I own a 2007 Carrera 4S with 27K miles. I just came back from oil change and the mechanic said that I have a VERY small condensation around the water pump and recommended replacing the water pump to the tune of $800 (parts and labor).

I recall there being an issue with water pumps on the early 997s and am inquiring what the frequency of failure is. Were there any factory bulletin recalls on the water pumps?

Would you replace the water pump to be on the safe side and to avoid being stranded someplace when it failed?

Thanks for you responses.

 

There were never any recalls however you have to remember always that Porsche has been an automotive manufacturer for many years--since 1948. They introduced the 924, a water pumper, in 1977, and the 928 about the same time, also in 1977. The 996 began in 1999.

64 years of automobiles but only 35 years of water pumps. You figure it out.

My 3.8 engine water pump was bad at around 35,000 miles. Of course, since I actually drive my car it was covered under warranty so Dr. Porsche paid for it, as they should. You should replace it. Also, you should stay on top of the coolant reservoir cap--they fail all the time.

 

Many people here (including me) have needed replacement of the water pump. It will fail. I say replace it and you won't have to worry about this weak link in the 911 for another 50 K miles or so.

 

$800 seems reasonable... the part is ~$250-$300. I did the swap myself and would charge $500 for the labor. A good investment before the pump fails. Worst case... if parts of the impeller breaks off and gets stuck in the engine you'll potentially develop a hot spot which could result in a crack engine block. BTW, there are DIY's posted on the forum if you'd like to take the WP DIY challenge. Very doable.

 

Thanks to you all for your feedback. It is very helpful. I will have the water pump replaced.............

 

Hi

what exactly goes wrong on the water pump? Is it the plastic impellers break/wear or is it the bearing/seal that leaks ? Thinking it is the bearing/seal as it is usually noted as loosing coolant and not overheating ... one has to think Porsche could have re-designed the bearing/seal better than this -- eventually ??

How many years is effected by this ?? The pump seems to fit 2005-2008 - guessing all years have similar problem ? Anypone ever report a 997.2 water pump problem ?? It is a different pump sku

Greg

ps - image came from here >>> they are OEM on Porsche ...http://laso.de/pdf/LASO%20Porsche%20...gue%202012.pdf

in looking up this pump - came across this M96 training course for Porsche engine ... http://www.worldpac.com/training/cla...ers/SEM848.pdf if any of you are in the trade .... this lists when and where ... http://www.worldpac.com/training/classes/technical/

ps - I do not work for Worldpac ... but have access to their data

 

Here's the diagram of the 997.2 water pump. It appears to have a replaceable pully and pulley bearing. Maybe the impeller too.

The parts in item #3 cost almost as much as a whole 997.1 water pump.

.

 

Mine failed at 17000 miles, under warranty.

 

Impeller breakage seems to be the most commonly reported but seal and bearing failures have been reported as well. The plastic impeller bits have the most damaging affect due to the potential for engine block hot spots resulting in a cracked engine block... very expensive to replace the engine so proactive replacement is a good ideal. Reports are coming in re WP failures on both .1 and .2 models... some in the 30K mile range.

 

Yes, replace the pump with Porsche OEM ONLY. DO NOT use an aftermarket pump, especially a metal impeller pump because when it fails, it can chew through the block which will require an engine replacement.

As others have stated, the WP is a weak link and the common advice is to treat it as a wear item and replace it every 4-5 years as a preventative measure. If the impeller fragments, it can plug up the coolant passages and lead to a cracked head from overheating.

 

The recommendations I have read point to replacement at 40K miles or earllier if evidence of leaking which could indicate impeller shaft runnout which would be disasterous when excessive.

 

FYI... Derek at TRG just posted a few new Porsche OEM WP's for $150 (excellent price). https://rennlist.com/forums/for-sale...ok-inside.html. No affiliation but a +1 for a good guy I've purchased from in the past...

derek@theracersgroup.com
707-935-3999

 

My water pump was just replaced under CPO warranty at 18K miles at Brumos Porsche. I noticed a few drops of antifreeze under the car and caught it early. I think it is a good idea to replace it after 4-5 years or 30K miles or so. At least that is my plan going forward. I miss the air cooled cars in some ways.

 

Is it worth asking the Porsche dealership if they will goodwill any part of that water pump replacement due to the low mileage of the car? Never hurts to ask....

 

Is this water pump issue a 997.1 only issue? Or this weak link is in 997.2 too?