Waterpump lifespan

[nightheart]

It's time for new belts and rollers, but I'm really considering skipping the waterpump replacement. Waterpump was last replaced in 2008 and about 15k ago. I know I should drive it more, but anyway. Averaging about 3000 miles a year the last couple of years, stretching it out till the next 2 belt changes (4 years), that would be under 30k on the waterpump. I'm not too concerned about saving the money on the replacement pump, its the added time to replace that is bothering me. Just looking for some feedback from you guys. I've never heard of a waterpump failing on a car due to age, at least not one that's been ran a few thousand miles every year. obviously if it does fail before being replaced, I'm out a ton more money and time. TIA

[JBC]

I thought the recommended change was with every other cam belt (timing belt) change out. So, if you change the cam belt every 30,000 miles, then you change the pump every 60k. I have read others saying they change it with every cam belt change or 30k. Either way, you seem to have at least another 15k before it is needed. Unless, of course, you show symptoms of need a water pump. Just some input from an 83 owner.

[Bradical]

The only thing that sort-of sucks about it is dumping the coolant out. It's 4 8mm nuts, 5 8mm bolts (something like that, someone will undoubtably correct me if I am even slightly wrong about that) and a paper gasket. Including the time it would take to dump the coolant from the lower radiator hose I would guess it adds an extra 20 minutes to the job at the most.

I agree with JBC with the every 60K but using time as an excuse not to do it aint a good one. I would use not wanting to have to dump the coolant and re-bleed it as my excuse, ha!

[thomasryan]

The pump on my vario motor was 22 years old and the bearings and seals where still fine...impeller was not though....

Having a linear belt tension at various operating temperatures, in my opinion, helps increase the longevity of of the pump.

[Bradical]

I suppose I forgot if the crank gear hasnt come off in a long time it can be quite the beeyotch. Now I feel ya nightheart

[88Silver924S]

I have the factory installed (1988 model year) water pump still working fine at 60k miles. Like you I haven't driven it as much the last few years; too many cars in the stable. I am used to water pumps being changed when they weep or make noise, hard to break old habits.

Not sure how the new Chinese pumps hold up. What brand(s) are you considering?

[nynor]

something to keep in mind: a waterpump failure can also lead to a timing belt failure. my '83 got very expensive due to a failed waterpump. no weeping, no noise.

that said, i am trying to think of how the waterpump could have problems if it is not being run and i am drawing a blank.

[JBC]

Originally Posted by Bradical

The only thing that sort-of sucks about it is dumping the coolant out. It's 4 8mm nuts, 5 8mm bolts (something like that, someone will undoubtably correct me if I am even slightly wrong about that) and a paper gasket. Including the time it would take to dump the coolant from the lower radiator hose I would guess it adds an extra 20 minutes to the job at the most.

I agree with JBC with the every 60K but using time as an excuse not to do it aint a good one. I would use not wanting to have to dump the coolant and re-bleed it as my excuse, ha!

Agree. Managing the coolant drain and reuse is a pain. I have gotten a procedure down but it still "sort-of-sucks".

[nightheart]

I never did a waterpump on my car yet, so I'm sure it will take me a lot longer than an extra 20 minutes, ha. I did change out the thermostat, rad fan switch, and the head gasket at different times, so I have the draining thing pretty much down, and yes it it isn't fun.

As for what pump I was considering, I emailed Zim's a few months ago about the different pumps they have. Their new pump is made by URO parts. That being said the person I talked to (name escapes me now) that URO parts has worked with Zims to increase the quality of their new pumps and they actually recommended the new ones vs the rebuilt ones. Zims are picky as to what can be accepted for a core exchange, and with the new one there isn't this hassle, was really the only justification. Something like 70 URO pumps sold in the last few years with zero returns or complaints, so I'm leaning towards a Zims pump, either rebuilt or new URO one.

Back on topic, I'll probably let it slide this time and skip the pump. I retentioned the belts last month (wanted to try out the arnworx tensioning tool) and checked the rollers. The car is going for safety/emissions testing next week, and everything is on hold till I make sure there isn't something to keep me from passing that I missed.

Thanks for the input guys.

[911tracker85]

LOL

just about to do this to my bro's 944S.

a couple years ago working on my 928, under it trying to drain 'just a little' coolant to repl a hose and things got out of hand.

so after getting the plug back in I am laying in about a 1/2 gallon of coolant on the floor.

started telling my self "YOU ARE HAVING FUN WRENCHING" I kept repeating between cursing until I started laughing.

good luck.

[nynor]

i've found that the best way to drain the majority of the coolant is to pull the plastic cap off the end of the waterpump and drain there, first. the NA guys may not have that plastic cap, unless they replaced their waterpump with the turbo style.

[88Silver924S]

Re: "my '83 got very expensive due to a failed waterpump. no weeping, no noise."

I hate to think that there is a quick-tempered time bomb under the hood and that the water pump may seize at any moment without warning. Next time I get that deep into the engine I probably will change it out.

So it just seized on you out of the blue? How many miles/years on it? Was it the original Porsche pump or a cheap aftermarket or rebuilt (what brand)? Belt too tight?

[nynor]

it didn't seize. in fact, the impeller felt fine. the pulley became tilted ever so slightly, this is with probably 50K+ miles on it, and the belt rode up onto the raised lip. this seized the belt. the teeth were stripped right off at the crank pulley and the belt was cut for about 4 inches, lengthwise, where it rode onto the raised lip of the waterpump pulley.

[Eric_Oz_S2]

89s2 original pump recently failed - 100,000 miles, lots of track use. Impeller separated from shaft while cruising on highway. Other than that still looked brand new when removed.

[djnolan]

For draining the coolant, to keep coolant from going all over the frame, crossmember, etc, Use an old lower radiator hose with the 90 degree bend, and hold the wide end right next to the radiator drain plug and the other end in the drain pan. Remove radiator plug...

Doesn't get the coolant out of the block but at least it is a good start.

edit: copyright clarkes garage

[Tony-K]

I've replaced a few water pumps at 90K miles. 30K is way too soon; a new Laso pump should go 100K miles; a rebuilt pump at least 60K, but even then I think you may be selling yourself short. I wouldn't expect much more than 100k out of any 944 water pump. I think buy new, best quality, and change at 90K is the best way to go.

[CHICKS]

I bought my 944 in 2009, and haven't changed the pump, and no idea how old or how many miles are on it. It'e even been on two engines. I wouldn't change it unless it's making noise, or leaking.