997 GT3 Coolant pipe issue

[GT Two]

During my search for a GT3 I have head this mentioned several times. Someone discuss having the pipes pinned, another welded.

What is considered the best solution for this?

Is this a recall OPC thing or a specialist fix?

Thanks

[Cheib]

I;d say Sharkwerks know as much about this as anyone else

https://www.sharkwerks.com/tech-articles/the-gt1-c...

CEO of Sharwerks Alex Ross talked about it quite a bit on a Podcast I listened to recently.

https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/car-chat/id1...

[g7jhp]

^ This is a great article for all 996/997 turbo, GT2, GT3 and GT3RS owners, highlighted the potential cooling pipe issue and a sensible fix solution. Thanks for posting.

[Cunno]

Pinning does not solve the issue just prevents the fluid being dumped rapidly over rear tyres when the glue breaks down. If your going to go to expensive of doing a remedial fix solve the issue and have them welded.
Not as common in Uk more an issue in hotter climates but does occur.

[BlackGT3]

I have just experienced this issue with my 997 GT3. Mike at Sports and Classic looks after my car and completed the work. I understand he has seen a number of cars with this fault. It requires the engine to be removed so I replaced all the other inaccessible pipes as well as the clutch whilst the engine was out.

[dopsonj]

I had my pipes pinned in situ, can be done without any issue.

Both pinning & welding have their drawbacks.

Pinning without removal guide: https://rennlist.com/forums/997-gt2-gt3-forum/6792...

[mm450exc]

Cunno said:

Pinning does not solve the issue just prevents the fluid being dumped rapidly over rear tyres when the glue breaks down. If your going to go to expensive of doing a remedial fix solve the issue and have them welded.
Not as common in Uk more an issue in hotter climates but does occur.

+1

I had custom pipes made, engine out and welded in. The only fix.

And get those as well.

https://www.sharkwerks.com/engine/p3861-sharkwerks...

Edited by mm450exc on Thursday 13th May 12:38

[BrotherMouzone]

dopsonj said:

I had my pipes pinned in situ, can be done without any issue.

Who did the work please?

[BrotherMouzone]

BlackGT3 said:

I have just experienced this issue with my 997 GT3. Mike at Sports and Classic looks after my car and completed the work. I understand he has seen a number of cars with this fault. It requires the engine to be removed so I replaced all the other inaccessible pipes as well as the clutch whilst the engine was out.

PM’d you thanks.

[Hoya10CS]

mm450exc said:

Cunno said:

Pinning does not solve the issue just prevents the fluid being dumped rapidly over rear tyres when the glue breaks down. If your going to go to expensive of doing a remedial fix solve the issue and have them welded.
Not as common in Uk more an issue in hotter climates but does occur.

+1

I had custom pipes made, engine out and welded in. The only fix.

And get those as well.

https://www.sharkwerks.com/engine/p3861-sharkwerks...

Edited by mm450exc on Thursday 13th May 12:38

Does a custom pipe solve the alloy mismatch issue that Sharkwerks mentions in the article to explain why they don't weld (point being that weld will also have thermal expansion issues and will eventually crack)? I have a 997 GT3 and will need to do this at some point, just trying to understand the alternatives.

[GT Two]

Thanks for the info.

Once I find a car I would be keen to get this done somewhere If you could share please?

I had an inspection on a car yesterday but it didn't work out unfortunately.

[dopsonj]

BrotherMouzone said:

Who did the work please?

Lee @ Octane Garage in Crowborough

https://www.octanegarage.co.uk

[BlackGT3]

GT Two said:

Thanks for the info.

Once I find a car I would be keen to get this done somewhere If you could share please?

I had an inspection on a car yesterday but it didn't work out unfortunately.

Sports & Classic (https://sportsandclassic.com) replaced the coolant pipes on my car and also pinned them. They are GT3 Specialists

[BrotherMouzone]

dopsonj said:

Lee @ Octane Garage in Crowborough

https://www.octanegarage.co.uk

Thanks

[GT Two]

Thanks all, having a car checked for rev ranges on Monday. If all goes well I will be having this done.

[mm450exc]

Hoya10CS said:

Does a custom pipe solve the alloy mismatch issue that Sharkwerks mentions in the article to explain why they don't weld (point being that weld will also have thermal expansion issues and will eventually crack)? I have a 997 GT3 and will need to do this at some point, just trying to understand the alternatives.

I done 30k since I got them welded. A lot of track. No problem.

Ping Matt at Fearnsport. He can give you the details.

[Dan911]

Same for 997.2 - these need welding/pinning too?

[dopsonj]

Dan911 said:

Same for 997.2 - these need welding/pinning too?

It is know to affect all Mezger engined cars, so yes, they can fail due to the same glue issue.

[rrroro]

Getting my coolant pipes done this summer too, I had one of the pipes let go on the road a few months back for which I had a factory-style fix done, but I'll be going the welding route as a permanent fix. Hopefully it will actually be 'permanent'... Will have rubber hoses, water pump, thermostat and heat exchanger done at same time, so not expecting much change from around 4.5k. But I've owned the car 10 years now so I figure worthwhile investment for future years

Edited by rrroro on Friday 14th May 16:57

[Digga]

There’s been some big crashes on track as a result of these pipes letting go. If you search, on YouTube, there was something like a fourteen car pileup at the Nurburgring which was caused both a 997.2 GT3.