I want to tackle changing the water pump (and fresh coolant flush) as preventative on my 100k 1999 that I've had for 1,000 miles so far. I have no prior service records. Living in SoCal, the summer temps are high and don't want any surprises.

What am I missing to do this myself:

1. Water pump
https://www.pelicanparts.com/More_In...0&KeepHeader=Y

2. Pump bolts (pulled from Pelican's kit page)
(2x) https://www.pelicanparts.com/More_In...0&KeepHeader=Y
(5x) https://www.pelicanparts.com/More_In...0&KeepHeader=Y

3. Gasket
https://www.pelicanparts.com/More_In...0&KeepHeader=Y

4. Zerex G-40
(6x ??) https://www.walmart.com/ip/Zerex-G40...1-GA/534216443

5. Jack-stands and Floor jack - I have 4 Esco stands plus low profile jack

6. Large container to catch coolant - Kitty liter box was suggested

7. Tools as outlined in this post - https://blog.fcpeuro.com/how-to-repl...ump-thermostat

Are there any gotchas I should be aware of before starting? Do I need to replace clamps on all tubes or other tubing while I'm in there? Pelican recommends a new belt as well.

 

Good time for a new serpentine belt and check all pulleys by hand. Also a good time to replace the plastic coolant connector next to the alternator with the upgraded metal one. I would only recommend Porsche coolant mixed 50/50 with distilled water. Might also think about a new thermostat. After many heat cycles they wear out. Up to you whether to go with normal or low temp thermostat. I would only trust a thermostat from LN Engineering.

 

Definitely do this.

I'd also suggest changing out the three-way hose for the newer, updated one. You're going to have part of it off already. Part: 99610685005

Also, the water pump may already come with the gasket. Might want to check before ordering.

Good time for air filter as well since the box will be out.

#1 thing for this job is patience. I was shocked at how easy of a job it looked, and how difficult it turned out to be and I have worked on a lot of cars including a ton of work on my own 996. It's a deceptive job. Be sure and watch this:

 

aye yi yi... Every post says how anyone can do it, and how it's easy ... yet back of mind I keep thinking, "are you sure you want to take this on? there's gotta be more to this than revealed"

 

This DIY kit from LN Engineering has a good list including a new thermostat. If you don't want to buy the kit from LN then use their list as a template.

https://lnengineering.com/products/d...riven-csp.html

I also echo replacing the 3-way hose since you will have it off anyway, but depending on the build date of your car you may also need to upgrade the steel coolant pipe that routes around the rear of the engine, Given no service records, have a good look at your inlet/outlet coolant hoses, reservior tank, motor mounts, & O2 sensors. These are all easier to deal with when doing the water pump.

If you want to do a proper coolant flush then use this procedure...it's just short of 6 gallons so not sure if a kitty litter pan is going to cut it!

https://rennlist.com/forums/996-foru...pump-tips.html

 

Do you happen to have the part number for that upgraded coolant pipe?

 

The pipe P/N is 996.106.243.54...this is the one that works with the 996.106.850.05 3-way hose.

 

If the coolant reservoir on your car has not been changed then now if the time to do it. And use the Porsche reservoir not an aftermarket. You can use the new style reservoir on the earlier model cars, I have one in my 2000, it is more work to use one but is much less expensive than the old style. I would also suggest that you get a Uview 55000 coolant tool so you can properly empty and refill the system and flush the old coolant out thoroughly.

As far as the type of coolant I can only say that since 2008/2009 when I had an intermix from a cracked cylinder head and flushed my entire system, I have been running Peak coolant, for 14 years and over 50,000 miles and I have never had a problem and Peak now makes a G50 type of coolant. Spending extra for the "Porsche" coolant is just paying the Porsche tax, spend the money on the Uview instead.

 

I have a feeling I won't be driving for a month... I forgot to ask about the flush process - was looking at buying the compressor adapter but the "flush with air" looks like a valid process... But why not just buy a vacuum tool?

 

You will need/want the "air lift tool" to properly fill the coolant system with out running the risk of air pockets....