My last water pump to be installed
 

then I'm selling her. So I'm going to replace the pump with a $150 cheap-ass after market unit from Oreillys auto parts. My question is (and I hate asking this) can I replace the fluid with regular Prestone or do I have to use the high dollar Porsche coolant? I hope to capture and re-use the coolant I drain out... unless it's rusty or looks contaminated. Normally I would never cut costs, but I'm planning to upgrade to a newer low mileage Boxster, and selling my older high mileage one.

I've been running regular Prestone for a couple of years now with no ill effects. It's true that certain types can cause problems but if you choose the right one it's fine. My opinion, but not just mine.

My indy thinks the Porsche coolant is snake oil. I think he uses Prestone across the board. He said it's a coolant change, not a blood transfusion.

Are you going to disclose all that to the buyer?

If not, that's a crappy thing to do, especially considering you can buy a pierburg WP is around $165 from warehouse33auto.com with the rennlist xtra 10% off

I do concur with Jay. Use good parts!

If you're changing coolant types, make sure to flush completely. I like Zerex G-05 as it's the slightly older Mercedes-Benz coolant. And if it's good enough for a V12 Mercedes, it's good enough for a Porsche. ;)

The issue with coolant types is that some are not compatible with others and will cause goo to form in the cooling system if mixed together.

If you are going to change coolant type, be sure to fully flush the system with distilled water first

Just because it is used in a V12 merc, does not mean it is proper for a Porsche M96. It may be fine and it may be disastrous

dude! cheap ass water pumps are on ebay. for between $50-$100
:cheers:

That may be true, but it's a crappy thing to do to the next owner

Karma is a b!tch

+1
The previous owner of my Boxster let the car sit for 3 years without any maintenance. At least he told me before I drove off.

After changing a few water pumps and reading through the forums, I've become a water pump heretic.
I see no reason to buy an expensive pump, and I see the metal vs composite impeller as a moot point. I will be changing mine about every two years and running Zerex or Prestone as my coolant. I do not trust an OEM pump much longer than that anyway. If I can get a Pierburg for about $150 sure, but otherwise GMB, Gates, Beck Arnley ~$100 and I'm satisfied for two years, then changing it again.
Not doing this:
http://986forum.com/forums/uploads02...1462506431.jpg
and this:
http://986forum.com/forums/uploads02...1462506710.jpg
again. :barf:

The task itself is pretty easy.

If I sell, I'm informing and explaining.

See post # 4
Pierburg WP ~$165

Pentofrost in mine.

I understand water pump failures are common. This is the 4th one on mine (110k miles). The previous pumps were installed by a shop at $600 a pop, and I'm sure they were cheap after-market units. I'm kicking myself for not replacing them myself. It's actually easier than doing a Chevy water pump. I do plan to replace the coolant with Prestone after flushing the system out. Water pump failures are a normal part of life on the 986s.

I have saved every receipt as did the first owner and plan to disclose everything to the next owner. It is a well documented car. I'm sure the next owner will be here on this forum so I plan to be straight up.

My indie shop, which I trust as they give me options to keep my costs down, told me that metal impellers can be a problem. When they fail they can chew up the block.

Carlos

That is a great price!

+1 on the flush plus any coolant suitable for the aluminum block. I think the spec is "phosphate free coolant". I've been using this for over 100K in my car.
+1 on finding a $165 Pierburg water pump.

+1. How will you feel when you find out that your next Boxster has been loaded up with cheap ass parts and the wrong fluids?

Well, like a politician, Im going to flip flop. I replaced the water pump myself. It was so easy.. easier than a Chevy :) I wished I had done the previous pumps myself and saved $$. This garage queen runs great, and don't think I'm going to sell her now. So the water pump was $150 and 3 hours of my time as compared to $600 and having someone else do it. I think the shops have been taking me for a ride with the cheaper water pumps. I don't mind cheap pumps, they're easy to replace!

My last water pump to be installed
 

I wouldnt do that. Cheap water pumps can break apart and ruin an engine. Good ones can as well, but it's much more likely using one like you are considering . The next guy is not going to know. Porsche owners need to take care of each other. It is expensive enough as it is.


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