Catastrophic Coolant Hose Coupling Failure Registry
05-17-2014, 11:39 AM
#454
Burning Brakes
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Pacific NW FEMA Region 10
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I just had all of the coolant lines TIG welded. While my car is the 2001 TT, with 48K miles I thought I'd let you all know about it as well.
The car had a small coolant smell for some time and then it began to puddle a bit at shutdown. The mechanic showed my the failure and it was the 90degree fitting just behind the alternator. He said it pulled right out when he grabbed it. So, the bottom line is my never tracked street car was set for a catastrophic failure. I can only imagine what that would have been like 200miles from home on a mountain road with no cell reception.
IMO, an engineering fail from Porsche on an otherwise bulletproof vehicle, especially since the parts and labor to weld new fittings with the parts out of the car was $625. I'm sure Porsche could do it for a whole lot less at the factory.
As a side note, the Porsche dealer mechanic told me he has seen several failures lately, but mostly on the SUVs.
The car had a small coolant smell for some time and then it began to puddle a bit at shutdown. The mechanic showed my the failure and it was the 90degree fitting just behind the alternator. He said it pulled right out when he grabbed it. So, the bottom line is my never tracked street car was set for a catastrophic failure. I can only imagine what that would have been like 200miles from home on a mountain road with no cell reception.
IMO, an engineering fail from Porsche on an otherwise bulletproof vehicle, especially since the parts and labor to weld new fittings with the parts out of the car was $625. I'm sure Porsche could do it for a whole lot less at the factory.
As a side note, the Porsche dealer mechanic told me he has seen several failures lately, but mostly on the SUVs.
05-20-2014, 12:08 AM
#455
Instructor
I guess I"m the latest on the wall of shame.
2007 GT3 997.1
Aprox: 53,000 miles
This after having a delightful day driving DE at Blackhawk Farms, the coolant hose on the drivers side blew on the way home. Happily a PCA friend was less than half a mile away and provided a tow truck and a very nice glass of pinot noir. Tig welding all fittings, replacing O-rings. Should be ready for Road America on Saturday.
2007 GT3 997.1
Aprox: 53,000 miles
This after having a delightful day driving DE at Blackhawk Farms, the coolant hose on the drivers side blew on the way home. Happily a PCA friend was less than half a mile away and provided a tow truck and a very nice glass of pinot noir. Tig welding all fittings, replacing O-rings. Should be ready for Road America on Saturday.
05-20-2014, 01:26 PM
#456
They will all fail - that has been my position from the beginning. Not big enough for NHTSA but big enough problem for owners. Be responsible- fix your fitting if you track your car.
05-25-2014, 08:49 PM
#458
Rennlist Member
My car is going in Tuesday (this week) for preventative welding & replacement of a bunch of the rubber hoses while the engine's out.
05-25-2014, 09:47 PM
#461
Rennlist Member
06-05-2014, 11:43 AM
#462
8th Gear
Join Date: Dec 2011
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My 2004 GT3 blew at 34k miles in November 2013. Sent 5 cars behind me spinning in my coolant 
Does someone in a GT3 have to die before Porsche listens and admits there are ticking time bombs on the road?
http://money.cnn.com/2014/06/04/auto...html?hpt=hp_t1
I hope not...
Can we get the NHTSA case reopened? It is almost criminal that they closed it...
Does someone in a GT3 have to die before Porsche listens and admits there are ticking time bombs on the road?
http://money.cnn.com/2014/06/04/auto...html?hpt=hp_t1
I hope not...
Can we get the NHTSA case reopened? It is almost criminal that they closed it...
Last edited by aehrath; 06-05-2014 at 12:01 PM.
06-05-2014, 03:31 PM
#463
Instructor
Join Date: Oct 2010
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Just had pipes welded. No blow out or failure but had the engine out for CPO on RMS/ Front Crank Seal.
Had all parts sent to welding shop local in Cincinnati. Sourced the Sharkwerks Elbows. Local Porsche Dealer did all the work otherwise.
Cost me 3400 bucks plus the CPO work that was at no cost.
Had all parts sent to welding shop local in Cincinnati. Sourced the Sharkwerks Elbows. Local Porsche Dealer did all the work otherwise.
Cost me 3400 bucks plus the CPO work that was at no cost.
06-28-2014, 09:46 PM
#464
Drifting
Just had pipes welded. No blow out or failure but had the engine out for CPO on RMS/ Front Crank Seal. Had all parts sent to welding shop local in Cincinnati. Sourced the Sharkwerks Elbows. Local Porsche Dealer did all the work otherwise. Cost me 3400 bucks plus the CPO work that was at no cost.
07-01-2014, 03:16 PM
#465
Rennlist Member