loss of fluid, but over the life of my 986, I have replaced the water pump three times when coolant began to seep around the pump seal. My car is a MY 97 w/228,500 miles on its clock. With my car's version of the water pump, there's also a potential issue one can read about online dealing w/the pump's plastic impeller. Over time, I guess due to heat cycling mainly, the plastic impeller blades are said to get brittle w/age & it's reported blades or pieces of blades break off & are pumped through the coolant system. I honestly don't know about the veracity of this potential blade issue, but I do believe replacing the water pump when a seep is first detected is a good idea. In doing so, the impeller issue also gets remedied. Also, there are water pumps advertised using metal bladed impellers & opinions vary about switching to these non-OEM style pumps.
From what you've reported, it may be your water pump's inevitable seep has progressed to an outright slow leak, & if this is the case, your mechanic's recommendation to replace the pump seems prudent.
Here's a Youtube video of a young lad replacing his own water pump to show you what your mechanic will be doing labor-wise.
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www.youtube.com]
Here's a link to Pelican Parts cost for a new OEM water pump for your car.
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www.pelicanparts.com]
Finally, consider replacing your thermostat while you're doing this & also, since your coolant will be drained, do a flush of the coolant system & replace your coolant w/new while you're @ it.
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 04/23/2024 10:17AM by John Brown of SE SoDak.
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