Dang it. 997 water pump leaking. *sigh*

HardDrive · 03-26-2014, 09:24 AM

I had new tires installed and an oil change on my 997. I was planning to take my daughter on a road trip to Washington DC tomorrow.

Mechanic calls me. Sorry bub. Water pumps is leaking. He can't get to it until Monday. Pump is 9 years old, so I guess I really shouldn't complain. Pretty common problem that I should have had inspected earlier. I'll rent a car. First world problems, I know, but I was looking forward to it. C'est la vie.

Nostril Cheese · 03-26-2014, 09:28 AM

It isnt that hard to replace..

Bumper cover and exhaust needs to come off through.

onewhippedpuppy · 03-26-2014, 09:28 AM

That's preferred to the occasional water pump impeller disintegration.

Arizona_928 · 03-26-2014, 09:31 AM

You forgot to hash tag! #firstworldproblems

Justin@Athens · Justin@Athens's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

That's preferred to the occasional water pump impeller disintegration.

This seems to be a really common thing on 987 997 generation vehicles. Even using the factory recommended coolant. Ask your mechanic to save the part so you can inspect it, I bet you will see signs of impeller stress fractures or evidence of the plastic becoming brittle. I had mine replaced at 5 years because the last thing you want is a whole bunch of plastic clogging up the coolant channels around the block.

Be glad you just have leaks and no larger issue.

Sorry about your trip though.

Arizona_928 · 03-26-2014, 10:05 AM

Do they make a metal impeller pump?

Shifter · 03-26-2014, 10:10 AM

On the upside, you get to drive a car that is faster, handles better and off-roads better than the 997!

That sleeper in the left lane? Just bump them out of the way with the indestructible rental!

Justin@Athens · Justin@Athens's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by AZ_porschekid

Do they make a metal impeller pump?

Yes, in fact there are 2 different options sold by our host that have metal impellers! This does not eliminate bearing fatigue and failure, but does lessen the damage when it happens. The clearance between the impeller blades and pump housing is extremely small. I think the plastic/composite impellers normally just shatter when the pump bearings allow enough play for there to be contact with the housing.

2008 Porsche 911 Carrera Coupe - Water Pump, Thermostat & Hoses - Page 1

HardDrive · 03-26-2014, 10:36 AM

My instinct is the replace it with OEM parts, and do it every 5 year like you suggest Justin.

I'm going to teach my kid how to drift a Nissan Altima

syncroid · 03-26-2014, 11:27 AM

Piece of cake. It's about a 3.5 hour job. Bumper cover and exhaust do not need to come off.

RANDY P · RANDY P's Garage

Metal impeller means if it fails, it potentially trashes the block- that's why they have plastic. Think about it, closely.

Arizona_928 · 03-26-2014, 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RANDY P

Metal impeller means if it fails, it potentially trashes the block- that's why they have plastic. Think about it, closely.

I think Key word is potential. I know when I replaced the water pump on my old tdi, it came down to the metal vs plastic impeller. With plastic impellers notorious to stop spinning on the shaft. So it was sought after to buy the metal impeller. But then again that's a iron block... hmmm Any examples of a metal impeller taking out a aluminum block?!

RANDY P · RANDY P's Garage

I think a lot of problems in general are overblown on the internet. Frankly, I'm OK with plastic- but my experience with the subject is from BMW- which fear of scoring the block is exactly why they are plastic...

There are millions of cars out there on the road with plastic, and the OE's did that not because of cost, but potential liability from damage.

rjp

sammyg2 · 03-26-2014, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HardDrive

I had new tires installed and an oil change on my 997. I was planning to take my daughter on a road trip to Washington DC tomorrow.

Mechanic calls me. Sorry bub. Water pumps is leaking. He can't get to it until Monday. Pump is 9 years old, so I guess I really shouldn't complain. Pretty common problem that I should have had inspected earlier. I'll rent a car. First world problems, I know, but I was looking forward to it. C'est la vie.

At least you can get a new water pump without too much trouble. Try finding one for a 1980 911 SC, darn near unpossible!

nostatic · nostatic's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by sammyg2

At least you can get a new water pump without too much trouble. Try finding one for a 1980 911 SC, darn near unpossible!

I've got a spare one I can sell you. But you have to have room to mount the gererator that is connected to it.

jyl · jyl's Garage

Wait - you took your Porsche to a mechanic to have the oil changed? And you dare post about it?

[/GREEN]

Quote:

I had new tires installed and an oil change on my 997. I was planning to take my daughter on a road trip to Washington DC tomorrow.

Mechanic calls me. Sorry bub. Water pumps is leaking. He can't get to it until Monday. Pump is 9 years old, so I guess I really shouldn't complain. Pretty common problem that I should have had inspected earlier. I'll rent a car. First world problems, I know, but I was looking forward to it. C'est la vie.

sammyg2 · 03-26-2014, 02:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nostatic

I've got a spare one I can sell you. But you have to have room to mount the gererator that is connected to it.

No can do, kool collar is in the way.

onewhippedpuppy · 03-26-2014, 03:13 PM

Quote:

Quote de RANDY P

Metal impeller means if it fails, it potentially trashes the block- that's why they have plastic. Think about it, closely.

I think Key word is potential. I know when I replaced the water pump on my old tdi, it came down to the metal vs plastic impeller. With plastic impellers notorious to stop spinning on the shaft. So it was sought after to buy the metal impeller. But then again that's a iron block... hmmm Any examples of a metal impeller taking out a aluminum block?!

Yes, it has happened. The bearing wears out be it plastic or metal, worst case is the plastic impeller breaks apart (still not good) when it wobbles and hits the block. With the metal it scores the block. Bearing play is the culprit, it wears out the seals and causes a leak typically before it starts bouncing the impeller off of the block.

rusnak · 03-26-2014, 03:42 PM

Why don't they just design one out of metal that is farther away from the block?

bell · bell's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nostril Cheese

It isnt that hard to replace..

Bumper cover and exhaust needs to come off through.

Not even. ..
Pull the cats. ... remove the engine support... Bam water pump. ..3-4 hours tops....
Book says 5 hours. ...