Water Pump Failure Process

[patssle]

Thanks! How about during vehicle operation - if it were to fail while driving?

[Grim1ock77]

Mine just went on my 99. It was cold out so I had a lot of smoke coming out of the rear where the coolant was smoking off of the engine's headers. If you've lost all of your coolant the engine temp will also start to rise very quickly - if this happens STOP! and turn off the car and get a tow. It is an easy replacement to do on your own (a way to lift the car up is very useful though)

[Meir]

Originally Posted by patssle

Thanks! How about during vehicle operation - if it were to fail while driving?

let me make it easier for you.
look at your odometer. if it reads over 70K, do yourself a favor and replace the pump.
70K is 10K more then the recommended on the Porsche service book. the damage that can be caused by a failing pump doesn't worth it.
beside the risk of over heating, the pump impeller is made of plastic.
when the pump files, small pieces of plastic can go on the coolant circuit, and can clog
small coolant passages.
i know you didn't ask (yet), but yes, go with a new OEM pump.

[husker boxster]

When it's going out, you will smell antifreeze. But you don't have much time left at that point because antifreeze is streaming out.

[patssle]

By engine temp being at max, does that mean the light only comes on when the needle hits the red at 250 degreees?

The car I'm buying has 46k miles - so not quite up there yet in mileage. But something I will be considered if I have or do any work on it. And of course it can fail at anytime - just wanting to know what to look for!