Change water pump and thermostat - tips/tricks?

[s_wilwerding]

Just about the change my water pump and thermostat (using a low temp replacement).

Is the sealing ring for the coolant drain the same size as for the oil pan plug? If not, does anyone know the part number?

Thoughts on flushing with distilled water after draining the coolant?

Looks like a lot of people use something like this to remove the hoses from the thermostat and water pump

Any other suggestions?

[Starter986]

Park the car on an incline, nose first, so gravity assists the draining process.

Consider replacing the motor mount at the same time. Makes the "fifth" pump bolt easier to navigate.

Flush? Nah.

Approach it like it's NOT a Porsche, and you'll be fine.

In conclusion, and because this topic has been covered a billion times... do more reading. More. I.E. Seek and ye shall find.

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by s_wilwerding

Just about the change my water pump and thermostat (using a low temp replacement).

Is the sealing ring for the coolant drain the same size as for the oil pan plug? If not, does anyone know the part number?

Thoughts on flushing with distilled water after draining the coolant?

Looks like a lot of people use something like this to remove the hoses from the thermostat and water pump

Any other suggestions?

Wrong tool for removing the hoses, you should have one of these:



You insert one of these under the hose to work it loose. Amazon sells them and they work on any hose.

You should also get a piece of cardboard the size of the water pump, and mark and label the various bolt holes in the replacement pump. Then, as you remove each bolt, insert it into the matching hole in the cardboard, that way you will know which bolt goes in which hole. Not all the bolts are the same, and the most common DIY water pump failure we see is mixing up the bolts.

[78F350]

It is best to use a metal gasket that comes with a coating like the original gasket - these require no sealant. If you use a fiber gasket with with sealant, use a minimal amount of sealant - excess sealant can break off after it hardens and get stuck in the small coolant passages in the head.

For draining coolant. I typically drain it directly from the hose on the thermostat when I disconnect it. I use a plastic storage tub underneath the car to catch all of the coolant when it drains.



Many people will also replace the engine mount while they are doing the water pump. It's located in the same area and it is easier to reach all the bolts while the engine mount is removed.

[Frodo]

Originally Posted by JFP in PA

Not all the bolts are the same, and the most common DIY water pump failure we see is mixing up the bolts.

True, but IIRC all of them are the same size except one. Just make sure to keep track which one that is. The others are interchangeable. (I'm speaking based on my experience with mine, a 2001. While I think they're all similar, it's conceivable that other 986s differ. Just keep track as you take them out.)

[78F350]

This is my belief:

[Radman]

This is correct

[Frodo]

That's almost certainly right, I stand corrected.
I remembered there was a reasonably easy way of keeping track where the long bolt(s) went...and I believe that's what it was: ie where those sleeve extensions are. I had thought it was just one, but looks like there are two.
Good call.

[nuvolari]

Originally Posted by s_wilwerding

Is the sealing ring for the coolant drain the same size as for the oil pan plug? If not, does anyone know the part number?

No, coolant drain plug is much smaller, part # 900 123 144 30.

[Bush Pilot]

Originally Posted by JFP in PA

Wrong tool for removing the hoses, you should have one of these:



You insert one of these under the hose to work it loose. Amazon sells them and they work on any hose.

You should also get a piece of cardboard the size of the water pump, and mark and label the various bolt holes in the replacement pump. Then, as you remove each bolt, insert it into the matching hole in the cardboard, that way you will know which bolt goes in which hole. Not all the bolts are the same, and the most common DIY water pump failure we see is mixing up the bolts.

Completely agree. Those pics are the right tools.