Two weeks ago while sitting in the paddock, my buddies '01 TT while on the track, his right upper coolant pipe let go, dumping coolant on the track.
Question of probability or likelihood you might be next:

1. Does year and model effect the probability (ie '01 TT vs GT3, or 996TT vs 997TT)
2. Smell of coolant weeping prior to the blow out
3. How we drive our cars (ie track WOT, cruising)
4. Type of coolant used (ie non-OEM) or not changed for over 2 yrs, or type of coolant that might actually erode the "glue/adhesive".
5. Guess of % or chance we could be next (1 out of 100?)

How much $$$ to have the job done by pinning and/or welded and who in California? thanks kenny

 

I'm going to rule out the coolant as a contributory cause as "our" coolant is factory fill in audi r8's as well as vw golf's. same sh*t. audi/vw g13.

not changing it out regularly ( i do! ) is an interesting bit of conjecture but that would only lead to a further diluted mix from the recommended 50/50 mix of coolant w distilled. so i'm gonna say that some glue lets go, and some just doesn't,.. and although it's quite possibly heat cycle related?? my car has been tracked mercilessly and at 132k miles, just isn't going to let go its fittings. ( he says on bended knee.. lol )

go to speed gallery in sfv. they'll get you sorted properly and inexpensively as well as discuss your options re pinning/welding or even jb welding them ( dont laugh, it's fine and many have done it )

 

There is a 100% chance that it might happen.

 

I had my coolant pipes welded before they let go by Speed Gallery (owner is Dan) mentioned by 02996ttx50.

SG had a car come in a day or two before mine with a blown fitting. And when I picked up my car he had another two came in that had blown/loose fitting(s).

Dan showed me a used turbo engine he bought that had 3 or 4 fittings with the pipes already starting to back out.

IMHO. I was not going to wait for a failure at the track or on the street. Too many bad things could happen to me, the car, or other drivers.

 

I'll go with there is a "propensity toward failure of the fittings particularly as the cars age"

But for what you posit to be "true"? ALL 996 turbos will have experience this failure. So "100% certainty"(!?) is mathematically unlikely at best. Or worse, simply a gross overstatement.

 

What he is saying is that it's a big maybe.

One thing I've never seen mentioned as being a contributing factor is worn engine mounts. I'd have to take a look at the engine to see how many this would effect but with the engine able to move around more and there being coolant pipes that are fixed to the car leading to the front, sure, the hoses are flexible, but I'd still bet the movement isn't good for the hose nipples.

 

of course its a big "maybe"! so is a large asteroid one day destroying plant earth.

 

btw. an excellent point! one more reason to ensure one has recent motor mounts and change them at the first sign of "slop".

 

I ope that everyone who is experiencing this failure is contacting NHTSA about it as they have an ongoing case.

 

iirc that case is closed. probably because no one has ( yet ) been killed.

 

Any chance someone from Speed Gallery, Sharkwerks, or other Porsche shop can weigh in? We would appreciate your perspective on the possible causes and steps we can take to limit a blown pipe. Also perspective on their recommendation on the fix and why (pinning vs welding vs gluing). thanks kenny

 

its pretty irrelevant why it happens. it happens enough that most racing sanctions want the issue addressed and if you know its an issue it demands attention.

as the pinning vs welding i see it this way and others may differ. pinning can be done in the car but its not an easy task. as a preventative measure its likely the cheapest way if you diy. glueing only applies if you already have a blowout. welding is the most secure way to address this issue. once pressure tested to assure there aren't any leaks its a lifetime fix. some express concern about the different thicknesses and makeup of the metals but i have done it both ways and i prefer welding. it does however require engine removal and is more costly unless you already have the motor out for any other reason.
there aren't any steps to limit the issue. either they blow or they don't. theres no way to know when or which of the 8 fittings will let go. its completely random

the bottom line is whether Porsche or the ntsha think theres no issue to worry about those that own these cars know better. decide what repair works best for you and have it done as quickly as possible. the peace of mind is worth the cost no matter which fix you choose

 

It's not completely closed, they just decided there wasn't enough evidence to act and declined to do so. Yeah, if someone gets killed it will probably perk their ears up

 

+1 to all the above.

When my engine was removed for welding, the clutch slave cylinder was leaking so sooner or later that issue would have to be addressed.

 

sorry, i read that it had been closed. based upon inconclusive "findings".