Cooling System Maintenance ?

[FrayAdjacent]

Originally Posted by djomlas

well if you leave a bottle of regular water sit for 24hrs its the same thing as distilled water, or something like that

Not likely. I wouldn't try this method if you intend to use this water in your Porsche.

Go to the store and get real distilled water if you intend to flush your system yourself.

OTOH, you could use filtered water... but I bet store bought distilled water is even more pure.


Why risk putting crap in your PORSCHE??

[MNBoxster]

Originally Posted by djomlas

well if you leave a bottle of regular water sit for 24hrs its the same thing as distilled water, or something like that

Hi,

Sorry, distilled water is water which is boiled, or otherwise evaporated, to vapor which is captured and recondensed into a liquid. All Minerals and other impurities are left behind in this process.

Leaving Tap Water sit for 24 Hrs. will de-Chlorinate it (the Chlorine will evaporate away), but hard minerals like Calcium, Lime, and Metals will remain and you don't want these in your cooling system...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

[djomlas]

well when i did it last time i used destilled water so no worries hehe

[por986]

2001 S (38K mi)

I went to a local GoodYear, and they quoted $100 for the radiator flush + the cost of the coolant which I have to provide. I haven't found any of the recommended coolants in my Texas town (not pepboys, autozone, walmart, napa). Order online?

They use a "BG" flushing system(http://www.bg-international.net/?categoryId=1898). Does anyone know what that entails and if it is okay for a porsche?

Thanks!

[superglide]

I have the same question; does ANYONE out there have any experience/advice/opinions on the use of the power fluid exchange system (BG does seem to be the largest supplier) on their 986/996 cooling systems?

There is a flush component to the power exchange, prior to the replacement of the new coolant. To me this system seems to be the most efficient and thorough method, as well as knowing that the old fluid is properly disposed of. But doing any harm outweighs any possible benefits, in the way of efficiency, thoroughness, PC disposal, etc.

Shops in my area are offering the BG extration/flush/replacement fo $85 + or - a few bucks. I assume that the substitution of the Extended Life Zerex or whichever of the products that Jim has listed; would add to that cost.

I'd like to do or have this done soon, so any replies will be appreciated.
Fine in '09.
Andy

Originally Posted by por986

2001 S (38K mi)

I went to a local GoodYear, and they quoted $100 for the radiator flush + the cost of the coolant which I have to provide. I haven't found any of the recommended coolants in my Texas town (not pepboys, autozone, walmart, napa). Order online?

They use a "BG" flushing system(http://www.bg-international.net/?categoryId=1898). Does anyone know what that entails and if it is okay for a porsche?

Thanks!

[Paul]

I'm using this, about $12 a gallon at Wally World:

[superglide]

Thanks Paul,
But I'm trying to find out "How", as "What" has been covered....

I just don't want do do any damage via the use of the power extraction-flush-replacement service, as there are so many "unique features" on our cars; that many years of experience and common automotive sense, just don't seem to apply, sometimes...

A great example would be that there's only ONE brand, ONE type, and ONE p/n of ATF to use without damaging these goofy little ZF 5HP-19 trans units, that are the Tiptronics.... (and whatever Audi, Jaguar and several others use).

Originally Posted by Paul

I'm using this, about $12 a gallon at Wally World:

[Paul]

Another board member used a similar system at his father's shop without incident (well almost, he used the wrong coolant).


I do most everything myself, so all I need is the antifreeze and distilled water. It is easy to do, just takes time (probably as much as driving to the dealer, waiting for it to be done and driving home).

My way, less than $45 (3 gallons of each).

[superglide]

Yeah, I saw that one too.... I was (and maybe still am) going to DIY it, but I got interested in the power method service, as it would seem that with the vacuum extraction/replacement, there'd be little to no system bleeding necessary.

Also, it's not a dealer thing. There's about 10 shops in Tucson, 4 of which are "Euro-Specialists" who offer a 1/2 hour service of this kind, while you wait, with an appointment.

And at $85 for labor & materials on a messy, time consuming job; it's a deal to me....
Best,
Andy

[Paul]

Just remember most of those type of shops will treat your car the same as a beat up Honda and use tap water.

[superglide]

These are not Those Kind of shops. The two that I'm familiar with use toilet paper w/ a Porsche p/n, and are so clean, you could eat off the floor. Just about 1/2 - 2/3 the Dealer prices on parts & service... Good coffee, too.

Common knowledge is that a tech works at the Dealer 'till he learns his trade, then goes to work for or opens up his own independent shop...

But we all have our own experiences and opinions, so let's end this particular part of the discussion, as I'm only trying to get some input on a particular method of service.
Best Wishes,
Andy

[Paul]

If you decide to do it, make sure they get all 5 gallons out.....

[Kurt W]

If there is even the slightest question in ones mind, why would you use something that would save $20 on your $20K car. I just don't get it. Go with the same formula that the factory uses.

[superglide]

You are missing the point; it isn't about saving any money.

It is all about a more thorough service procedure, which MAY be better than the method described in the book. This is what I've been trying to get some information on in this forum, before my original question got hi-jacked.

I've been maintaining my Porsche cars myself, for almost 40 years now, and the last alternative is to "take it in to the Dealer"... Particularly in Tucson, as you should know, which has had one of the worst service and parts departments, over the last 3 ownerships (10+ years), that I have ever experienced, anywhere.

But I almost forgot to thank you, for confirming that my 986 is still worth more than I paid for it, 3 yeaqrs ago.

Originally Posted by Kurt W

If there is even the slightest question in ones mind, why would you use something that would save $20 on your $20K car. I just don't get it. Go with the same formula that the factory uses.

[Paul]

OK, I'll try to stay on point, it's just been fun so far.

Here's some of my thoughts:

I doubt you will find many Porsche owners that have tried this process since Porsche says our coolant is good for the lifetime of the car.

Water pumps fail sometime between 75K and 125K, change the coolant then.

I doubt this process will remove even 2/3 of the coolant.

The level of vacuum used in this process may temporarily collapse most of the radiator and heater hoses.

BTW I used to be an INDY.

[superglide]

Paul,
Finally! A technical opinion. All good points, as well. These are the type of considerations I was hoping for, a few posts ago....

You HAVE been having fun, haven't you. Up to this point, you had me believing that I was corresponding with Yonnie Yonson, from Visconsin...

Email makes it so difficult to fully appreciate dry subtle humor, sarcasm, leg-pulling, etc. Particularly that bit about "Porsche says" and "lifetime coolant". Those are two real knee-slappers, now that I think about it.
Adventures in Motoring,
Andy

Originally Posted by Paul

OK, I'll try to stay on point, it's just been fun so far.

Here's some of my thoughts:

I doubt you will find many Porsche owners that have tried this process since Porsche says our coolant is good for the lifetime of the car.

Water pumps fail sometime between 75K and 125K, change the coolant then.

I doubt this process will remove even 2/3 of the coolant.

The level of vacuum used in this process may temporarily collapse most of the radiator and heater hoses.

BTW I used to be an INDY.