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YOUR RESEARCHAny Tips For Replacing Coolant Expansion Tank On a 996.2 3.6L?
Leading reported evidence
Replace expansion tank
Performed · outcome unconfirmed
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Performed · outcome unconfirmed
I replaced the expansion tank on my 2003 4S 2 weeks ago.
Any Tips For Replacing Coolant Expansion Tank On a 996.2 3.6L?
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Leading evidence: 'Replace expansion tank' (no explicit attributable resolution; this is a reported action or suggestion). Across 1 matching discussions, The most frequently discussed action is 'Disconnect fuel lines and it was still a pain' (1 discussions). For that action, 0 discussions report a resolution and 0 report an unsuccessful attempt. No action has an explicit, attributable resolution report under the current rules. These are forum reports and suggestions, not a confirmed diagnosis.
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Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
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Performed · outcome unconfirmed · Original poster
I started the replacement of the coolant reservoir tank today, and immediately ran into an issue.
Any Tips For Replacing Coolant Expansion Tank On a 996.2 3.6L?
Disconnect fuel lines and it was still a pain
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Suggestion
I lowered the engine on the mounts and had to disconnect the fuel lines and it was still a pain.
Any Tips For Replacing Coolant Expansion Tank On a 996.2 3.6L?
Replace 19 year old coolant tank
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0
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Suggestion · Original poster
I am getting ready to replace my 19 year old coolant tank on my 2003 with the least amount of pain, as I read many threads and I can only conclude, it�s a total PITA unless you completely remove the engine.
Any Tips For Replacing Coolant Expansion Tank On a 996.2 3.6L?
Replace air oil separator
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0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
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Suggestion
I removed the manifold to replace the AOS with UAOS.
Any Tips For Replacing Coolant Expansion Tank On a 996.2 3.6L?
Replace 19 year old coolant tank
No successful repair reported for this finding.
0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context
Discussions that contain suggestions
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Suggestion · Original poster
I am getting ready to replace my 19 year old coolant tank on my 2003 with the least amount of pain, as I read many threads and I can only conclude, it�s a total PITA unless you completely remove the engine.
Any Tips For Replacing Coolant Expansion Tank On a 996.2 3.6L?
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20 eligible posts · 0 unverified posts · 1 discussions match the subject in their title or opening post.
Rennlist: 1 discussions
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I am getting ready to replace my 19 year old coolant tank on my 2003 with the least amount of pain, as I read many threads and I can only conclude, it�s a total PITA unless you completely remove the engine.
Has anybody figured a easier way to get the damn thing out and install with the least time and pain?
Thanks!
I replaced the expansion tank on my 2003 4S 2 weeks ago. It was a PIA but manageable. I lowered the engine but did not remove it. I broke the bracket holding the tank while trying to remove it which made that relatively easy to remove. After i received a new bracket the only way i could find to get everything back in was sliding the bracket in place on the tank prior to working everything in place. After that i slide the bracket out and secured 1 bolt. I was not able to get both bolts in place so left it with only 1 bolt holding the bracket and then using the anchor bolt to also hold the tank. It felt very secure that way. Took about 2 hours.
Thanks! I wonder if completely lowering the engine until it almost rests on the cross member, then laterally moving the motor to the side a couple of inches might give enough room to remove/install tank with bracket in place? Did you happen to try this?
It would be easier to remove the manifold than move the engine to the side or remove all together. I had to remove the manifold on mine to install the UAOS. Should have replaced the expansion tank at the time...
Yes. Did this on my 99. My friend laid on the ground and pushed the engine with his feet a few inches to the right. Made removing and replacing the tank much easier.
I did so much work on a 997 that we decided to take the engine out for everything. One of the things we did was to change a leaky coolant tank. It took exactly 5 minutes. If you can accumulate all other work to get to an engine out, do that. I once had to remove an engine just to change a cam position sensor on bank 1.
It's easier to buy a car that already has a new tank
I've done it twice on my MK-I and it's not fun. I lowered the engine on the mounts and had to disconnect the fuel lines and it was still a pain. You have to get the tank into just the right position and angle to remove or replace it. It seems like it will never come out and then all of a sudden it slips out with no problem. Make sure you have the Original Porsche replacement tank or you'll be doing this job again in a year or two. Ask me how I know.
I started the replacement of the coolant reservoir tank today, and immediately ran into an issue. The tank will only slide out of the black retaining bracket about an inch, then it is stuck in the bracket. I can�t push it all the way back into the bracket either. It seems like the bracket will break if I apply more force.
Any ideas on what what�s going on?
Thanks!
The bracket is notched. Lift up on the tank a little bit to get the notches on the tank back in line with the notches on the bracket. If you have the new tank, look at the part that slides into the bracket and you will see what I mean.
Same thing happened when i tried to remove mine and ended up breaking the bracket. As was mentioned earlier the tank and bracket have notches and it gets hung up on those.
I didn't break the bracket but did break a chunk out of the plastic part of the tank that slides into it. I cut a notch in that part of the new tank so I could "make the bend" to align the tank with the bracket so it would slide in. I couldn't find any other way to get this job done without dropping the engine out.
The very last end notch broke off making it very easy to remove. I ordered a new part may opt to use the old broken one. Easy to install, with a missing notch and once it slides in, it has the other 5 notches to support it.
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