Water pump failure??

[releese78]

Definitely sounds like a water pump. Mine went at the worst possible place...100 miles from anything that resembles civilization, the temp never went up but the light was flashing and coolant was pissing out of the bottom of the car like crazy. I had to drive it to the nearest gas station, grab 2 jugs of water and stop every 5 miles to keep it somewhat full. By the time I made it home, it sounded like an 82' Corolla! The impeller was completely blown apart and the shaft was knocking around.

Most of you would say...ARE YOU FRIGGIN NUTS DRIVING IT LIKE THAT???

Short answer...Yes. I was as careful as can be and took my time. It was either that or spend the night in the middle of the Everglades with the gators, panthers snakes, and bears.

Luckily, I changed the pump and there was no other damage to the car, runs like a champ again!

I paid $300 for the pump at a local dealership because Suncoast was closed for the holiday weekend. A word of advice...Get yours at Suncoast (www.e-partssales.com), the pump and gasket is $200 from them (Genuine Porsche).

Be prepared for one pain in the ass job though, take out the seats and remove the belly pan, it makes the job much easier. You'll probably be calling your car every 4 letter name in the book before the day is through, but it will be worth it in the end considering you saved $800 worth of labor at the dealership. Good Luck!

[Cloudsurfer]

As far as driving the car without the pump operating, despite having coolant in the system (by adding it as the level keeps dropping), you do not have circulation, and this is still certainly not good for the motor.

Patrick

[FrayAdjacent]

So Releese, it wasn't TOO difficult to swap the pump?

I'm kinda figuring it won't be that difficult, but yeah, getting around in that engine bay might be a PITA.

[releese78]

Well, I wouldnt say it was easy. I used to be a mechanic at a Ford dealership, and I still had a tough time with it. Main reason is accessability. You're working from within a small access hole. You will need a good array of 1/4" drive accessories to get it done. The basic concept is easy (remove the belt, take out about (8) 10mm bolts, then put it back together. Problem is getting to the bolts. If you have a couple lengths of extensions, swivels and a ratcheting 10mm wrench, you should be fine. I found that it's easier to get to the lower bolts from underneath the car.

[FrayAdjacent]

yeah, it seems like accessing it will be the biggest challenge. Replacing a water pump should be uber easy otherwise. I have a good socket set, but might need to get some of the swiveling extensions. Sounds like those can be a life saver!

I've worked in a few tight spaces on a few cars, and generally have the tenacity to get a job done, but I did put a call into a local shop to see what they would charge for labor.

Thanks for the link to the part... I had my buddy check Pelican, and he says they want $311 for it. I'll also get a belt, since I think mine failed. If not, it's a good 'while you're in there' item. I'm close to 60k miles, so it may be time for it anyway.

[Tool Pants]

If it is the pump.

http://www.986forum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=16490&page=2&pp=20&highlight=impeller

Went to a cooling tech session at an independent shop last year and Bob the owner said he sees a lot of these at around 60,000 miles.

Marvin who also has an independent shop has replaced 2 this week.

As far as buying a replacement that is the same as what just failed. Why? Crappy oem pump as far as I'm concerned. I have a 1988 Toyota truck with 156,000 miles with the original pump. Porsche also sells a crappy plastic coolant tank made by Geiger. I say go aftermarket. $110 on ebay or your local parts place like Kragen.

Marvin has a press. Last week I asked him to press off the pulley to see who makes the pump. As soon as the press started pressing on the shaft the pump broke. I want to see behind the pulley to determine who makes the pump.

[Tool Pants]

Broke on the press.