Coolant Tank Life?

[Stl-986]

This isn't something that is mileage dependent. It's more age & condition of the car. 40k miles means it isn't driving much. If stored in a climate controlled garage year round, it could be good for another 20 years, but it could also crack the next time you start the car. It's plastic. If worried, just replace it, it isn't that difficult of a job.

[Frodo]

Originally Posted by Stl-986

If worried, just replace it, it isn't that difficult of a job.

Really??
I thought everyone always says it's a real PITA.

[blue62]

Originally Posted by Frodo

Really??
I thought everyone always says it's a real PITA.

They do.
I didn't find it difficult.
it's about a 45 minute to 1 hour job.
I think the big issue people have is getting to the hose clamps.
There are six if IIRC.
I released one from the engine
and pulled the rest into the trunk.
Reattached most of them from underneath.
Removing the aluminum triangle plate makes them fairly easy to reach.

People also seem to have issues refilling and burping the cooling system.
Personally I have never had an issue refilling a cooling system.

[Rob175]

I replaced the tank last year, in my 98 Boxster. It still "looked good" BUT due to age it developed tiny spider cracks on the bottom that would expand once the hot coolant began to circulate. At first the coolant level would hardly drop but the longer I drove the more it would leak. The coolant never touched the carpet so I had no idea I had a bad tank until enough coolant collected UNDER the raised trunk floor and found it's way to my garage floor through a seam or rubber grommet in the metal trunk floor.

My "indi" Porsche mechanic replaced the tank and hoses and clamps with genuine Porsche parts and charged about $875 for the whole job. I don't have anyway to lift the car and work from underneath nor do I want to do the work myself even if I could. My 98 has been trouble free this long so I didn't mind spending the money to have it done by someone else.