Water Pump no warning!!! - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

redciv1 · 04-02-2019, 09:45 AM

Just curious how many of you out there had a water pump to go without leaking or any signs. Car has about 146K. Every other car I have owned before normally started leaking before complete failure.

alm001 · 04-02-2019, 09:52 AM

I had no leaking, just a noise like a diesel truck was behind me.

redciv1 · 04-02-2019, 10:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alm001

I had no leaking, just a noise like a diesel truck was behind me.

I saw smoke while slowing to make a turn and then squeaky pulley noise. I pulled over before temp gauge started to move. Unfortunately, with new position and hours, I have not had a chance to confirm, but pretty sure unless one of the hoses was cut.

Geof3 · 04-02-2019, 10:16 AM

Mine leaked but not much. Often they weep and it is not obvious unless looking for it specifically.

redciv1 · 04-02-2019, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Geof3

Mine leaked but not much. Often they weep and it is not obvious unless looking for it specifically.

My underbody panels are off so if it leaked I never saw on garage floor.

BrokenLinkage · 04-02-2019, 10:54 AM

Mine made a noise like brush / debris caught between the brake rotor and the dust shield, but Not correlated with wheel speed. Noise stopped before I got to a place whwre I could investigate.
The next night, in the rain, dash temp light flashed to indicate "low coolant," so I diverted to a place could get some distilled water as a fller. Before I could get there, got the loud belt squeal then thumping of thrown belt. I knew the problem so got a tow home rather than risk overheating. On inpection, impeller was Destroyed.

redciv1 · 04-02-2019, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrokenLinkage

Mine made a noise like brush / debris caught between the brake rotor and the dust shield, but Not correlated with wheel speed. Noise stopped before I got to a place whwre I could investigate.
The next night, in the rain, dash temp light flashed to indicate "low coolant," so I diverted to a place could get some distilled water as a fller. Before I could get there, got the loud belt squeal then thumping of thrown belt. I knew the Problem so got a tow home rather than risk overheating. On inpection, impeller was Destroed

WOW. Yeah, I almost can't wait to get that pump off to see the damage. Its really bad when you can't find the time to jack the car up on stands and take a peak!!!

grc0456 · 04-02-2019, 11:02 AM

I got a “tweety bird” chirping sound that correlated with engine revs. Took it to my indie before failure.

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Geof3 · 04-02-2019, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redciv1

My underbody panels are off so if it leaked I never saw on garage floor.

Mine didn't either. It literally weeped and caked. I just happened to see some pink looking residue one day while doing something else. Fortunately caught it before failure.

Benitom · 04-02-2019, 06:19 PM

Minor leak - I never noticed the leak but it sounded like plastic clanking around after the blade broke.

Took it to mechanic he pointed it out right away.

Frodo · 04-03-2019, 03:05 AM

I could smell it for a day or two before it went.

BOOTLEG · 04-03-2019, 09:20 AM

An indirect but related event was my discovery of these plastic pieces in the coolant circuit of my oil cooler. I only looked because one of the real experts on this site was adamant these should be replaced or at very least flushed. So likely from an impeller in a state of premature failure.

j.fro · 04-05-2019, 04:25 AM

Those little pieces are Satan himself!! Flush forwards and backwards until it runs clear, then do it again. Those little bits are the cause of cracked heads.

BOOTLEG · 04-06-2019, 02:16 AM

j.fro,
Is your "flush forwards and backwards" referring to the cooler or the engine? I just bought a new cooler but still considering how best to flush the engine - it's currently sitting on my shop cart getting ready to jump back in the car.
BL

kirkandorules · 04-08-2019, 09:44 AM

Mine failed pretty abruptly. Never had any sign of any leak until it happened. Luckily, it must have been very close to home, as I didn't notice anything until I pulled into the garage and saw a huge cloud of smoke from the engine compartment vent. Looked under the car, saw coolant dripping pretty rapidly. The roller on my pump was very loose and wobbly.

BrokenLinkage · 04-08-2019, 12:36 PM

@Bootleg- did you go with the 997x version oil cooler? If so, can you confirm the exact part number and how much clearance was available?

BOOTLEG · 04-09-2019, 05:05 AM

Pelican P/N 996-107-025-59- M6

Is this a 997 OC?

BrokenLinkage · 04-09-2019, 06:02 AM

I believe that one (99610702559) supercedes 99610702557, which is listed oem for the 986 BoxsterS 3.2 liter AND the 997 series 3.6 liter.
But forum member TRK had suggested in another post that the 997 oil cooler is larger (thus presumedly more effective) and fits the 986. I believe he must be referring to part 99710702500, which is listed for the 997 series 3.8 liter cars. I am just trying to get some confirmation before ordering the 997xxx part. If I am going to replace the oil cooler anyway, might as well upgrade at the same time, but want to make sure I am ordering the right "upgrade" part number.

Markt213 · 04-09-2019, 09:01 AM

On other cars I usually replace the water pump when I replace the timing belt. I am planning to replace my 05 987 belt soon should I do the water pump. It has 50k miles and I do not know if it has been replaced.

Geof3 · 04-09-2019, 09:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Markt213

On other cars I usually replace the water pump when I replace the timing belt. I am planning to replace my 05 987 belt soon should I do the water pump. It has 50k miles and I do not know if it has been replaced.

Yes, 50k is a good realm for replacement. Use the Porsche part...