timing belts / water pump - what else should i replace while i'm in there?

[mike944]

Hey guys,

My water pump recently blew a seal on me, so i am replacing it. I bought a rebuilt pump, and new belts. I just did the rollers and front end seals less than 10K ago. Yes, i know i should have replaced the pump at the same time, but it looked pretty new. So that's my own stupid fault for not listening to everybody here, now i'm paying for it by having to tear into the front end again so soon. Anyway..... Anything else i should replace while I have the front end ripped apart? oil cooler seals maybe? If i should replace the cooler seals, anyone have a picture of what they look like? I have a complete gasket kit for the car, and want to make sure i have the seals before i open it up. The car has about 160K on it.

-Mike

[1.2gees]

Well if you did the seals already (around the pulleys), I don't think there's much else to do.

What year is your 944?
Ahmet

[TCMdocs944]

Sounds like you've pretty much got it.
I, personally, wouldn't bother with the cooler seals till they go, or if you have the exhaust manifolds off for some reason.
With the manifolds off(if you arent still cussing from that job) the cooler is VERY easy to get to.

If you are really board the bottom end could always use a good cleaning.

[mike944]

I was only thinking of doing cooler seals only because i thought the cooler might be easier to access with the water pump removed. I don't want to wait until the seals blow, then i'll be stuck cleaning oil out of the cooling system and vice-versa.

Can the cooler seals be replaced without removing the exhuast manifolds?

Mike

[1.2gees]

What year is your 944?
Ahmet

[TCMdocs944]

Yes the cooler can be changed without removing anything else....It just sucks.
It is only held on by a few bolts, most of which come out easy enough, but the ones sandwiched between the cooler and manifold are terrible. If you can get a good visual on them when changing the pump, go for it!

Obviously, thermostat change. I would go with the lower temp and eventually get the lower temp thermo-fan switch as well.