Porsche Enthusiasts Club Forum

Started to look at my cooling problems as I need to get the 944 back on the road.
I think I have the symptoms of a jammed shut thermostat but not 100% sure
Ran into the usual 'can't get the thermostat out' problem. I've ordered some long nose circlip pliers... but it looks as if the water pump will have to come out as its leaking at the gasket due to the pressure build up.
I put it back together when I could not get the thermostat out and refilled with water- but no water would circulate at all, I did not check the bypass hole in the thermostat I realise. Am I being careful enough about airlocks - no water comes out of the upper bleed nipple when the engine is run and I can't get any more water to go in but sureley some must circlate even with the thermostat shut?

So the plan is - replace the water pump and the thermostat while the pump is out of the car as its a million times easier.

BUT QUESTION : can I replace the water pump without redoing all the belts and timing? They do not need replacing yet but I'd have to detension them to get the pump off of course but can I retension by deflection back to where they were before?

Desperate to get the 944 back on the road .........

There myself at the moment. You need to change the belts to do the water pump. Maybe rollers. You should also do a front reseal & the cam seal at the same time so as not to disturb the belts again for 4 years. (Which is how long the pump should last.) It's also a good time to do the oil cooler seal. The pump is also easier to do with the head off! Even if you don't do the head it's a good time to fit a new cam box gasket. Just priced up all the bits for mine. It's not cheap but once done properly you won't have to go there again for 4 more years. Worst case is you just do the pump & belts & then the cambox gasket or one of the front seals goes & you have to buy another timing belt! As well as fix the blown gasket.

Careful taking the pump off. Can snap the Studs/bolts if not careful.