redhorse

...OK, did some searching but did not find answers in a reasonable amount of reading....so want to ask a water pump related question.

I have a 90 S2 and will soon be replacing all the timing related parts that wear. The waterpump currently in the car looks new, but there is no paperwork for a WP replacement among the documents I got with the car...so it will get replaced too.

As with many things I have read about these cars, there does not appear to be any "proven" guidelines about water pump replacement on them.

I am looking for the consensus (wow, even typing that word makes me sick at my stomach) view about new versus remanufactured. Of course, the issue is the cost. A remanufactured pump done by one of the companies that make the OEM new parts should be a good part. Then there are new pumps right now on eBay that look like remanufactured items....and are selling for about $135. Relatively speaking, that is a good price for a *new* S2 water pump, but as wilh rebuilder companies, there are differences in quality between new OEM suppliers as well.

So, those of you who have actual experience with these cars and their water pumps, what are your thoughts and recommendations? Much appreciated.

guardsred944s

http://www.rennbay.com/cooling-water...710df300cee607

$160 more than your ebay item.

IMHO I do not mind spending a little extra cash on something that is a known point of failure in our cars.

Darwantae951

Or you can order one from Zims. They are remanufactured units but I've used several and had absolutely zero issues. I've also installed them on friends cars who've had zero issues as well.

Their website is www.allzim.com. They've been using the same person to rebuild them for years and they stand behind their remanufactured pumps. I have one on my brand new 3.1L.

sweetskillsrk

Remanufactured sounds like it would be ok but I would go with new. Have always put new water pumps on my car. Whenever I can I like to buy refurb or used parts simply for the price difference but when it comes to something like a water pump I would definitely go with new, hands down every time. The chance of a refurb part going bad is probably much higher than that of a new part. If you get a crap water pump you're screwed and I'm sure you know what a non-working water pump will do to your car, fun stuff, haha. But if I were you, I'd go with a new water pump. +1 guardsred944s. Well thats my two cents, hope it helps.

Darwantae951

Keep in mind that there have been casting defects in new units. You can read about them here if you search.

sweetskillsrk

Yeah, I know, I never said its impossible to get a new water pump thats crap.

Dmitry S.

I vaguely remember that getting a new Porsche OEM pump for an S2 is in the $500+ range, with 2 week delivery from Germany (This was early 2006). The new pump made by Laso is $350, and I haven't heard too many good things about them. I ended up ordering a rebuilt unit for $130 from the parts supplier at work. 3.5 years later, the pump is still fine.

944Ross

These are very simple pumps; a cartridge bearing, an impeller, a pulley and a mechanical seal. I've taken apart original early and 85.5+ NA pumps, they don't have what I'd call superior technology. The bearing and the seal are all a reman outfit replaces (and probably the retaining clips), so quality of those parts determines life expectancy. The guy on eBay who rebuilds your pump will likely tell you where he gets his parts, I've corresponded with him about other things.

Note also that some reman's don't come with the seal behind the thermostat, and don't tell you that. They are cheap and easy to get, but you could end up waiting another week for the seal. BTDT....

Darwantae951

Just making sure the OP gets all the info.

V2Rocket

eventually i would like to go the electric waterpump route like one 951er has done and be done with it

John_AZ

redhorse,

I would actually like you to buy the eBay WP because I have been tempted to get one. Your input would be valuable.

I will probably go with a Zims rebuilt because of their core return policy (no crap or damage), guarantee and quality of work.

GL
John_AZ

redhorse

Good to know...however, when I read their information sheet about returning the core, they mention that the units are rebuilt by several manufacturers..and talk about holding your core deposit until a factory tells them the core is rebuildable. I like the idea of some ol' timer in one of those small 1800s German immigrant towns in the Texas Hill Country rebuilding these things better than when new. But that data sheet make them sound like K-Mart blue light specials. Guess I will call and ask.

smokin_944

I've got 52,000 miles on the newer style updated Laso pump, no problems. I agree with Sweetskillsrk and Guardsred944s that rebuit pumps are an unknown factor. Why take a chance?

Luis de Prat

I just bought a brand new LASO waterpump for my S2 on www.ebay.de for €188 delivered, no core charge.

Don't care for rebuilt pumps personally, as they create a big hassle if they crap out after a mere 30K miles or less, which they have been known to do.

p_tothe_g

GO WITH NEW AND SAVE YOURSELF HEADACHES!!!!
I just recently went through a major issue with (3) water pumps. Initially bought a rebuilt from Paragon and installed, only to find out that the timing belt pully was not pressed on far enough and was rubbing on the balance shaft belt (pretty tight clearance there). Luckily I found the issue and got another rebuilt pump with the same issue, finally returned everything and got a Laso pump. The pully was in the right spot, but there were an aweful lot of machine burrs inside and out, a few minutes with a fine file and all is good. The fact I had to to a water pump job twice, not so good. Go with a new pump.