All posts categorized Project Cars

Coolant Pump (Water Pump) Replacement on Porsche Boxster 986

In an earlier post I demonstrated how to go about testing for coolant leaks. I initially detected a cracked hose but even after temporarily sealing it with JB Weld and conducting the pressure test again, the system still leaked at the same spot. After discussing with 986forum members, I decided to try changing the water pump, thermostat, replacing the main hoses near the engine and change the serpentine belt anyway. This would remove all the issues and would make the system as good as new. This post describes the water pump and thermostat replacement process.

Boxster 986 Parts Catalog

To download the parts catalog of your favorite Porsche vehicle you can visit https://www.porsche.com/usa/accessoriesandservices/classic/genuineparts/originalpartscatalogue/ and select the model of your Porsche.

I selected the Boxster (986) and 1997 - 2004 values in the form and hit the DISPLAY button, as shown in Figure 1 below, which downloads a PDF.

I am mirroring the PDF here in case it disappears.

Moreover, I am also mirroring the radio CDR-220 manual here.

Perform Coolant Leak Test on the Boxster

Since buying the Porsche Boxster S, I had not done a coolant flush. After driving it for about 1200 miles in the last 2 years, one day I saw the engine overheating light blink on the dash. Turns out there was a major coolant leak and it was causing the engine to overheat. The Boxster has 142,000 miles on it and the leak meant several possible things &emdash; damaged hoses, failing water pump or cracked coolant tank.

To determine the correct cause of the coolant leak, I needed to conduct a coolant pressure test. This post demonstrates how easy this test is and how to go about doing it.

Debadging Emblem on Infiniti G35 Coupe

In an earlier post we plastidipped the front grille and emblem on the Infiniti G35 coupe. To apply plastidip on the rear emblem, I first decided to debadge the car trunk. This was done in case I did not want to put the plastidipped emblem back on the trunk. This post quickly describes how to debadge a car so you can plastidip the logos correctly.

Installing Brake Pads and Bleed Brakes

In a previous post, we had replaced the rotors and brake calipers in the Miata, and this one describes changing the brake pads and bleeding the brakes. You need to bleed the brakes if you change the calipers. You must buy DOT-3 brake fluid, 2-3 cans just in case, from your local parts store.

Details on the front brake pads change can also be found in an earlier post.