Terry Adams

If coolant pipes deteriorate due to both miles and age, we need to factor that in to the incidence of 2007 having more issues than later models. In addition to the change of adhesive in 2008.

Tmistry

Thanks TerryAdams,

This is really what I'm trying to determine. Everything rubber is technically a 'wear item'. I've had all fuel lines replaced on every classic I've owned, for example. For this reason, I'm not concerned about determining 'if this problem presents' but rather, what is the right way to address it.

Unlike other known issues with the Non-turbo 997.1 cars, (IMS and bore scoring), the coolant pipe issue is something I'd consider much more easily addressed and it shouldn't impact owner's enjoyment of the chassis, nor buyer's decisions on the purchase. Is the 2009 purchase really ensuring the issue doesn't present? Or, is it only a matter of time? Is it only a matter of time, or will some cars never encounter the failure?

If the 2009 cars with enhanced glue are impervious to the issue, perhaps the enhanced glue is the best option for a fix vs pinning or welding?

Regardless, I thought a poll of total owners would be good to see the overall actual failure rate. Looking forward to more great driving and less coolant pipe talk!

TT-911

I really can't imagine someone letting this minor issue become a decision factor in buying or not buying a 997 turbo.
On the German forums I just don't see people talking about it. Same for the UK forum.
Why this forum and its users are so overly concerned over a few old hoses and glue is really beyond me.

In the life of the car there will be several occasions the engine will need to be removed. So why all the fuss?

On the UK forum someone just wrote:

" Speak to any specialist, they will all tell you to get a 997.1 Turbo manual, its the best and prices are set to go mental, it will happen, could be tomorrow, it could be in a few years, but it will happen. Probably the perfect 911 Turbo, with its mix of all the best bits over many years of 911 R&D.

Ring a few. Trust me.

So much going for the car - drive, power, shape, Kudos, and its legendary engine"
http://www.911uk.com/viewtopic.php?t...554cf0a053a721

JG 996T

19,000+/- 997.1 turbos built.

Edit 54 owners responded to this poll.

Nate Tempest

Yeah. IIRC the official Porsche position as well as the results of an NHTSA investigation were that the problem was essentially resolved with the change in mid MY2008. The pool appeared to support that.

That said, the plastic elbows definitely can still crack and seep coolant in any model year. It's not catastrophic if they do, so much less of a concern than the epoxy issue, but could still be worth replacing (ie with the Sharkwerks metal ones) if you're in there anyway.

atcbi5

o7silverturbo

I mean failed or not....I would have this service done at some point.

For me I take my car on long road trips....last thing I want is to blow a coolant pipe ten hours from home.

Sure could I break down from something else, yes but knowing I can prevent an issue im going to do it.

This is just me, I had my camshafts pinned also when I did the coolant pipes also replaced plastic elbows

bondjockey

o7silverturbo

+3634768324

Its like buying a lambo and asking how much an oil change is going to be.

These cars are high maintenance period the end

Tmistry

All good points. I believe the 997.1 turbo is at a vertex of collectibility. All cars hit a point where they're no longer new, the new model technology may be better, and some investment may be needed to get the car well sorted.

I haven't owned my 997.1TT long enough to know how routine maintenance costs look, but they seem quite low relative to peers.

o7silverturbo

997.1 turbo maintenance is low compared to other high end cars but its still a german rear engine car which doesnt make it cheap to fix.

Find me a german car that isnt high maintenance. I work on them everyday and it still boggles my mind when people are surprised at the cost of repairs. Everything is relative to how much it was when the car was new.

Used 997 turbo costs just as much if not more to maintain then a brand new one....140k sticker comes with 140k repairs

atcbi5

TTB

TT Surgeon

This is exactly right. On this turbo I did the sw pipes when I had the engine out for transmission warranty work, probably not necessary. My first 997 turbo had 80k miles, tons of track time, never an issue. I'd only do the pipes if you suspect a leak or have the engine out for some reason, otherwise I wouldn't bother.
Remember dropping the engine on these cars is a piece of cake, not like pulling a motor on a typical american/euro front engined car.

MadScience

Interesting. Folks in Germany will certainly run these engines harder for longer than most of us can manage here in the US. I wonder if it's all just group think, or something to do with the warmer climate in the US.


What brought this front and center for me, is some track events requiring some form of mitigation of this issue. That said, I'm not concerned enough, to preemptively drop the engine to deal with this on a street car.

phsingl