Reasons Behind Water Pump Leaks in a Porsche from the Expert Mechanics in Allentown
by schearerswpadmin September 28, 2021A functioning water pump is crucial for optimum engine performance in your Porsche. It’s an important component of the cooling system and responsible for regulating the temperature of your vehicle’s engine to keep it running smoothly. A broken water pump can be detrimental to your Porsche model, causing serious damage and rendering your vehicle undrivable.
There are several causes for water pump malfunction and it’s important to recognize the symptoms of a failing water pump in order to get it repaired as soon as possible.
How does a water pump work?
Your Porsche’s engine runs at extremely high temperatures, and the water pump shoots a mixture of water & coolant into the engine to regulate the temperature of your engine. This ensures those high temperatures don’t overheat your vehicle.
The water pump is responsible for all of the movement of the coolant. It’s located on the side of the engine and powered by a belt connected to a crankshaft in the engine. Once circulating coolant in the engine reaches a high temperature, it’s pulled to the radiator where air cooling fans cool it back down. The coolant then makes its way back to the water pump to start the cycle over again.
The water pump is always running. As long as the engine is on, the water pump is needed to keep coolant constantly circulating to keep all parts of the engine cooled.
Common Reasons for Water Pump Failure
- Bad belt: A worn, broken, or loose serpentine belt will cause the pulley system operating the water pump to stop working. Since the belt attaches the water pump to the crankshaft that powers the pump, a failing belt will slow the pump or cease it from working. The belt can also be improperly installed, which will stop the water pump from working.
- Broken seals or gaskets: Gaskets and seals located within the water pump keep the coolant contained, but they can start to wear out over time. A loose or cracked seal or blown gasket will cause coolant to leak out of the water pump.
- Bad coolant: Different Porsche models require different types of coolant to protect the components of your water pump. If the wrong coolant or mixed coolants have been added to your vehicle, your water pump will be vulnerable to corrosion. Contaminants can also get into your coolant and abrasive materials can wear on the inside of your water pump.
- Dry rotation: The mechanical seal inside the water pump must always be lubricated by coolant. If air enters into the flow of coolant, the mechanical seal can break and cause coolant to leak from the pump.
Signs Your Water Pump is Failing
An overheated engine is the most serious effect of a bad water pump. This can be indicated by a high temperature read on the temperature gauge on your Porsche’s dashboard. An overheated engine isn’t something to ignore, so it’s important to get your Porsche into your mechanic as soon as possible.
Steam is another sign of an overheated engine. If you see steam coming from under your car’s hood, pull over immediately. Driving on an overheated engine will cause serious damage that will be much more expensive to fix.
A good indicator you have a coolant leak in your Porsche’s water pump is accumulating coolant under your car. A puddle will form under the center of the engine in the front of your vehicle. Another indicator of a leak is a low coolant level, or if you notice you have to keep adding coolant.
A high-pitched whining noise coming from the front of your Porsche’s engine could be a sign there’s something wrong with the water pump’s belt. A loose or broken belt will make a squealing noise, and may call for a replacement belt.
Schearer’s Sales and Service, Inc. for Your Porsche
Don’t ignore the signs of a failing water pump in your Porsche. Schearer’s Sales and Service, Inc. has expert mechanics that will 
Porsche Water Pump Replacement service your vehicle’s water pump and repair or replace any broken components. A water pump replacement is recommended between 50,000 to 100,000 miles, and a coolant flush is recommended every 30,000 miles. Routine maintenance will help to maintain your Porsche’s cooling system and prevent water pump failure.
Schearer’s Sales and Service, Inc. keeps you alert to any possible complications with your vehicle by performing evaluations and engine diagnostics to let you know when upcoming maintenance is required.
Schearer’s Sales and Service, Inc. is Allentown’s leading European automotive service center and pre-owned dealership. With locations in Allentown, Bethlehem, and Macungie, PA, Schearer’s Sales and Service, Inc. is equipped to handle any routine maintenance & emergency repairs you need. Call Schearer’s Sales and Service, Inc. or contact online to speak with their knowledgeable staff and make an appointment.