I've not posted much in almost 3 years of relatively trouble-free 997 C2S (2005) ownership but thought this may be of interest to anyone with the prospect of water pump/thermostat replacement looming.
Having completed an 1100 mile round trip from York to the western isles of Scotland a couple of weeks ago (some of the THE most amazing driving roads I've ever encountered - including Stelvio, Baden Baden-Freiburg 500, San Bernadino etc from a previous Euro jaunt) my water pump let go less than a mile from home on the return journey. Having researched the options of taking the car to my totally capable, reliable & good value Indy man of excellent repute in Leeds, & having a go myself I decided on the latter purely for the experience of working on a 911!! With the help of a couple of really useful You Tube tutorials (you don't even need the link - Google it!) I replaced the drive belt, water pump, thermostat & cat clamps (had to grind these off to create sufficient clearance to drop the rigid coolant pipe to facilitate water pump removal) myself. Confidence, the right tools (l1/4 inch drive Torx sockets, knuckle bends & various length extensions to access the tight spaces) & a little patience/perseverence &.......job done!! Tight, tricky access & grazed knuckles aside it was a doddle & having refilled/bled the coolant, started the engine & just returned from a short drive with no leaks I feel.......rather smug. I've 'mended' my 911! :thumb:
Having completed an 1100 mile round trip from York to the western isles of Scotland a couple of weeks ago (some of the THE most amazing driving roads I've ever encountered - including Stelvio, Baden Baden-Freiburg 500, San Bernadino etc from a previous Euro jaunt) my water pump let go less than a mile from home on the return journey. Having researched the options of taking the car to my totally capable, reliable & good value Indy man of excellent repute in Leeds, & having a go myself I decided on the latter purely for the experience of working on a 911!! With the help of a couple of really useful You Tube tutorials (you don't even need the link - Google it!) I replaced the drive belt, water pump, thermostat & cat clamps (had to grind these off to create sufficient clearance to drop the rigid coolant pipe to facilitate water pump removal) myself. Confidence, the right tools (l1/4 inch drive Torx sockets, knuckle bends & various length extensions to access the tight spaces) & a little patience/perseverence &.......job done!! Tight, tricky access & grazed knuckles aside it was a doddle & having refilled/bled the coolant, started the engine & just returned from a short drive with no leaks I feel.......rather smug. I've 'mended' my 911! :thumb:
