How hard can coolant tank replacement be?

[Brian in Tucson]

Originally Posted by 78F350

After reading all the horror stories, I was disappointed with how easy mine was when I did it.
These two two threads were very helpful:
DIY Coolant Tank Replacement in Under 2 Hours
Another coolant tank replacement DIY

Here's notes from when I did mine:


Lastly, many people have tried to save a little money buying a cheaper coolant tank. Many of those people have posted their regrets.

I got a really cheap expansion tank. $49.95 or so shipped. From Amazon. So far it's worked out really well. Guess I've been lucky. NLA, btw. But there is this:

https://www.amazon.com/Genuine-Porsche-Radiator-Coolant-Expansion/dp/B00AGR9XLE/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1523285780&sr=8-3&keywords=Porsche+boxster+expansion+tank

Mine wasn't so easy the first time, the Porsche factory elves seem to get a perverse delight installing those spring clamps pointing the wrong direction so they're impossible to compress. I put it back together, with a new oil fill tube and a new dipstick tube. Reused all the spring clamps except the two that go to the metal coolant tubes (replace those rubber hoses,) those were brand new worm drive clamps, the best I could find. Makes getting it all loose again more of a piece o' cake. In case my cheap coolant tank needs replacing in 4 or 5 years.

[njbray]

I think I will give it go!
I may get a new oil filler tube as mine looks oily.
Did anyone replace the temp sensor?
I also thought about replacing water pump at same time but is in only 3 1/2 yrs/23,000 miles old (replaced with IMS) so if looks ok it can wait until next time.
Of course I will get the real Porsche tank!

Thanks for all the advice.

[Starter986]

Originally Posted by Brian in Tucson

I got a really cheap expansion tank. $49.95 or so shipped. From Amazon. So far it's worked out really well. Guess I've been lucky. NLA, btw. But there is this:

https://www.amazon.com/Genuine-Porsche-Radiator-Coolant-Expansion/dp/B00AGR9XLE/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1523285780&sr=8-3&keywords=Porsche+boxster+expansion+tank

Mine wasn't so easy the first time, the Porsche factory elves seem to get a perverse delight installing those spring clamps pointing the wrong direction so they're impossible to compress. I put it back together, with a new oil fill tube and a new dipstick tube. Reused all the spring clamps except the two that go to the metal coolant tubes (replace those rubber hoses,) those were brand new worm drive clamps, the best I could find. Makes getting it all loose again more of a piece o' cake. In case my cheap coolant tank needs replacing in 4 or 5 years.

It shows $189.

?

[Brian in Tucson]

Originally Posted by Starter986

It shows $189.

?

Ja. But it's jen u wine Porsche OEM. Decent price.

[Starter986]

Originally Posted by Brian in Tucson

Ja. But it's jen u wine Porsche OEM. Decent price.

Decent price. Yes.

You said:

I got a really cheap expansion tank. $49.95 or so shipped. From Amazon.

Would you take a moment to share the $49.95 link?

Thank you.

[Brian in Tucson]

Originally Posted by Starter986

Decent price. Yes.

You said:

I got a really cheap expansion tank. $49.95 or so shipped. From Amazon.

Would you take a moment to share the $49.95 link?

Thank you.

I would if I could, I looked it up in my Amazon orders and it's no longer available. Closest thing on Amazon is this:

https://www.amazon.com/Coolant-Reservoir-Porsche-Boxster-99610614708/dp/B078NG7CRQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1523400007&sr=1-1&keywords=Engine+Coolant+Recovery+Tank%2FReservoir+ For+Porsche+Boxster+99610614708

I wouldn't hesitate to get one, but install it so it's easier to remove, particularly the clamps on the hoses that connect to the car's coolant system metal tubes. I use worm drive clamps on those two hoses.

You can get a cable type hose clamp compressor on Ebay--works okay for $11, but I ended up resoldering the ferule on the cable. And a cheap set of coolant how picks from Harbor Freight, too. Replace those hoses, btw. My replacements were from auto parts shop bulk stock and went on tight enough that I had to use Sil-Glide to get them to slip on.

[Starter986]

Originally Posted by Brian in Tucson

I would if I could, I looked it up in my Amazon orders and it's no longer available. Closest thing on Amazon is this:

https://www.amazon.com/Coolant-Reservoir-Porsche-Boxster-99610614708/dp/B078NG7CRQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1523400007&sr=1-1&keywords=Engine+Coolant+Recovery+Tank%2FReservoir+ For+Porsche+Boxster+99610614708

I wouldn't hesitate to get one, but install it so it's easier to remove, particularly the clamps on the hoses that connect to the car's coolant system metal tubes. I use worm drive clamps on those two hoses.

You can get a cable type hose clamp compressor on Ebay--works okay for $11, but I ended up resoldering the ferule on the cable. And a cheap set of coolant how picks from Harbor Freight, too. Replace those hoses, btw. My replacements were from auto parts shop bulk stock and went on tight enough that I had to use Sil-Glide to get them to slip on.

The quality of mine is as good as the factory oem.

That's arguable. If there's one thing I've learned from these forums is that, unless you're doing some modding, if it's connected to the engine, it's OEM only.

[Brian in Tucson]

Originally Posted by Starter986

The quality of mine is as good as the factory oem.

That's arguable. If there's one thing I've learned from these forums is that, unless you're doing some modding, if it's connected to the engine, it's OEM only.

Nah, not worth arguing about.

You're entitled to your opinion and you can spend your money any way you like. I've learned from forums and email lists over about 30 years that it ain't necessarily so. If someone says something once, it tends to be a self fulfilling prophesy and a replicating rumor. Some one, some where had an aftermarket tank leak, OEM tanks leak, that's why we replace them. And maybe the brand new tank was mishandled on its way to the customer

I'll cite an example of self sustaining rumors, 30 or so years ago, a squid was throwing his rice rocket motorcycle around at a track day. His Fram oil filter let go and spewed oil all over a pit area. Ever since, Frams have had a bad rep. and have been a no-no. This despite the fact that some of the Fram stuff is very good--I use XG5 series in my Porsche--spin on. I bought them in bulk and paid about $3.50 each. Frams ain't no good, I know. I'll keep an eye on them. Just like I would with Bosch. http://www.gmtruckcentral.com/articles/oilfilter/gradesheet.htm

OR, that Wix and Napa Gold are the best filter on the market. I don't think so, but whatever!