Coolant leak mileage range
 

Hi guys. I tried to search and see what was the average mileage owners come across with a coolant leak and need to replace the plastic tubes which are underneath the intake.

I'm asking because if I'm looking at a SUV with 100k plus miles , should I already assume it's been done or it's time for it.

If they say it was done but I'd like to confirm.

Can I use a digital inspection camera, to see underneath the intake and confirm the pipes have been updated?

For owners who don't have the receipt.

This is has been covered about 1,000 times on this forum. A little searching will go a long way.

1. It is foolish to keep driving an affected Cayenne if you know it has not been updated.
2. Yes, it can be verified without pulling the intake, but you have to know what to look for.

​​​​​

I apologize. Maybe I need to search on my PC.

Yes. I understand it would be foolish for multiple reason from what I've read.

I've seen a few videos showing the install of the new pipes.

I was just curious if by now most of the pipes have been replaced.

From my understanding of reading through threads from the pig Illuminati:
03-07 955 - plastic cooling tubes. They will fail, normally within 50k. If it has over 100k, then they have probably been replaced.
08-10 957 - no plastic (or maybe better plastic) from factory cooling tubes. The tubes don't break but there is a plastic fitting that may or may not fail.

Yes, a $20 scope camera for your phone will let you take a peak

Do not assume the pipes have been changed. Confirm with a camera as explained in the previous post.
Your smart phone camera will work, use the search engine for details.

Even if the pipes have been changed it would help to know the circumstances involved.

If the pipes blew the starter and transmission seal can be taken out as well.
Pay attention to AT fluid leaks or a suspicious sounding starter.

Even if the cooling pipes have been changed, the cheap a$$ plastic T's on the back of the engine are guaranteed to leave you stranded at some point. There are aftermarket T's made out of aluminum that will never break.

To answer your direct question:

They can go as early as 60k or so, they can last upwards of 125k.

Higher mileage is no guarantee that they've been done.

Mine had 103k on it when I got it and they were still original. By the time I replaced them at 104k, they were extremely brittle and weak. But they were still intact (until I broke them taking them out).

You don't need a 'scope camera' to find out if they've been done. You just pull the plastic 'beauty covers', shove a cell phone down the back and take a bunch of pics. Keep taking them from different angles until you see what you need to see.

Read the sticky on the pipes at the top of the forum to find out what you want to look for.

Here ya go.
https://rennlist.com/forums/cayenne-...es-a-z-30.html
Post #443 has how to see pipes. :)

Coolant pipe failures have been known to blow as early as 57,000 miles and on the extreme end of the scale....go as far as 110,000 miles. It's not a "if" issue.... but a "when" matter.

I proactively replaced my pipes and the Ts at about 50,000 miles. Too much downside not too.

I used aluminum Ts. Hopefully last till car is dead.

Fantastic info guys, i appreciate the help. I always wanted to own a camera scope and Harbor Freight has a 25 percent off sale. So i now have a reason to buy it... roughly 49 bucks.... its worth having this tool

Now, i am looking at a 2004 and 2006.

04, is running and has no issues she has brought up. Has about 125k miles and is a S model.

06, is not running and will need a fuel pump. He asking price is way to much with the mileage on the car. Its an S with about 170k miles. I would bet it needs a ton more of work besides the fuel pump. (coils, plugs, fluids, gaskets and belts, to name a few)

Id guess 600 dollars for pumps and filter just to start....

Anyways, many thanks...

jpc