A well-functioning water pump is crucial in ensuring that a Porsche engine runs as smoothly as possible. When this vital part begins to go bad, your car’s performance and safety are in jeopardy. Knowing what to look for in terms of signs that your water pump is failing will help you avoid more significant problems and keep your Porsche driving.
Signs That Your Porsche Water Pump Is Failing
- Coolant Leaks: The first indication of a faulty water pump is coolant leakage. The water pump has some rubber seals and gaskets which can deteriorate with time. When this happens, coolant can drip from the pump, which is not a good sign for the engine. It is common for you to find a green or orange liquid accumulating at the base of your car when these seals have worn out. If you encounter that, you should inspect the coolant levels and find out where the leak is coming from. When you fail to address a coolant leak, it is followed by other problems and can end as a severe engine failure.
- Overheating Engine: The main purpose of the water pump is to cool the engine down. In the event the pump fails, the temperature of the engine will rise rapidly. An engine that runs hot is never a good sign and is potentially dangerous as it can cause damage such as warped cylinder heads and blown head gaskets. If you observe that the temperature gauge is high or there is a warning light on the dashboard, you should not continue driving but find out the cause.
- Unusual Noises: An improperly functioning water pump causes unusual sounds. It is characterized by a whining or grinding noise usually emanating from the front of the engine. This noise is usually attributed to a worn-out belt or a belt that has stretched, and this compromises the water pump’s function of circulating coolant. If one hears some unusual sounds coming from the engine part of the car then it is advisable to take the car to a mechanic for diagnosis.
- Coolant Pump Pulley is Loose: The pulley of the water pump should be well fixed and should rotate without any signs of jamming. If you find the pulley to be off-center or vibrating, it could mean there is an issue with the water pump. A loose pulley can lead to the belt that drives the water pump being out of shape resulting in poor circulation of the coolant. This problem must be solved as soon as possible to avoid the worsening of the situation with the engine.
- Corrosion and Rust: In the long run, the water pump may rust due to corrosion, either because the coolant was not changed for a long time, or the wrong type of coolant was used. This can harm the pump and make it leak or stop working altogether. If there is any rust or sign of corrosion around the water pump or the coolant leaks and has a rusty color then it is high time the water pump was checked or even replaced.
What to Do When Your Water Pump Is Failing
If you experience any of the symptoms highlighted above, something must be done. When water pump failure is not caught and dealt with, it results in severe damage to the engine and expensive repair costs. If your engine is hot or you smell or see coolant on the ground, it is safer not to drive any further to avoid causing more damage to the car. Try to check your coolant and see if you can spot any signs of leakage. If the coolant level is low, then it should be refilled. You should take your Porsche to a mechanic for an expert to examine the problem and recommend or conduct the necessary repair.
Kruse Lucas Imports Is Modesto’s Number One Repair Shop
If you are in need of an auto shop that can handle your imported cars whether the German or the Asian brands, then Kruse Lucas Imports is the place to be. Our mechanics are well experienced and they work on all models of Porsche. We are based in Modesto, CA, but we also work with clients from Oakdale, Ripon, Manteca, and Turlock, CA. If you have realized that your Porsche water pump is not working, do not hesitate to call our experts. Contact us now at (209) 529-9111 for professional help.