MiamiC70

Is it a good idea to replace expansion tank proactively?
I am doing the 60k service along with clutch, AOS and water pump in few weeks should I just have my indy do the expansion tank while in there? Car is 2004 with 58k miles right now.

theporscheguy

8 year old tank. My tech noted that for my next service (on my 996) he would recommend changing the tank.

Dharn55

In this case I would say why fix something that is not broken, and not a part that would lead to catastrophic damage if it does break (like the IMS bearing). In my car, which I bought in 2000, the tank was replaced under warranty after about 2years. Now 10+ years later it is still fine.

ivangene

if you are changing the water pump and need to replace the coolant anyhow I would say yes - it's cheap now and you wont have another period without the car when it fails in 2 months or 2 years when ever that happens....might have them check/replace your idler pulleys while they are in there too - cheap and quick but saves a trip

now the bigger Q is:
replacing clutch - I assume you are adding the $600 part that we all hate to talk about while you are in there!!!
dont forget the flywheel can be bad, it needs to be checked and replaced as needed and is about $1k part...if its good your bill will be LESS - shops (good ones) usually quote the job as if it needed to be replaced...AND many of them change the clutch slave line while in there.....

welcome to the party !

MiamiC70

I did the IMS / RMS at 34k miles when I bough the car.

I am having indy do the 60K (belts, plugs, filters, etc...) and while in there do water pump, AOS, clutch (which is slipping), and now I guess expansion tank as well. I am doing the x74 suspension as well.

Yes, it's going to be a great party in my pants, rear pocket especially
Honestly, though in 2.5 years the car has been great and I know this is going to be expensive service but as a DD i just want to do it right and keep on driving

Invius

Is the expansion tank discolored at all? That seems to be the biggest indicator of wear/impending failure. Mine was replaced about 3 or 4 years ago, and is still bright white. I have seen many that are off white or yellowing, which seems to be an indication that the plastic is weakening. So, if mine were white, I wouldn't do anything, if it were discoloring, I would.

DS

Thundertub

I chose to replace the expansion tank proactively at the exact same mileage and service as you are asking about. Rather safe than sorry later on. I also made the other updates as you are doing. I also replaced the pulleys at that time.

ivangene

well golly !!!

nice nice nice!!!

kromdom

so you will pay for NEW coolant once, might as well do the tank also (along with new t-stat)

perryinva

If he's doing the AOS anyway, since it is a MKII, he'll likely pull out the tank anyway so I'd sure have him do it. And a 160F T-stat. The coolant costs more than than the T-stat.

MiamiC70

Anyone have a pn# for that 160 degree T-stat? My car runs just a bit above 180 no matter how I run it and how hot it is so cooling system seems to be up to snuff. I was flirting with adding a 3rd radiator but it is not a straight install in a 40th AE plus it's another $600.00+ I don't feel like spending.

KrazyK

I thought the 40th had the middle radiator? At least the coolant tank is much cheaper for ours than the earlier 996's.

Ahsai

I'm considering the t-stat as well and I found a few available from Pelican here. LN engnieering no longer carries it. The Wahler one is $70 t-stat including the housing so it's plug-and-play:

http://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/..._pg1.htm#item1

MiamiC70

No 3rd radiator in a 40th AE. I just had this discussion with Porsche dealer and in the past. Funny how they still argued when I am on phone looking at the car and they are looking a computer, LOL

Seems that the X51 engine option adds a 3rd radiator but since the 40th AE has Turbo front end and radiators I guess Porsche tested and did not need it so left it out. Also, since kind of a hybrid that is why the regular 3rd radiator kit nor a Turbo 3rd radiator kit does not fit 100% in a 40th AE.

zeeeeeee

I would recommend you also do the LN IMS Bearing while you are doing your clutch.