Greetings,

After spending quite a bit of time trying to decide whether to attempt a water pump change, I’m leaning toward doing it myself. Original pump, only 36k miles but 20 years old and I know I’m on borrowed time. I’m certainly not a pro mechanic but not a rookie either.
There’s a wealth of info here and YouTube re: doing this. Likely going to pick up the LN Engineering set along with coolant, a few of the hoses, serp belt, low temp t-stat, etc. Doesn’t really matter if it takes me 5-10 hours as I enjoy doing it (plus a labor quote from a reputable shop was about $600-700.)

How necessary is a vacuum coolant lift? The vendors threaten that ill overheat and destroy my engine if I don’t chuck out the $150 to get one, but I changed my coolant and expansion tank without using one.

Some folks say to remove the bumper and cats but exhaust work sucks and I’m hoping to avoid that. Couple of videos I watched did NOT remove the cat converters. The videos made it look pretty easy.

Are there any unusual things I need to know about, like External Torx bits that I wasn’t familiar with? I want to have everything at hand if possible. I hate being in the middle of a project and having to wait 3 days for a part I didn’t know I needed.

Thinking of ordering the hoses from Auto Atlanta unless LN also offers them. Forgot to ask that. Going to attempt to attach photos of hoses I’m going to order. Any other things come to mind? Many thanks for any help. 2000 C2 Cabriolet 6spd.

 

I say go for it, one of the less complicated jobs you'll encounter with your 996. No need to remove exhaust and/or bumper, just take your time, and save yourself a lot of $ in the process. $600-$700 to change a water pump? Pirates! I used the AirLift Tool to fill my 996, it worked, like, once and then the gauge crapped out! You can make your own judgement on that one. I would say that if you stay vigilant about your coolant level, and keep the vent on your coolant tank open, for about a week you shouldn't have any problems with air pockets. I don't recall having to deal with any exotic hardware doing this job, but a capital idea to change out the T-Stat and hoses while you're in there. Best of Luck.

 

I would agree. Pretty easy job. I would recommend a vacuum filler though. I was too cheap to buy the brand name one for the few times I will use it, so picked up a cheap Chinese one from my local Princess Auto (sort of a Canadian Habour Freight), for $50 or so. Works perfect. I’ve used it twice, so it paid for itself I figure.

Use this technique to drain coolant properly. Ahsai is a genius.
LINK

 

I did it on a 99 I owned a few years ago. Was not that big a deal.

did not remove bumper or any part of the exhaust. I also did not have any tools for bleeding the system. I just refilled, left the bent open for a couple days and all was well.

 

I have filled my coolant with and without the airlift. It can be done either way but u have to monitor and top off for a longer period of time.

On the install its not hard technically. My biggest issue was to get the motor plate backed off far enough. I had to use a wedge to keep it back. Also be careful to not fold the gasket when we installing. It is pretty tight. U will need a 1/4 swivel and some extensions for the bolts. Also its obvious in my car that the exhaust was worked on a few times so i did have to loosen 2 clamps and rotate them. Only required snapping on and having to relpace it. Maybe a 2.5 banana job oit of 5 with some patients.

 

Keep tract of all the bolts and where they came out of. They are not all equal length.

 

I've did a bunch of coolant maintenance not too long ago. Expansion tank, thermostat, water pump, some lines, etc. I did not have to remove bumpers or cats.

While the vacuum filling tool isn't absolutely necessary, it made the job really easy. It took maybe two minutes to fill the entire cooling system after being completely drained/flushed. Tinkering on the car is relaxing for me, so I don't mind spending more on premium tools/stuff to make life easy. Another tool you should pick up are swivel sockets if you don't already have any.

 

I used this video for my water pump replacement and thought it was great. It's very thorough. Just ignore the part about using sealant on the gasket. Sealant should NOT be used with the OEM metal gasket. He's using a soft gasket in the video.

 

Perspective of a weekend hack:

A second set of hands help.

The part I found annoying was getting water pump by the coolant line even after disconnecting so it had some swing. Took a little bit of rough hands.

Be prepared to catch a lot of fluid. You can blow out the whole system using a compressor and the coolant tank Google.

I didn't like depending on a jack to support the motor while I messed with the pump. I also got a bit alarmed when the bolts from the engine mounts didn't line back up with the engine carrier. It just took a little moving to get back.

Torque wrench is your friend. Torque on water pump bolts really low.

Refilling, I followed the Pelican 101 procedure. Temps have been fine, level holding good.

I did it so basically anyone can.

 

Searched Princess Auto...couldn't find it. What was it called?

 

good point, the 2 longer ones go where the doweis are.

 

Great point.

i remember using a piece of cardboard that I had traced the outline (and bolt hole locations) of the water pump. I stuck the bolts through the cardboard in the appropriate locations to help me remember where they went. Then, I simply removed one by one in order...sort of like painting by number...lol

 

tagged for this weekend
My WP ate itself as i was pulling into my driveway, I heard what sounded like something rattling, so i looked under the car to see coolant running from the WP

 

Looks like they discontinued it. Mine is a PowerFist Airvac Coolant Refiller, but this one looks very similar.

 

In Panorama Q&A this month it mentions the coolant tank is the highest location in system. After a few hard rides, the air bubbles will make there way to the tank. Keep eye on level, filling until the level stops dropping. Seemed to work for me though I did the pelican steps first.