Continuing to research the matter, I realized it would be a good idea to eliminate the comparatively inexpensive stuff -- hoses, purge valves, etc. -- before I replace the cannister, because a new cannister will set me back $382.50 for a genuine Porsche unit or $329.90 for a knockoff. I'm not used to Porsche's stratospheric prices yet.

If it is a cannister issue (cracked) sometimes they can be repaired.
Keep us posted always like to know outcomes.

Thanks. I also noticed pre-owned (i.e., used) cannisters are available on eBay for well under $100, supposedly working units. Would you steer clear or give one a shot?

If you could get conformation that they hold a vacuum it is worth a shot.
Say they are $50.00 $75.00 apiece... that's 4-6 for the price of one new one.
Next thing to consider is how much work is involved in changing a cannister out???
So if they are reasonably priced and changing one out is like an hour or so ya I would go for it.

I took your advice and spent several hours at TireRack comparing tires. I narrowed it down to the Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus All Season, which should be a good tire for year-round driving in Oregon. $689.96, not too bad. They'll be here tomorrow, and I'm having Discount Tire in Gresham mount and balance them. They don't do alignments, unfortunately, but they said they'll recommend another shop that can.

I had to laugh at some of the review comments at TireRack, such as the guy who chose a set of Riken Raptors because it had a "cool tread pattern." And to think women are accused of being concerned with frivolous stuff.

(BTW, this is the second iteration of this reply. When I posted the first one yesterday I got a message advising that it would need a moderator's approval, even though it was almost identical to this one. Something out of whack with the forum config, possibly.)

I usually buy from Discount Tire which tends to have decent prices on Michelins, which I have been getting. My local indie Porsche shop will take delivery of Tire Rack tires and mount them and of course they will also do an alignment. It is worth finding an independent shop that works on Porsches. I have had my 2001 S now for 11 years with no big issues, but the shop I use charges less than my Toyota dealer. Check your local PCA chapter for a good shop. You may need one some day so better to have an idea on where to go if something were ever to go wrong. Just my 2 cents. And those are nice tires from what I have heard, enjoy!

I've heard good things about Marque Motors in Portland. They work on Porsches only. I plan to do as much as I can myself, but it would be nice to have a shop I can rely on when I get in over my head, or when I'd rather leave it to someone else. I'll take a run over there and check out Marque's operation.

Can't wait to get the new tires on. I can't imagine how it could handle any better than it does with the Toyo tires, but I guess we'll see.

Good choice on the Conti DWS 06. Good all around tire for mileage, rain, and dry. BTW, Discount Tire will match TireRack prices. Good way to put a few bucks in your local tire store's pocket and build a relationship.

I have to admit I've refused to buy a set of tires because the tread pattern was ugly. Never thought of myself as petty, but if the shoe fits...

TireRack was having a blowout sale on Yoko's for my Cayman. I think it was to clear out the old version to make room for a new one. I went to Discount Tire to see if they'd match TR - that's how I started the conversation. Sales guy said yes. I handed him a note with the sizes and price. He thought I was lying and said he had to verify. I wasn't surprised and said go ahead. His eyes about popped out of his head when my prices came up. It was so low he said he had to get the mgr's approval. He brings the mgr out to look, who looks uncomfortable but after a min of mental calculations says yes they'd match. They prob made some of it back on the installation and disposal.

Okay, I'm a believer. The new Contis are quieter and feel more surefooted than the Toyos. Smoother ride, too. A guy at Discount Tire told me I couldn't have picked a better all-season tire for the Boxster for under a grand. Nice to hear, considering I bought the Contis somewhere else.

Sorry... wrong post

I like the way you think, blue62. I'll probably try to eliminate other possible causes first. Anything to postpone wrestling that wheel well liner out.

you just did a water pump, inner fender liners will be easy.
 

I think anyone who changes a water pump will have zero issues with a
this job.

Pick up some new fasteners as it is like one or two will fail in the removal process.

David

That's a darn good idea. Thanks, David.