Just saw this piece over on eBay, but it seems like an option. No clue on how difficult it is to open up the AOS to get the the diaphram but I am sure someone more familiar will chime in.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Porsche-Boxt...FXIlWT&vxp=mtr

 

Seems like a really bad idea.

 

I dissected an AOS sent by a fellow Forum member here. The plan was to fit a Viton seal in place of the Buna(?) original. I posted photos of the experimental cadaver . The problem is separating the AOS at the parting line where the seal is fitted. The adhesive used would not yield. I cut it open with a small oscillating saw (like an Orthopedic surgeon uses). The ugly cut faces would be re-useable with epoxy-perhaps. But it would have been a hack job at best.
The AOS problem has recently been solved by a 986 Forum member "Stelan" who mentioned he may do a diy write-up. His system is a modified catch-can that greatly simplifies the original system by eliminating some of the rats nest of vacuum lines.
That seems smarter approach - if it works.

 

That's great if it's actually replaceable...According to SG, it doesn't seem advisable. The listing is very misleading in that it makes it seem like this diaphragm is a replaceable part by pointing to a Pelican write up.

 

I wonder how many shady shops "rebuild" the AOS with this part and charge for a brand new one?

 

I'm with Slakker - this is a very bad idea. The AOS unit is a plastic weld sealed unit and should only be replaced with a new one. There is so much that will go wrong with this just to try and save a few bucks. Who the hell would go through the pain and agony of AOS removal to try and replace an internal diaphragm separating the oil side from the coolant side in a totally sealed plastic unit? That's more stupid than cheap.

Ever seen a thermostat housing for a Mini Cooper? All one unit, plastic welded and no way one is going to be able to change just the thermostat only in those units. Same concept. All one piece.

 

+1 Bad Idea
All that work of removing and installing for a patch?

 

Even if you bypass the coolant line with a splice - how are you going to make clean cut to separate the diaphragm housing ? And then reseal it and be 100% airtight and withstand the heat.
This may work if they showed a video of the tools & technique to open the housing ? The lip around the circumference is very narrow. There is a peripheral groove and mating shoulder that would locate the diaphragm. How are you going to recreate that ?
The more we discuss this , the better Stelan's system seems.It is smaller,simpler,cheaper,easier to fit/replace and more reliable - he says.

 

You got a link to his thread?

 

http://986forum.com/forums/general-d...s-failing.html

 

Thanks good Sir.