Hi, some info/ advice from those in the know would be great. I have a 4 year old 996 C4S that was leaking a small pool of coolant just in front of both front wheels. This was only noticable after leaving it parked for quite a few hours. The dealer has said both rads are corroded and at a cost of nearly £1000 I've had to get them replaced.
Is this a common problem? I find it hard to believe that at only 4 years old the rads have gone. Sure it's driven as it's supposed to be but it's well looked after and garaged overnight. We don't live near the sea and according to the dealer they're not damaged. Any ideas? And how do I avoid this in the future and what else should I be saving up to replace?!
RA

 

I have never seen a radiator corroded to the point of leakage in 4 years unless it was running straight water. I would first confirm the diagosis with an independent shop. May simply be hoses. If it turns out to be the radiators, I sure as hell would fight for Porsche to replace on their dime since they specifically state there is no maintenance required.

 

Ditto!!! To me sound like your ride has a bad hoses or worn out hose clips. Check them first before you shell out the big $$$.

 

The rads can, and do, corrode *if* you never clean out the nose. I've been amazed at the stuff that gets stuck in mine between cleanings ( every time I pull the bumper, I take the time to thoroughly clean them out ). I've had small birds even get sucked up into them. Ick. Leaves and gravel will work a number on them if left to fester.

 

I had a similar problem on my 04 turbo, the radiator started leaking and the dealer did not want to replace it they said I had damaged it by hitting someting they also wanted to charge me over $1800 to fix it!!! I decided to buy the radiator $400 and install it myself it took me less than 2 hours to get it all done!! good luck

 

Thanks for your info. As an extra I did some digging around and managed to speak to the tech director of Porsche UK. Think the big advice here is clean out the nose! Yeah, leaves, dead birds etc, all that'll cost big time if left in. I'll know better next time.
Cheers
RA