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Porsche 997: How to Replace 997.1 Water Pump and Thermostat

Your Porsche's water pump plays a vital role in keeping the engine running cool, so it may be a good idea to perform preventive pump maintenance before bad luck strikes.

By Jerry Perez - April 30, 2015

This article applies to the Porsche 997 (2005-2012).

A bad water pump can cause the temperature gauge to spike up and force you to pull over. Quite a few Rennlist members advise for preventive maintenance on the water pump right before the 60,000 mark. While the actual removing and installing of the pump is not difficult, it does require to work deep in the engine bay to remove a few components in tight spaces. So if that's not your forte, then you might want to take it to a repair shop.

Materials Needed

  • Breaker bar
  • Needle nose pliers
  • E-Torx sockets (E10, E15)
  • 10mm, 15mm socket and wrench
  • 1/4", 3/8" torque wrenches
  • New water pump and gasket
  • Two gallons of Porsche coolant
  • Two gallons of distilled water

Step 1 – Remove air intake

Due to Porsche's engine being packed so tight, first you must clear access into the water pump. Start by removing everything that is air intake related. You'll use your 15mm socket to undo the airbox. Use the pliers to remove the oil filler tube, mass air flow sensor, and air intake hose clamp.

  • Figure 1. Remove airbox.
  • Figure 2. Removed air intake.

Step 2 – Remove bracket

In order to keep making more room to work with, you must now remove the cat bracket and the driver's side header. This will allow the torque wrench to fit and do its job. Use your 15mm E-Torx to remove the bracket. Use the 10mm wrench to remove the header.

  • Figure 3. Cat bracket with two Torx bolts.
  • Figure 4. Remove header.

Step 3 – Remove thermostat

Along with the thermostat, you must remove the water pump hoses. At this point, the two gallons of coolant will flush out. Use your pliers as well as the 10mm socket to remove the hoses and thermostat unit.

  • Figure 5. Water pump hose.
  • Figure 6. Once the hose is removed, you can unbolt the thermostat housing.

Step 4 – Remove water pump

Use the 10mm socket to remove the seven 10mm bolts that hold the water pump in place. Note, you may need to move the engine carrier bracket to access the water pump. Once all seven bolts are removed, pull the water pump out.

  • Figure 7. Bolts holding the water pump.
  • Figure 8. Water pump removed.

Step 5 – Install new parts

Now that all parts are removed, the new water pump and thermostat can be bolted in the same pattern they were removed. Follow these steps to make sure nothing is overlooked. **DO NOT forget to fill up with distiller water and coolant before starting engine.**

  • Install new pump
  • Reattach engine bracket (if necessary)
  • Bolt on new thermostat
  • Reconnect hoses
  • Mount header
  • Attach cat bracket
  • Install air intake
  • **Top off fluids**
  • Start car

With reassembly complete and the vehicle running, look underneath for signs of leaks. Drive the car until it reaches operating temperature, and make sure that it does not exhibit any signs of overheating.

Featured Video: How to Replace Water Pump

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