Coolant Change Questions

[kjc2050]

Decided to change the coolant in my 13 year old, 27K mile 2000S, leading to a few questions:

• The old coolant appears greenish/brownish in color. It's never been changed. The new Porsche coolant purchased from Pelican is pink. Any reason for concern?
• The old, OE spring hose clamps seem to be in great shape... should I still replace them?
• How much coolant should I expect to get out of the system? ~4 gallons? More? Less?
• Any concerns about mixing the old and new coolant, if I don't get all of the old stuff out?
• Any other tips or tricks you want to pass along?

Thanks for your help!

[Paul]

Wait until the water pump goes or if you don't know it's age, replace when you do this.

[kjc2050]

Originally Posted by Paul

Wait until the water pump goes or if you don't know it's age, replace when you do this.

It's the original, and I am going to replace it and the thermostat during this service. Thanks.

[Paul]

I'll probably get flamed for this, but I would wait for an issue in the cooling system, such as a failing water pump, a bad hose, a cracked coolant tank or radiator.

[clickman]

Do a forum search. Tons on this.

I changed to pink from green, but wanted to avoid the possibility of gelling due to incompatibility, so I flushed (and flushed and flushed). Royal PITA without a hoist.

I invested in the Uview vacuum tool for filling, and happy that I did.

[kjc2050]

Norm,

Thanks. I have the AirLift tool. Can't imagine doing this without it.

[nieuwhzn]

So you bought this car new in 2000 and it still has the original coolant?
Just asking because I face the same problem, i.e. brownish green coolant in the car but no idea if this is the original coolant. 3 gallons of Porsche's pink coolant is already waiting in the garage, the total coolant is about 6 gallons I think (50/50 mix). Would be nice to know if I have to flush the hell out of the system with deionized water first or that the old stuff can be mixed with the new?

Btw, I don't think there is the need for a vacuum tool to fill the system. There is a bleeder valve which can be used to 'burp' the system.

[Perfectlap]

You must update the coolant cap. Once that seal is broken it may not hold pressure the same. So you may end up with air in the system which can split open the brittle plastic tank.
So I would do it all at once: tank, cap, pump, t-stat and fresh pink lemonade. Replace the cap in two years when you flush the brake fluid.

[kjc2050]

Originally Posted by nieuwhzn

So you bought this car new in 2000 and it still has the original coolant?
Just asking because I face the same problem, i.e. brownish green coolant in the car but no idea if this is the original coolant. 3 gallons of Porsche's pink coolant is already waiting in the garage, the total coolant is about 6 gallons I think (50/50 mix). Would be nice to know if I have to flush the hell out of the system with deionized water first or that the old stuff can be mixed with the new?

Btw, I don't think there is the need for a vacuum tool to fill the system. There is a bleeder valve which can be used to 'burp' the system.

No. I bought the car last year, but have the full service records. It's never been changed.

[kjc2050]

Originally Posted by Perfectlap

You must update the coolant cap. Once that seal is broken it may not hold pressure the same. So you may end up with air in the system which can split open the brittle plastic tank.
So I would do it all at once: tank, cap, pump, t-stat and fresh pink lemonade. Replace the cap in two years when you flush the brake fluid.

Changed the cap about 200 miles ago; thanks.

[kk2002s]

Basically in the same boat. I don't know what type of coolant is in there. I'm going to change to Pink in the Spring. Also do the WP & Thermostat, maybe tank(It makes sense even though I have no issued now). I just put the new cap on a month ago. I'll do the 'O' rings in the bleeder too.
Only waiting because I want warm weather and I need to gather Air Lift tool and Air compressor.
My plan is to flush 2 times with just water, flush last time with distilled water.
do the mechanics and then fill with 50/50 pink

Seems like a good time to also do the AOS - Fresh start.

[Mark_T]

Originally Posted by nieuwhzn

Btw, I don't think there is the need for a vacuum tool to fill the system. There is a bleeder valve which can be used to 'burp' the system.

You probably wouldn't say that if you had done the job with the vacuum tool. It takes a whole level of hassle out of the job and even the pro's on this board strongly recommend using it.

Is it necessary - no. Does it make the job way easier - yes. Is the tool worth every penny and them some - absolutely. The only catch is that you do need a decent compressor to use it, but anyone serious about working on their own car generally has one.