[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by blundgren77

Thanks for the info. Leave it up to the Germans to make something like antifreeze a topic of debate. I think this weekend I will be flushing it out DIY. Other than the Snap-On kit, anyone know of a good "how to" that's published on doing it right, or tools that can aid in keeping air out? What about pressures? If you pull a vaccuum on the system, is there a chance of pulling too much and collapsing something?

You are going to get air into the system when you fully drain it, which is inescapable; getting the air out afterwards is the issue. As for pressures, we typically pull 26-28 inches of vacuum on the system, and then hold that for at least 5 min. to check for leaks before refilling the system. Some of the flexible hoses may collapse, but that is OK and will do no harm. The only full write up I've ever seen on using vacuum is in the 13 volume OEM manual set; the Bentley manual uses the atmospheric bleed next to the surge tank in the rear trunk. Takes a lot longer, but if done correctly, that route will work fine. The Bentley will also show you everything you need to do to drain the system as well.

I did talk to the dealer, who gave me a run-down on the fluids. Apparently, the original Porsche fluid is green - somewhat in color to prestone and is the "lifetime" stuff. They actually didn't want to quote me a price on them flushing it, as they said it was "lifetime" rated. (yea right). Then I guess there is an Orange fluid also which appers to be what I'm filled with now, that's a DexCool replacement, and now the new Porsche fluid is pink/red. The pink/orange should be ok together..but I'm not going to take a risk on mixing it into yet another color.

Considering the potential downsides, cleaning out the system and refilling it with a 50/50 mix of the Porsche “pink” (which is their newer formulation, the old stuff was green) and distilled water (cheap, pure, and highly recommended over tap water), and you will have a clean system ready to run for years. Thought worth mentioning: If you have any other cooling system related fixes/upgrades, now would be the time as you do not want to be doing this again in two weeks.

Why this can't be simple I have no idea, but I'll flush it out and replace it so that I will finally know what the hell is in there.

Hey, it’s all part of the Porsche “mystique”…………

BTW - Milwaukee area dealer wants 260.00 labor, plus parts to do a flush. They said their procedure is to let the fluid gravity drain, and then they use a machine to purge it, and then they refill. They budget at least 2 to 4 hours to completely drain it.

In the shop, on a lift, and with the Uview tool, two hours I can see; four hours is a rip off…….

Thanks again!
Bill

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