning I test drive it from S.F. to San Jose, hope everything is good!

On other thing, after I bolted down the water pump, i spun it and it had a slight intermittent rub, I think it was the impeller to the gasket, it was very, very slight so I decided to go ahead with it.

Everyone's advice was great and really appriciate this forum!

2003 Boxster S, Aero Kit, Bose, Guards Red, Very Nice

Cloudsurfer · 04-28-2010, 09:42 PM

It's not possible for the impeller to rub on the gasket. If anything is running, it's the impeller to the case, and that is NOT good.

JamesBorisPerez · 04-29-2010, 03:54 PM

Now you got me really worried, I drove it in with no problem, but I know what your saying, it was a very slight rubbing, I hope it worked it's way out.

I think this weekend I will access it through the passenger compartment, take the belt off and see how it feels.

Thank You.

Cloudsurfer · 04-29-2010, 04:55 PM

Well, if it is the impeller contacting the case, if the impeller is metal, it will wear away whatever part of the case is contacting it, and if plastic, it will wear the impeller away until there is sufficient clearance. The problem, however, is that the debris that was "machined away" will now be in the coolant (more an issue with the former scenario).

Drive it a bit, pull the belt and spin it by hand, and if free, you may consider changing the coolant just to ensure there are no metal bits floating around in there.

jcb986 · 04-29-2010, 05:15 PM

If the water pump impeller is not pressed in at a certain distance it will rub. Always compare replacement to the original to be safe.

JamesBorisPerez · 05-03-2010, 12:48 PM

Yes, I'm a cheapo. But on I reviewed renntech and they stated the Costco Kirkland Group 47 Item 12850 was a fit, so I purchased one for $75.00. When I went to replace it, it fits but not as wide, I tighten down the unit as best I could but am worried it might slide on a hard turn, anyone else have this issue?

Boxtaboy · 05-03-2010, 12:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JamesBorisPerez

Yes, I'm a cheapo. But on I reviewed renntech and they stated the Costco Kirkland Group 47 Item 12850 was a fit, so I purchased one for $75.00. When I went to replace it, it fits but not as wide, I tighten down the unit as best I could but am worried it might slide on a hard turn, anyone else have this issue?

There's supposed to be a bracket at the base of the battery holding tray that you can unbolt and then slide left or right to accomodate a larger or smaller battery. Did you adjust the bracket prior to securing the new battery in?

JamesBorisPerez · 05-03-2010, 09:48 PM

Yes, I loosened the terminals and took the lower bracket off, I did secure down the new battery with the same bracket, but since it's not as wide I feel on a tight turn it would come loose. No big deal, I'll think of something. Damn, the original Porsche battery is nice!!, wish I could afford one.