Summer is here, my car is 18 years old, are my hoses and my expansion tank at risk?
06-03-2018, 01:17 PM
#1
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Summer is here, my car is 18 years old, are my hoses and my expansion tank at risk?
I would like to get some veteran perspective on this. Thanks!
Last edited by MBH911; 06-03-2018 at 01:18 PM. Reason: Type o
06-03-2018, 02:13 PM
#2
The hoses are pretty robust. I would just do a visual check where you can. My car is also 18 years old and I bought a new expansion tank and plan to proactively replace the old one. The plastic tank has been through a lot of heat cycles over the years and replacement is prudent. I just haven't gotten around to it yet. Get the new version of the cap as well - with part number ending in "004".
06-03-2018, 02:30 PM
#3
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Thread Starter
The hoses are pretty robust. I would just do a visual check where you can. My car is also 18 years old and I bought a new expansion tank and plan to proactively replace the old one. The plastic tank has been through a lot of heat cycles over the years and replacement is prudent. I just haven't gotten around to it yet. Get the new version of the cap as well - with part number ending in "004".
06-03-2018, 02:34 PM
#5
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06-03-2018, 02:44 PM
#6
Race Director
I bought my 996 in 2006 and have learned through the Rennlist forum and Pelican about doing some of the work myself.Not only can you save $ but for me it is a way to get to know your Porsche.Not sure what year your 911 is, but replacing the coolant tank is a DYI, but you will skin some knuckles in the process.
06-03-2018, 02:50 PM
#7
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Thread Starter
I bought my 996 in 2006 and have learned through the Rennlist forum and Pelican about doing some of the work myself.Not only can you save $ but for me it is a way to get to know your Porsche.Not sure what year your 911 is, but replacing the coolant tank is a DYI, but you will skin some knuckles in the process.
I’m just not suited for DIY stuff. Don’t have the space in my garage, the tools, the patience, or even the time right now in my life. What I have read is that the engine needs to be dropped slightly to do the tank swap, then there’s the flushing out and replacing of coolant, and it’s really all just beyond the pale for me.
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06-03-2018, 03:12 PM
#8
Rennlist Member
I'm no veteran with the 996 but I am with plastic and rubber in older cars. There's a great thread right now and this has been in the discussion. All your plastic hoses/breather tube etc. should be replaced or at least smoke/pressure tested at the very least. It's not a matter of if but when will these fail. They always fail at the worst time!
06-03-2018, 03:20 PM
#9
Drifting
Put down the phone, go drive your car. It’ll be fine. If people spent as much time driving their cars as they did worrying needlessly about them, this crowd would be much happier.
I’m off for a drive...
I’m off for a drive...
06-03-2018, 03:34 PM
#10
I just replaced the expansion tank on mine and it's a job, but with patience and all the how to do's it can be done. My biggest problem was the black coolant bleeder valve on top. I purchased 2 tanks from two different venders and could not draw a vacuum on either because of that. I then purchased a genuine Porsche coolant bleeder valve and put it on one of the tanks and all was good. I was then able to vacuum the coolant system and then draw back almost 6 gallons of coolant without any air pockets. If you do it this way make sure your tank is no more than the max line when you're done for expansion when you drive it.
06-03-2018, 10:21 PM
#11
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06-04-2018, 12:31 AM
#12
Rennlist Member
video link
I replaced my C2 convertible coolant tank 2 years ago as it was leaking. I think that it took me about 2 hours.This video was helpful:
Having your indy doing it for you will keep your finger nails clean...
Last edited by JB001; 06-04-2018 at 12:33 AM. Reason: mispeling
06-04-2018, 09:47 AM
#13
I think they're more at risk in winter in terms of cracking. Keep the running temp as low as possible by cleaning your radiators, monitoring cooling system and ensuring it's doing its job well. My only breakdown in the 996 was in winter after spirited driving: a coolant tank connection broke ($17 part).
06-12-2018, 04:17 PM
#14
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Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
I replaced my expansion tank after it broke and leaked all over the garage floor. Total PITA, and I almost gave up, until I removed the fuel rails. Then I was able to FORCE that stupid tank in there! I was seriously hoping there were no sparks, open fuel connections and all.
06-12-2018, 09:53 PM
#15
Pro
Thread Starter
Just found out the last owner replaced the expansion tank a month before he sold it to me. The hoses are not a concern to the mechanic who worked on the car for the last 15 years, so I think I’m good to go.