Boxster 987 S Radiators DIY?

[nigelj77]

I purchased an 07 plate Boxster 3.4S on Friday, only fault I could find on the car was what appeared to be coolant in the corners of both radiators.

I'm assuming they need to be replaced so am wondering has anybody changed them themselves, I gather the bumper has to come off to gain access.

Is replacement a reasonable DIY job or do I need to speak to the local specialist?

Thanks in advance for the info.

[Trev450]

Its not a bad job if you are reasonably happy wielding a spanner. As well as the front bumper you will also need to remove the front wheel arch liners to gain access. You may find the A/C condensors also need replacing as they tend to deteriorate at about the same rate as the rads. Check also the cross over coolant pipes as they tend to corrode. If so, this is not recommended as a diy job due to lack of space to work.

[nigelj77]

Oh dear sounds like it could get expensive, a nice introduction to Porsche ownership.....

Am I right in thinking the coolant radiators are furthest forward in the car and a/c condensors are mounted behind them?

The a/c had some pipework recently changed and was ice cold on test drive.

[nigelj77]

So is the radiator the first thing I can see when looking through the vent at the front or is that the air con condenser?
If it's the condenser what would make it look damp in the corner?

[PTT]

First is the condensor then the radiator.
Maybe dirt in the far back corners is holding moisture

[nigelj77]

Thanks for the info, I can be less fearful of my 250 mile drive when I collect it this weekend.

[PTT]

[nigelj77]

Pics of the damp looking condensers with leaves keeping them company or of the car?
Will post a pic of the car once I've gotten it home and given it a wash.

[tr7v8]

I did a 996 last year I've done loads of spannering but it was a PITA job. Difficult access, had multiple leaks which took multiple attempts to cure. Not sure I'd do another one.

[PTT]

Did the condensors on my GT2 and a friends Cayman, easy job.
Make sure to paint (ratle can) the new condensors black before placing, it looks better.

[PTT]

Just had a look, they look no worse than the radiators behind it, Job now 3 years ago.
Can give them a respray in the winter.

[Rockster]

There is the work of removing the old radiators and replacing them to be sure. But that is only half the job. You have to be sure you refill the cooling system with coolant.

The dealer (OPC) uses a vacuum lift that pulls a vacuum on the cooling system -- to the point (I'm told) the hoses collapse -- then the vacuum switch is flipped from vacuum to the reservoir filled with a proper blend of antifreeze and distiled water. This reservior is open to atmosphere pressure. The pressure difference has the fresh coolant flowing into the car's cooling system and since it was under very low pressure there is very little chance of any air pockets.

After the system is full then the coolant tank cap is installed and the engine started and run until the cooling system is hot enough to open the T-stat and allow coolant to flow throughout the system. At this point leaks are checked for then the engine is shut off and allowed to cool. A check of the coolant level is advised and a top up if it is low.

I've had both of my Porsches treated to a cooling system refill using the above method and the refill has been just fine. No drop in the level and no leaks either.

A vacuum lift system is a pretty fancy tool for a one time job but it is the best way to ensure a proper refill. The other way involves running the engine, holding its RPMs high to get it nice and hot and open the T-stat and letting the coolant circulate which then probably finds some air pockets. This causes the coolant level to drop quite a bit and one then has to let the engine cool so he can top up the coolant levela and then repeat the process over as many times as is required to ensure the system is completely filled with no air pockets.