Porsche Boxster S – Bad Engine Noises

Vehicle Details: 2005 Porsche Boxster S.  65,000 miles

Technician: Brad

Initial Condition:

• Loud Engine Noise (sudden)
• ALL Dash Warnings on
• Towed in

Diagnostic Process:

Physically inspected engine – found broken-off water pump pulley:

Boxster broken water pump pulley

Upon closer inspection it was clear this was NOT the vehicle’s original pump but it WAS a Porsche-OEM replacement.

Brad, as a Gold-Meister Porsche tech with over 15 years experience had never seen this before.

Boxster water pump shaft sheered-off

The pump’s impeller was NOT ceased.  Pump had been seeping from the bearing (see yellowish material on pump).

Conclusion:

Boxster new water pump installed

This story ends well:  a new pump and belt and then a good road test demonstrated a successful repair.  No other cooling system or engine damage occurred.  This success was due to a diligent client that pulled over immediately and called in to the shop to arrange a tow-in.  AMAZING to see a problem like this but it goes to show anything can happen.