There's been lots of debate about water pumps here, so thought I'd relate my latest experience in that regard.

As the title says, my 3-year old Laso w/metal impeller has failed after 3 years and 49.000 km (about 31.000 Mi).

Car developed a sudden coolant leak, coming from behind timing belt cover, so suspicions quickly centered on the water pump. Turns out the bearing is shot. Rattles loudly when you spin it by hand, and motion feels 'lumpy'.

Think it's a bit premature for it to fail, but what do you guys say ?

Also, seem to vaguely recall something about Laso being interested in feedback on failed pumps. Does anyone know if that's true, and/or if there's any point in contacting them regarding this issue ?

Regards,
Erling

 

Good thing you caught it in time. Where and when did you buy it?

 

Yep, quite relieved at that. Bought it 3 years ago, in 2009, from a Swedish supplier of Porsche parts I often use (Mostly, but not always, cheaper than Danish sources of parts)

Regards,
Erling

 

Do you know if it was a rebuilt Laso or was it a new one?

 

It was definitely my impression it was new. In fact, I didn't know Laso rebuilt pumps - I've haven't been offered an exchange for my old pump, neither when buying the failed pump 3 years ago, nor now, when getting a new Laso with plastic impeller.

Regards,
Erling

 

Laso doesn't rebuild them but there are companies that do so. That's why I was asking. Will be watching this thread to see if there is any news.

 

Erling,
Laso is very interested in feedback on their water pumps.
Does it have the extra bush between the metal impeller and the shaft?
That will tell us how old it was.
Still unusual for a Laso failure and the failure rate is very low. However that is cerainly premature.
Make sure you replace it with the latest model with the plastic impeller.
Roger

 

My Laso pump with pinned plastic impeller failed after only 2 years and 30K miles.

I bought it from Roger.

 

Mine failed a couple weeks ago. I designed a lot of different pumps while working in aerospace. A plastic impeller works well if the pressure rise is not too high and the design is set so that cavitation will not be a problem. A light impeller will also extend the life of the bearing. My pump lasted about 30,000 miles and my previous pump lasted just a little longer. Hence, I would say that 30,000 is no surprise.

 

Laso does not pin their impellers. At least it did not eat a hole into your block.

 

Laso at least listened to us about the metal impeller so those type of failures are behind us now. I will pass on these failures to them and hope they will start to think about a better seal cartridge to aleviate leaks.

 

Bjbpe can you post details about your failures please. Type of pump, metal or plastic impeller, new or rebuilt?
Thanks,
Roger

 

Thanks all for the responses.

Must say I'm alarmed to see that several others have also had premature failures.

Roger; not sure about the bush you mention, but it looks to me like there is one. Snapped the picture below, hoping you might be able to tell from it.

The new pump installed is with plastic impeller.



Regards,
Erling

 

It should last a LOT longer. My original pump was changed at 95K miles, but was still in very good shape with no bearing play or seal leak. I've had equally good results with the two rebuilt Porsche pumps installed subsequently. Yes, there are occasional early failures, some VERY early, but we should expect much better from these pumps. If there is something inherent in the Laso design that would predispose them to early bearing or seal failure (not saying there is), I'd like to know what it is.

 

Hi Erling,
That is a second generation Laso. The one you are replacing it with is a 3rd generation.

Two failures so far in this thread out of the hundreds sold is not a panic situation. You do have two other choices and that is the $1100 Porsche pump - but they fail as well. There is Ed's Gaurdian Pump which last I know was based on a Laso. He may have put a better seal cartridge in it.

I will update Laso tomorrow after I get the additional information from Bjbpe.