Coolant tank replacement - help me understand why you need in the engine compartmen
 

I've read DIY after DIY and technical bulletins on replacing the coolant tank but no one has said why it is so difficult, just that it is. Just looking at the unit it seems like the hoses all connect right there in the front seems like it should just pop out.

Someone with experience in this please tell me and everyone else that might be interested why exactly is it such a huge hassle. Why would you need to disconnect the hoses on the back of the firewall?

It's a PITA to change because the clamps are very difficult to access. In reality, it's not much more difficult than a AOS replacement. Make sure you have some cable-style hose clamp pliers!

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Really, I didn't think it was that bad. Cable type hose clamp pliers really lower the difficulty.

Now that's what I'm talking about - thanks 78F350
 

I know a lot of others have had the same question and hopefully they see this thread in their search.

You'll see!
The remote cable clamp pliers are invaluable. It took me about 20 minutes to get old tank out and 2 hours to put new tank in...all due to access to a hose clamp.

Don't buy a cheep tank, get the Porsche tank enjoy leak free driving.

It is straight forward. It is all about access. I did a bit from top side and under car.
Cable clamp tool a must.
Removal will give you an indication of where the difficulties will be reconnect hose clamps on the engine bay side.
Be careful of the oil fill tube as if becomes brittle with time. I did not but it would be a good idea to just replace at this time. I did not damage mine putting back together.
You will have to drill out for the dip stick as well, no big deal.
I did not drain my coolant, just removed tank fluid, refilled and purged.
A couple months later, I flushed and changed coolant with UView vacuum.
Since you are doing all this stuff, your previous post about un-maintained boxster,
Thinks about doing Water pump, Thermostat, Oil heat exchanger 'O' rings, Coolant tank and coolant flush/replace.
Its a list but they are the typical replace items

+1 on what JCSLOCUM said. Don't cheap out when you buy a replacement tank. Spend the extra coin on OEM.

Too many stories about cheap replacement tanks leaking after a short time period.

Half way through changing the coolant tank and AOS on my 2.7L, I got close to swapping my cable clamp tool for angle grinder :)

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Also research the refill procedure. You may want to buy an Airlift or clone.They are $40 on Amazon