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

FrayAdjacent · 08-08-2008, 10:36 PM

So it figures, I had a second car (a Honda Fit) and JUST sold it which would have me driving my Boxster when I couldn't ride my motorcycle... The DAY after I sell my other car, the Boxster develops a problem.

Here's how it went down:

I drove to work today, and everything seemed fine. Top up, AC on, no issues. Operating temperature was at the usual level.

After work, I drive to a local IMAX theater downtown (2 miles or so from work) to check out a movie with coworkers. After that, I leave to go to a bier garten with said coworkers. Here is where it started:

Upon starting the engine and putting the top down at the theater, I hear something rattling. Sounds like a coke can, or something loose in the muffler. I drive the couple blocks to the bier garten, and the sound goes away. I look under the car and in both rear wheel wells, nothing out of place. A couple drips on the pavement. Doesn't smell like coolant (dabbed a finger in it).

Anyway... I start the drive home.. ~ 24 miles from where I was, mostly highway. I get about 12 miles into the drive, and the engine temperature is a little high. I have the top down and it's not too hot outside. I turn on the AC to get the fans going, and the temperature drops a little, but not much. Hit a red light, and the guy stopped next to me says I'm losing water or something. I start seeing smoke/steam. Pull to side of road and shut off engine. I can see a trail of coolant on the road. Crap. I'm about 1/4 to 1/2 mile away from a gas station, so I start it up and start driving. Coolant light starts blinking, then my alternator (battery) light comes on. Crap!

SO... I'm thinking the water pump failed, then the belt failed.

Right now the car is at the aforementioned gas station (insurance roadside assistance called out a truck, but the towing company called and said their truck is fubar at the moment. ) I'm planning on having the car towed to my house so I can get it up on stands and check it out.

Any feedback? Sounds like a water pump failure? If it's the water pump and the belt, it doesn't look like it will hurt the wallet too much ($311 for the pump from Pelican... $35 for the belt).

releese78 · 08-08-2008, 11:38 PM

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 · 08-09-2008, 06:57 AM

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 · 08-09-2008, 07:01 AM

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 · 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.