Just bought a used 2002 996 and am noticing a small coolant leak that is coming from the coolant housing. I saw a video where the fitting is a common point of failure and rather than pay the $1,500 for a new housing, they cleaned up all the fittings and applied JB weld. My question is given that the engine will have to be dropped, does it make sense to fix the IMS bearing issue. My understanding is that the failure only occurs on around 5% of the engines. And is there anything else that should be done while the engine is out? Also, are there ways to check the condition of the bearing?

Car has 90k on the engine and except for a seal leak on the transmission seems to run well.

Any suggestions / recommendations would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Mike

 

What is a coolant housing and why does it cost $1500?

 

its like the water pump and is a pretty large piece - see photo below

 

also, look at the youtube video. Good information - Porsche 996 & 997 coolant repair

 

Do you have a 996 "Turbo"?

 

If it's a non-turbo car then yes, it makes sense to do the IMSB if you have no history of it ever being done. There is no way to physically check the bearing without removing it, and once you pull it out it can't be reused. If you wanted to do some pre-checks you could take an engine oil sample and send it in for analysis as well as cut open the oil filter and inspect for debris. I would also recommed checking your cam devation numbers as with the engine out it is a good time to replace the wear pads. Other items to inspect and/or replace while it is out would include (but not limited to): rear main seal, cam plug seals, flyweheel & clutch kit, AOS & associated plastic pipes, AOS coolant lines (including plastic connector pieces), water pump, coolant reservoir tank, coil packs & spark plugs, motor mounts, etc. It seems like a lenghty list, but these items are a whole lot easier to get to when the engine is removed. I am sure others will chime in as well with items they have experience with.

 

That water pump is from a 996 Turbo. No IMS issues ever.
Yes it is very common to weld in the fittings. I have welded them on both of my 996 Turbos.
If you can't find anyone local there is a place in Colorado called Sharkwerks I think that will weld them for you.
There are 5 other fittings that you may consider welding: two on the oil cooler console, two on the left head water manifold, one on the power steering pump bracket.

 

^ This