another dead boxster @#$%!

[Frodo]

Originally Posted by tnoice

So question is, would you include changing out the AOS every 60-80,000 miles AND the water pump a good precautionary measure, or is it not needed. Run it till it breaks?

Yeah, I'd be interested in the answer to that question as well. When the AOS is going, are there sometimes/usually/always some symptoms that, if you're really paying attention, you can notice before having a potentially catastrophic episode like almost happened here?

Jake, I remember you talking about 2 modes of failure with the AOS, each with their own symptoms (white smoke in one case, a high pitched squeal at idle in the other). Are these symptoms pretty much always going to precede the failure?

Might removing the oil filler cap (checking for increased vacuum and difficult removal of the cap) at idle periodically ( maybe monthly??) be a good preventative maintenance measure to keep tabs on the AOS integrity?

[JTP]

When replacing the AOS, would you get the same part number or is there an improved design? Is the Motorsport version a better solution, despite the difference in cost? Same goes for the water pump, is there an improved pump or do we replace it with the same stock pump? Is there one made with metal impellers?

[mikefocke]

Link to the water pump Jake recommends.

I don't see a unique AOS on the site.

[demick]

I've not seen any confirmation that the Jake waterpump has a metal impeller. I've seen the question asked several times, but never answered.

[Jake Raby]

Originally Posted by demick

I've not seen any confirmation that the Jake waterpump has a metal impeller. I've seen the question asked several times, but never answered.

I am not selling a water pump with a metal impeller.. The main reason is IF the bearing in one of these units goes bad it will chew into the engine block and destroy it.
At the current state of development using a quality pump with a plastic impeller, but changing it out every 2-3 years is the best policy.

Excellence is going to cover the water pump issue in an upcoming issue, I spoke to the Editor yesterday and he told me that they'd be in touch for my data.

[Frodo]

So Jake, back to tnoice's question (specifically with regard to the AOS):

"So question is, would you include changing out the AOS every 60-80,000 miles AND the water pump a good precautionary measure, or is it not needed. Run it till it breaks?"

And (directly related to that question) are the early symptoms of AOS failure (mentioned in my last post) pretty reliable indicators that one can wait to see/hear, or should the AOS (like the water pump) just routinely be replaced after a certain number years? If it (the AOS) should be replaced based on age alone (ie, before any signs that it's failing), how long should we go between replacements?

[Jake Raby]

The best policy is to NEVER wait for the components to fail.. Doing so ALWAYS costs more money.. If nothing else you end up spending more money due to a tow bill and inconvenience and thats if no secondary failures occur or complete engine loss.

Waiting for things to break is never the best answer.

[JTP]

Originally Posted by mikefocke

Link to the water pump Jake recommends.

I don't see a unique AOS on the site.

Thanks Mike!