Hello people, Im a noob, I just bought a 98 Porsche Boxster but have problems : ( - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

dti · 03-29-2010, 12:45 PM

I think I'm going to work my way down to the problem. Compression test and the heads, if they are not the culprit then probably heat exchanger, and if that's not it...then I have no clue

hehe

Paul · 03-29-2010, 07:10 PM

With that mileage on the motor, I'd find a good used one.

Steve Tinker · 03-29-2010, 09:34 PM

I think you've got your order wrong way round - its a lot easier to remove the heat exchanger (located on the top of the engine), have it pressure tested and, if its OK, move on to the heads and coolant plugs.
If you use the search function theres enough reading to cure insomnia......

jmatta · 03-30-2010, 06:29 AM

I agree with checking the heat exchanger first, since the techs have pointed to this possibly being the issue in other threads. If you find this to be suspect, also replace with the larger 3.2 S version.

dti · 03-30-2010, 09:38 AM

Thanks again! I will remove the heat exchanger this weekend and have it pressure tested. Is there any way to tell that it's bad without having it pressure tested from the get go?

the mechanic told me to remove the engine already but I want to make sure of everything before I need to do so. Thanks guys I will take pics this weekend and post.

Lil bastard · 03-30-2010, 10:07 AM

I'd be very surprised if it's the heat exchanger. Possible, but very doubtful.

My money's on the head gasket... but which one?

Good luck to you, but I think you're in over your head.

Cheers!

dti · 03-30-2010, 10:52 AM

do you guys recommend removing the heat exchanger yourself? and also do you recommend getting the Bentley manual? I was doing some google searching but couldn't really find any helpful links to the heat exchanger, I just found a bunch of other people that have the same problem : ( sorry for the trouble and for being such a noob! :dance:

dti · 03-30-2010, 10:55 AM

thanks Little bastard, Im just going to work at it little by little, But I'm in no hurry to fix the car, it'll be a learning experience : )
one more question. Does every shop have a tool to check the heat exchanger. OR is it only German or Porsche shops?

Lil bastard · 03-30-2010, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dti

do you guys recommend removing the heat exchanger yourself? and also do you recommend getting the Bentley manual? I was doing some google searching but couldn't really find any helpful links to the heat exchanger, I just found a bunch of other people that have the same problem : ( sorry for the trouble and for being such a noob! :dance:

If you're going to work on the car, buy the Bentley Porsche Boxster Service Manual . This link is the cheapest and includes Free S/H.

The book will pay for itself over and over for the DIYer.

And, instead of spending time here asking loads of questions, you can spend the time fixing the car.

The Heat Exchanger is really called the Oil Cooler. There isn't a special tool to check it - it has no moving parts and is either leaking or it isn't. The only real check is to pull it and pressure test it.

Cheers!