New boxster owner-question
 

Just bot a 1999 Boxster in good shape 137K miles, had oil changed, they checked things and inquired about the serpentine belt, I think it was replaced around 35K miles back or approx 3 years. Is this the fan, water pump that runs the alternator etc like a fan belt on say a Ford or Chevy or is it a timing belt....if not does the Boxster have timing chain or belt??? Thoughts???

serpentine belt is for the accessories.
AC compressor, power steering, alternator,water pump.
the radiator fan is electric, and located behind the radiators on the front of the car.
you have two radiators, two AC condensers, and two fans.
the camshafts are connected to the crankshaft via chains. in your case 5 of them.
these chains are suppose to hold for the engine life.
in other words, no need to replace (unless you are overhauling the engine)
welcome to the forum and enjoy your car.

U must know, sounds like it
 

Thanks for explaing the timing chain vs belts....I know in early 90's some Hondas had timing belts that would go out and that was IT... another quick question, this '99 Boxster just purchased has a check engine light on. Had someone look at it, computer said it was fuel tank sensor or related...question....has anyone had problems like this before, is it a major big deal, or something small, that won't break my bank to fix, the same guy said it could need new gas cap so this afternoon I bot new gas cap from Porsche dealer...hope that fixes it but fear it may not...thoughts???

Use the search feature on the forum.
It will show you many treads on the subject.
But for your question, yes. A bad cap can cause a CEL.

Find out the exact CEL code and search the forum. Most likely its been discussed before. If not or if its not clear, post the code and you'll get a load of responses.

As for the repair breaking the bank - you know that there are no cheap Porsche's, right? :D

My 98 came with the check engine light on right from the factory. I recommend you buy a code reader, $50 at AutoZone. it work on all newer cars anyways. Nice tool to have in the tool box.

And welcome to the Boxster ownership. There is a ton of info in this forum. Just don't ask which oil to use or which tires to buy!