Water pump - sealant required?

2006 C4. What a PITA job. The engine drop on my ‘81 SC was easier. So, sealant or no sealant on the thermostat and water pump housings? If yes, what? Thanks in advance.

No sealant of any kind.

Thank you very much.

I didn't use any. A razor thin gasket that the thermostat shared if I remember correctly. 20K + so far and no leaks. I agree about changing the WP. First time for me on a 996 and someone told me to take it out through the top. No way. I should have read more opinions. Anyway it dropped through the bottom and took me hours to replace it with a NAPA rebuilt.

Quotes source post: 10936056

Aluminum ? how much $ ?

Whatever the price of the OEM was, the refurbished NAPA was half that price. I remember that. Without looking back for the receipt, I am thinking $130.00. As far as being aluminum, I don't know for sure but I think it was a rebuilt of an original Porsche water pump. If you are going to replace yours, I would go ahead and replace the T-Stat at the same time. They are right next to each other. My coolant light kept coming on until I burped out all the air in the system. The coolant is different than normal coolants. I think it is phosphorus free. Check it out. Also I would get the torque specs for the little bolts that hold the pump in place.

Consider that the Porsche part you get is a 997 part number, updated and is more robust. They come out the bottom, not too bad a job.

Yes, working on the Porsche is rather cathartic, and I needed a good excuse for purchasing my new hydrolic lift....so I recently did a coolant tank replacement ( leaking), water pump, thermostat, thermostat housing, new fan belt, a variety of hoses and Wevo semi hard motor mounts during the state virus lockdown. I ordered two sets of gaskets for everything and new bolts to offset my lack of experience just to be safe as usually, some crisis occurs which interrupts the process and yes, I removed the water pump from below. Since I was locked down and chose to do this bit of mechanical insanity, I also took the time to remove everything from bumpers, exhaust and heat shields to make it far easier to gain access to some of those bolts......especially on the thermostat housing and one on the water pump. It just seems that removing all made it far easier to finish even with being interrupted and taking the time to examine my 996. All in all, it wasn't that too difficult but time consuming......but I now know a lot more and which jobs should be left to experienced only! Also, Pelican parts came through with the needed parts in spite of the created deficiencies created by the virus, and of course this forum....thanks!

Yes, working on the Porsche is rather cathartic, and I needed a good excuse for purchasing my new hydrolic lift....so I recently did a coolant tank replacement ( leaking), water pump, thermostat, thermostat housing, new fan belt, a variety of hoses and Wevo semi hard motor mounts during the state virus lockdown. I ordered two sets of gaskets for everything and new bolts to offset my lack of experience just to be safe as usually, some crisis occurs which interrupts the process and yes, I removed the water pump from below. Since I was locked down and chose to do this bit of mechanical insanity, I also took the time to remove everything from bumpers, exhaust and heat shields to make it far easier to gain access to some of those bolts......especially on the thermostat housing and one on the water pump. It just seems that removing all made it far easier to finish even with being interrupted and taking the time to examine my 996. All in all, it wasn't that too difficult but time consuming......but I now know a lot more and which jobs should be left to experienced only!

Welcome to Pelican Parts. Yea, that one bolt on the water pump was difficult to get to. I also changed the motor mounts and the oil fill goose neck (started coming apart). At least we know now that the next time changing the WP will be a breeze even tho I don't look forward to it.