RE:Turbo coolant pump (87 MC) source?

[Russ Southerlin <russell.s.southerlin@lmco.com>]

Rob,

The older turbos did not have them. I think the turbos did not last as
long. One turbo rebuilder told me that he had alot more business before
the manu. added those things.

When mine broke I took it apart and found the impeller shaft was frozen
and not pumping - who knows how long it had been that way. I then drove
it for 6 mos. before replacing.  I think if you run good oil
(synthetic??) and are careful about hot shut downs you can get by
without one.

I did quite a bit of research to find a substitute pump at a cheaper
price. The only one I could find that could withstand the temperatures
and coolant was made by March Pumps but it was ~$180. Ended up going
with OEM.

I see the most recent flyer from Blaufergnugen
(http://www.audiquattroparts.com) (920-758-3232) has them on sale for
$122 - pretty darn good price from what I have seen (I paid ~$175).

Russ
87 5KTQ (153K)
Littleton, CO




Beyond the typical "from who, and how much" question:
I understand what the function of this pump is, but how
essential, exactly, is it? At what point was it added- with
the K26 water-cooling changeover?
Does it perform a function in keeping the overall cooling
system temp down- will there be (once the temps rise coming
into spring) problems with the water *not* circulating?
Is the life of the turbocharger in serious jeopardy without
this pump connected? I do "idle down" any time it has been
run at all hard- but I always followed this practice,
regardless of cooling arrangement, on every turbomotor I've
had...

Appreciate any input on this subject.

Regards,
Rob
87 5kt 5-spd 191k (for fun)
68 Schwinn 3-spd (for commuting)