Water pump

[911 dreamer]

Hi all, I arrived home in the 996 last night to a strange rattling sound coming from the engine bay. I did some investigation and I believe it's the water pump, common apparently. I'm planning to do this myself but wondered if anyone can offer any advice on the following...

As the pump looks like it's on the verge of giving up altogether, would it be safe to remove the belt and drive it about 6 miles to a place where the work can be carried out? Pretty impossible to do it where it currently sits. Normally on the same journey the temp doesn't get anywhere near normal, and ambient temps in England this time of the year is pretty low anyway.

Any suggestions please?

Many thanks.

[Ahsai]

Absolutely NOT! Without the belt, the water pump is not spinning and coolant will not circulatate. The hot coolant can't flow to the radiator and the overheat will kill the engine. Without the belt, I won't even idle the engine for more than 1 min, let alone driving 6 miles.

Since you can hear the rattling, there's a good chance the impeller blades may break off and if that happens, you will need to flush out the broken pieces so they won't block the coolant passage and kill the engine. That's a ton of work.

I strongly suggest either repair it where it sits or tow it to a safe place to diy.

Edited May 9, 2015 by Ahsai

[911 dreamer]

Thanks Ahsai, that's all the confirmation I was after.

[JasonStern]

+1 for Ahsai's recommendation. Best case, you average 60MPH at which point you're running ~2,500+ RPM for 6 minutes straight with zero coolant circulating. That sounds like a recipe for a cracked head/cracked heads. But if you want to gamble a $10k motor to save a $75 tow fee, the internet can't stop you...

[White987S]

Also, only use an OE Porsche water pump, no aftermarket stuff. Replace thermostat at the same time, and serpentine belt. Good time to do a coolant flush, you'll need 3 gallons Porsche coolant and 3 gallons of distilled water.

[911 dreamer]

Thanks guys, just fine this and got it all back together, all seems fine. Just one question, I did as suggested and got an original Porsche pump, about £200, as opposed to the Italian brand at £85. Then when I was fitting it I noticed 'made in Italy' stamped on the side! Is that normal?

[JFP in PA]

Thanks guys, just fine this and got it all back together, all seems fine. Just one question, I did as suggested and got an original Porsche pump, about £200, as opposed to the Italian brand at £85. Then when I was fitting it I noticed 'made in Italy' stamped on the side! Is that normal?

 

Porsche sources parts from all over the world.

[911 dreamer]

I thought it might have been made in Germany though?

[JFP in PA]

I thought it might have been made in Germany though?

 

Not really, like their sister companies VW & Audi, you will find parts from the US, Poland, Japan, and just about everywhere else worth mentioning.   Just a normal day in 21st century auto manufacturing.

[911 dreamer]

That's ok then, thought I might have paid Porsche money for a patent part.. Thanks JFP