Cooling System Maintenance ?

[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.