Water Pump Question

[colt1911]

Hi,

I was wondering what are the symptoms that I can look for to see if I may have a possible water pump failure. I looked at some threads and they mentioned that there's a noise that I can look for. Would this noise be loud enough for me to hear while in the car or does it require me to be outside? I don't hear anything from the inside but when I'm outside there's a slight ticking sound when I first start the car but that would go away after several minutes. Would that be a concern? I don't see any liquids dripping under my car.

Thanks.

[tonythetarga]

How are your coolant temperatures? If you are overheating the impeller may be breaking up and not moving enough water. If your temps are normal then you should be OK for now. The water pump replacement is now normal when doing clutch work or other service work over 60K if the pump has not been replaced. It is more critical on the 97-01 Boxsters that had the thinner walled cylinders that could crack if overheated. The thermostat should be changed to the LN low temp (160) version to allow the coolant to circulate to the rads a bit sooner than the stock 180 degree thermostat.

Your ticking noise could be the hydraulic lifters being pumped up when you start up the car.

[colt1911]

Thanks for the input. I may just be being paranoid after reading some water pump failures at the 30k mark. I'm going to get my car serviced for the TPC unit being inactive and that's when I heard the ticking sound when I was out of the car checking my tires.

[Super 90]

That's the problem with internet forums! The more you read, the more you're petrified that someone else's problems are yours!

[Wayne 962]

Article on water pump replacement if you need it: Pelican Technical Article: Boxster Water Pump & Boxster Thermostat Replacement - 986 / 987

-Wayne