PLEASE HELP: Coolant Leaks
 

I took my 2000 Boxster S for a little drive this morning. I planned to do an oil change (more on that in a separate posting) and went to get some supplies.

When I returned home, I noticed coolant dripping out from the left front (running out under the bumper). I said some choice words and then decided to look at it while the car is jacked up.

When I jacked the rear of the car up, I heard fluid running out from under the car. There was a HUGE leak in the right rear of the car. I popped the trunk lid and saw the coolant level drop and then stabilize.

Since then, it has been steadily dripping. I have a picture of the source (or what seems to be the source) of the leak. I have no idea what this part is (I think it might be associated with the water pump). I tightened the bolts, but no luck.

By the way, I removed the bolt and re-installed it to see if the dripping increases or decreases. No change. More choice words were spoken.

I have not looked at the leak at the front yet. I think it might be at the radiator.

Any suggestions?

Looks like its the water pump. Take the engine cover off behind the seats and take the serp belt off. Check the WP for play at the pulley and for leaks. If it is loose, i wouldn't drive it, have it replaced right away. The WP impeller tends to dissintegrate, sending pieces of plastic throught the water passages which can cause blockages which can lead to cracked heads from overheating. While you're at it, replace the motor mount.

Ok thank you. I will try that.

Any idea what the leak in the front could be?

And why it dumped when I jacked the car up?

I have only had this car for 2 weeks and it has already attached itself to my credit card.

If you have access to a shop that will let you borrow some tools, you could borrow a pressure tester and hook it up. That will tell you exactly where its coming from... And its super easy to use :P

I got under the car and squeezed the coolant tube. Everytime I did that, coolant would start dripping out of that spot again.

I removed the coolant pump (WHAT AN ORDEAL) to see the condition of the pump and gasket.

See the pictures below what I found. There is no play in the bearing.

Could this be as easy as just the gasket? Can I be that lucky?

How would I know if it leaked at the pulley?

The areas that I marked up are very rough and could be the source of corrosion/leaking.

http://www.randombitcorp.com/boxster...037_marked.jpg
http://www.randombitcorp.com/boxster...ont_marked.jpg
http://www.randombitcorp.com/boxster...ack_marked.jpg

Is the pump original? If you had to cut part of the gasket to get the pump out, then it original and you should replace it. Be sure to scrupulously clean the mating surface at the engine, use torque wrench and tighten the bolts in a cross pattern, don't just go around in a circle.

Yes, I had to cut the gasket to get it out.

I have found an APA/URO PARTS water pump for about $125. Anybody know anything about those pumps?

No chance this pump is still any good? Or just not worth while the gamble?

That pump is shot. 4 of the 6 impeller fins are worn down. Those water pumps are good for about 3 years, regardless of mileage. Real POS. First step, replace it.

It could just be the angle at which I took the picture. The impeller blades are all the same height and shape.

However, I did go ahead and ordered me a new water pump.

After this, I need to figure out what the leak is in the front.

Get an OEM Porsche pump. Lots of failures reported with aftermarket pumps.

Suncoast Porsche in Florida usually has a good price on OEM Parts. I also would not use an aftermarket here at all.

Did you recently crunch the front end? Even a small bump against a high curb can crack the radiator. If you take the wheel liner out, you should be able to get a pretty good view of the radiator.