fonetico

I suspect I'll be reprimanded by Randy for frivolously and unnecessarily starting a new thread. But this is a fundamental issue.

My radiator leaks! A new replacement from Porsche costs almost more than the car is worth. The alternatives are dubious in their longevity.

So where's the tipping point? When are you forced to make the decision that it's just not worth the outlay to keep the car on the road? I made the mistake of buying cheaply, prepared to spend a bit of money to restore the car to pristine condition. But the pristine condition only ever lasts a few months before there's another major problem. Don't get me wrong - those few months are bliss. I love this car! My new Merc 320 is perfect in every way but never gives me the testosterone surge the 928 provides. My brother in law's new Maserati is impressive but lack's the heart and soul of the 928. The 928 is unique.

So what do I do? Help! The car has 170k on the clock. Do I splash out on a new rad, replace the plastic tank in the hope of a few years of reprieve, try a second hand spare or trash the car?

Is it really worth fixing? Apart from an engine rebuild I've replaced virtually everything. But the problems are endless and do you ever get to a point where all the bad bits are made good and the universe is in order again?

Is there ever a light at the end of the tunnel?

LT Texan

Replace your plastic side tank and stop your whinging!

fonetico

Thanks Dan. you old bugger! That's what I need to sober me up!

MjRocket

These cars(as you know)are a LABOR of Love...To me half the fun and enjoyment is tinkering/fixing her, albiet it can get exspensive. However if she did run perfect All the time I think it would take the excitement down a notch. Guess my cars like my wife, in that I need to feel "Needed" by her

fonetico

More like my wife - sensual, unpredictable, temperamental, irrational and illogical but exciting and a great ride.

God, I'll pay for it if she ever reads this!

marine928

Hmmm. I mine ran perfect it would take my excitement UP A FEW NOTCHES...

ammonman

Drop a pair of fresh end tanks on the radiator as long as the core is good. There is one procedure written up on here that does not break the retaining tabs. Only tools necessary once the rad is out are a straight screwdriver, a pair of square jaw"Vise-Grip" locking pliers, a soft faced hammer (plastic or rawhide) and a couple of strap clamps or ratcheting tie-downs. If your not comfortable doing the swap look for a radiator shop with the "factory" tools to change out the tanks. Once done this fix is done it should last another 20 years as long as the coolant is changed regularly and there aren't any other issues with the core.

Mike

hacker-pschorr

+1 This is why I have three good cores bubble wrapped up in storage.

Mrmerlin

Get a new side tank to replace the one thats leaking,
leave the other side alone .
Swap it in and go for a drive

Keep Em Flying !

fonetico

Hang on, we're missing the point of the thread.

Of course I'm going to replace the side tank or whatever's needed to keep the car on the road.

The issue is just how far we should go before it's time to call it quits. How much money and how much time do you have to invest before it's no longer worth it?

That's my point. When's the tipping point when it's time to throw in the towel?

depami

Apparently you’ve reached it......

Sell the car, buy a good rocking chair and take up needlepoint.....

Mrmerlin

I think the one word that needs to be changed is.... how far YOU will go.

I think the answer is till your tired of fixing or paying to fix broken parts.

There are many cars that you could choose from that might be fine for back and forth duty.

When it comes down to it though there are not many cars thats are sorta affordable that make great back and forth drivers,
that are also great long distance GT cars.

If you only drive your car less than 30 miles a trip then your not even getting close to find out what the potential of your machine is,,
take a 700 mile trip in the same day then you may realize what you have under your foot.

Randy V

Suggest using a thread title that better reflects the contents of your post for future searches.

I agree on replacing the end tank.

There is a great write-up here with detailed pictures.

danglerb

Same rule for all vices and addictions, as long as you can do the things in your life that are important to you, your managing fine.

fonetico

Yeah Stan, that's why I don't use the Merc but use the 928 as my daily drive - hence the high mileage. But somehow it's a love affair with diminishing returns. Why would anyone in their right mind tolerate the expense and inconvenience this car provides? 18mpg and more money than the car's worth in regular repairs?

Anyway, I posted this in the hope of support and sympathy but it seems I need to toughen up and be more pragmatic.

Thank you for reprimanding me yet again, Randy. Someone warned me you're a lawyer and like things spelled out in black and white. But I did think in this case where we're dealing with an abstract, emotional, philosophical concept, you'd show a little indulgence. This wasn't meant to be about radiators!