Coolant leak - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

blue62 · 07-10-2023, 05:39 AM

You can get a coolant system pressure test kit at Harbor freight for around $100.00.
The adapter fits on the coolant fill tank neck.
No need to run the engine to apply pressure to the system.
It would be very helpful for your situation.

Gilles · 07-10-2023, 10:16 AM

LoneWolf, you can "borrow" a coolant pressure tester at Autozone and pressurize the system without running the engine..

Out of curiosity, you mentioned that you can remove the entire HVAC system without removing the dash? If this is correct, it sounds way easier than removing the entire dash..

Also, instead of pinching the two HVAC hoses off, you may want to 'connect them with each other' to bypass the HVAC core entirely and keep the flow of coolant. Good luck with your project!
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LoneWolfGal · 07-10-2023, 12:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gilles

Out of curiosity, you mentioned that you can remove the entire HVAC system without removing the dash? If this is correct, it sounds way easier than removing the entire dash..

I can't speak to removing the entire HVAC system, but replacing the heater core is a piece of cake. Once the cowl, wipers, and a few other minor things are removed the core is easily accessible from under the hood, behind the battery. It just drops in like a fat piece of bread in a toaster. It wasn't anywhere near as easy on a Pontiac, when I had to disassemble the dash to get to the heater core.

Good suggestion about borrowing a pressure tester from Autozone, although I wouldn't mind having one of my own. Can't have too many tools. I just bought a new torque wrench, and it's a thing of beauty.

Thanks for the suggestions.

LoneWolfGal · 07-10-2023, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blue62

You can get a coolant system pressure test kit at Harbor freight for around $100.00.
The adapter fits on the coolant fill tank neck.
No need to run the engine to apply pressure to the system.
It would be very helpful for your situation.

Blue, you talked me into it. I just ordered a kit of my own, this one: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BYJTZHJ2

I liked it better than Harbor Freight's. It will be here Wednesday.

Thank you for your influential contribution.

blue62 · 07-10-2023, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LoneWolfGal

Blue, you talked me into it. I just ordered a kit of my own, this one: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BYJTZHJ2

I liked it better than Harbor Freight's. It will be here Wednesday.

Thank you for your influential contribution.

One can never have enough "quality" tools.
I have also used the coolant pressure tester to "force bleed" brakes.
I just have to watch the brake fluid level in the master cylinder reservoir so it doesn't get to low before topping up.