Water Pump replacement Question

[big911fan]

I've been thinking about replacing the water pump on my 2006 Boxster S as a preventative measure. I only have 27K miles on the car but I understand age can take it's toll on the composite pump vanes.

My question is this:

If I replace the water pump and thermostat/housing, how much coolant should I expect to lose?

The capacity of the system is 6 gals. but will I lose all of it, most of it, or just a small amount of it during the replacement procedure.

I want to be prepared with the correct amount of new coolant on hand.

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by big911fan

I've been thinking about replacing the water pump on my 2006 Boxster S as a preventative measure. I only have 27K miles on the car but I understand age can take it's toll on the composite pump vanes.

My question is this:

If I replace the water pump and thermostat/housing, how much coolant should I expect to lose?

The capacity of the system is 6 gals. but will I lose all of it, most of it, or just a small amount of it during the replacement procedure.

I want to be prepared with the correct amount of new coolant on hand.

You are never going to get more than about 85% or so of the coolant out by just gravity draining the car; there are many places where the coolant gets held up and simply will not come out with out disassembling the car. That said, if this is your original coolant, you are more than due for fresh.

Buy three gallons of the Porsche coolant and three gallons for distilled water to premix it with. When you are done, you will have some premix left over for topping up down the road.

[WEST COAST 02]

Get yourself a vacuum purge/ refill tool, makes life easier when refilling the coolant system.

[bell]

During a water pump change you will need around 3.5 gallons to refill, I use 2 gallons of porsche coolant, 1.5 distilled water.
The vacuum fill method is the only way to ensure no air pockets. .... Don't forget to flip up the spring valve on the expansion tank to drain and refill. ....

[carreraken]

Originally Posted by bell

During a water pump change you will need around 3.5 gallons to refill, ....

Just did the water pump on my CS last weekend. I was able to drain about 3.5 gal as well with my car on jack stands. I used a 50/50 mix to refill.

Used the Airlift tool which worked great.

[big911fan]

Is the vacuum fill method really necessary or does it just make burping the system easier?

I really don't want to spend $100 on a tool that I may only use one time.

If I don't use the tool is it really difficult to get the air out or does it just take repeated fill/burp cycles to get the jog done?

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by big911fan

Is the vacuum fill method really necessary or does it just make burping the system easier?

I really don't want to spend $100 on a tool that I may only use one time.

If I don't use the tool is it really difficult to get the air out or does it just take repeated fill/burp cycles to get the jog done?

Vacuum filling totally eliminates any need for burping or topping up the car; it's a once and done deal.

And you would not be spending the money on a tool you would only use once; just about all manufacture's are now using vacuum fill systems, from Nissans to motorcycles. The Uview system is one of the most useful and used tools in the shop.

[big911fan]

I think I'm still looking for the answer to my question. I don't want to buy a $100 coolant vacuum tool.

So the question is "Can I drain and refill the coolant system the old fashioned way if I'm willing to go through a few burb/refill cycles until the reservoir is stable?" Or is the design of the coolant system such that manual filling/bleeding is virtually impossible?

I realize it might be a PITA not to use a vacuum tool but is it realistic or even possible to do it the old way.

I'm tired of buying tools for every vehicle I own. Like an oil extractor for my MB Bluetec , an extractor for my DEF fluid , special click-r pliers and clamps to change the fuel filter, Durametric software just to turn off a "Service Engine Soon" light on the Boxster S, etc, etc, etc.

Just had to vent. It's time for the revolution.....

[tcora]

I did the water pump on my 03 Boxster the "old fashioned" way. No big deal. Go for it!

[steveng1993]

When i drained and filled mine I had the rear up in the air on stands.
No issues at all.

Maybe if it was level would have been more difficult.

[Lyle.woodard]

I replaced all the rubber parts in the entire cooling system, along with water pump. Took a lot of antifreeze, but no problems. I followed Wayne's recommended burping procedure, and finished by running a couple of cycles with the rear of the car high on jack stands. No problems at all. That said, I will buy a solid vacuum fill system now because all three of our cars can use it. Recent work on my wife's Mini cooling system was difficult to get a good fill on.

[big911fan]

Thanks guys. That's what I was looking for.

A lot of cars are difficult to purge air from the cooling system. At least I know I can do it the old fashioned way and have a good chance of getting it right.