1993 940 turbo. I noticed a bit of a clicking noise from the engine compartment. There is some play in the water pump shaft, and I noticed a drip of coolant after I wiggled the shaft. Obviously, I need a new water pump. My question is how long can I expect it to work without causing a breakdown. I won't have a chance to work on for about 800 miles. (we have ~500 miles to drive home after Christmas). Otherwise, I will need to take it to a shop. What do you think? The noise is barely noticeable and the coolant leak is about 12 ounces per 500 miles (at this point).

Thanks,
Steve

The bushing and seal are shot but it will not seize as a bearing might. Other than maybe leaking at a faster rate you should be find. Goes without saying to check coolant frequently. I would wait till you get home.
Good Luck.
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David Hunter

The pump on my 740 lasted at least that after I noticed it leaking.
put a small bottle of seal in&then keep an eye on the level

Stopleak will not help here.
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David Hunter

Thanks for the assurances. Makes me feel more comfortable. I think that it may have been leaking for some time - I have been loosing coolant slowly for about 6 months, but thought that it was from the hose connections. Now I think that it was probably mostly from the pump. I have a coolant level indicator and a gallon of coolant in the back, so I should be fine for the drive home.

Merry Christmas!

Steve

I have a coolant level indicator and a gallon of coolant in the back, so I should be fine for the drive home.

It is times like this that the coolant level circuit pays for itself. You can travel without worrying about an overheat as the low level light will illuminate long before the level drops low enough to be a concern.

Over the years low coolant sensors have saved our family cars four times.

I would not add any stop leak to the system as I do not think it would have any effect in sealing up a bad seal on the pump shaft.

Randy

Home with no problem. Low coolant light never even went off. Thanks.
Steve

Glad that you had no problems getting home.
I mis-stated in my previous post. I think the water pump shaft IS on a bearing. Never heard of one seizing up though. They just get looser and looser and leakier and leakier.
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David Hunter

Glad you had a safe and uneventful trip home

Randy