Water pump failure?? - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

releese78 · 08-09-2008, 07:33 AM

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 · 08-09-2008, 07:59 AM

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 · 08-09-2008, 09:26 AM

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 · 08-09-2008, 09:28 AM

Broke on the press.

Tool Pants · 08-09-2008, 09:30 AM

Made in France, apparently by SEM but I could not find this company if SEM means the company. I may have Marvin try to get the pulley off another pump.

FrayAdjacent · 08-09-2008, 10:49 AM

It's DEFINITELY the water pump:

I appreciate you posting, TP. Got any suggestions on a better more durable pump? I want to get the part ordered today so I can get it in this week. For now, I'm borrowing a buddy's Saab 9-3, so it's no rush. Figure I might as well also flush the system and get some fresh coolant in, as well as do an oil change.

Thanks for the input. It really doesn't look very tough at all to remove the pump unit.

FrayAdjacent · 08-09-2008, 10:59 AM

Found this on ebay:

Water pump and seal

Looks like a winner? says it has a heavy duty metal impeller. Is that different than OEM?