my relatives 997 has a small coolant leak. Dealer wants 5k and said they want to pull the motor to just find the leak. I said to take it to an Indy shop. He is in Scottsdale az.

 

yes they do. fittings pop out and there 3 plastic elbows that crack too.

 

Does the motor need pulled like the 996? I know the cars are very similar, but wasn't sure how much. His is an 09 with only 10000 Miles.

 

depends where the coolant is coming from. most likely need to drop motor. usually 1500$ to remove and reinstall motor and 1000-1500$ to take apart stuff on top and to pin or weld fittings.

 

After coolant pipe is repaired, how long does the repair last? Will the pipes need to be eventually repaired again?

 

All porsche platforms have coalant pipes problems but there are aftermarket solution like in 997 case ,the evoms coalant metalic pipes

 

997.1 and 996 turbo engines are mostly the same. Problems found in one are usually found in the other. Leaking coolant pipes is the most common big $$ issue on these engines. It's probably one of those when not if things unfortunately. There are a lot of threads on the subject that will help guide your relative about what to do. Since the 996 is older, more of them have experienced it. Do a search on that forum.

 

The Pin/Weld and replace solution is a one time / permanent fix (as permanent as any car repair can be )...It removes the flawed variable, which is weak elbows and glued in fittings...So at the very least, it should last much longer... and at best, the life of the engine.

DC

 

when you say the motor needs to be dropped, is it completely taken out? If that's the case, when the plugs are being changed wouldn't that be the time to do the preventative fixes to the coolant fittings?

 

Engine can stay in to do plugs....

DC

 

The dealer and Indy's are telling me the plugs are 5-6 hour job. They say the engine needs to be dropped in order to reach one of the plugs.

 

I hear ya...if they drop it then certainly get other stuff done...However, I have done it a couple of times and wrote a DIY on how to do it....complete with photos....also got access to the Porsche WM....and engine does not come out. It helps to lower it an inch or so....Just FYI..Maybe I saved you some money$$$?

Good luck,
DC

 

Plugs aren't that hard. If you have it dropped it is a very good time to upgrade injectors if you are ever thinking of doing that. Also new clutch, etc. Also anything in the back half of the engine. Check valves and things like that. Really I would replace all the rubber/plastic plumbing bits back there while you have easy access. When I think of all times I would contort myself and get bloodied knuckles. Having the engine out would be a dream!

 

thanks guys. Stealership charged him 5400$ To fix the leak. Said it was from the housing? Not sure if that means the water pump, or a connection. Either way, I'm sure the dealer didn't pin or weld. :-/

 

WOW! That's insane! Sorry to hear that. I was quoted $3k to weld and change the coolant fittings