Clean radiators

I have a 2011 Boxster Base ( 987.2 ) with 47,900 miles. I've checked all of the service records from the three previous owners, and I do not see any mention of radiator cleaning. I seen many YouTube DIYers that remove the front bumper and proceed to clean the radiators with a shop vac. That looks like a real challenge without putting the car up on a lift. Does anyone have experience or know someone who has done this with using a lift? Is there any other method for cleaning the radiators? Thanks for your support.

I've owned my 2008 for 17 years and have cleaned those radiators several times. First I have easy to remove screens to protect them, and second, I'm not inclined to remove my bumper. So, I have a couple feet of small, flexible, plastic hose that I tape securely to my shop vac hose and insert that hose while wiggling it around thoroughly to suck out any debris. I tape the flexible hose so it doesn't leak air during the process. Works great and is fairly simple.

Thanks. That sounds like a great idea. I'll give it a try.

You arent cleaning the true problem. The condenser and the radiator are maybe 1/2 " apart....sealed at the edges. You won't get ANY of that out and there is plenty. The radiator is on the right..the condensor is being pulled away forward. ALL of that is between the two...you aren't cleaning that without seperating the two. I have no idea if it was EVER cleaned before I did...this is at 116000 miles. Removing the bumper cover is simple. I could do it on a pair of ramps....It's easiest if you just lift the front end. Probably 20 minutes working slowly.

This is between the condensor and radiator. You wont get that out with tubes and hoses.

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Using vacuum techniques will never be as good as pulling the entire cover off. Having said that, I’m confident most Boxster owners don’t even think about this. I don’t want to scratch my bumper cover by manipulating it and handling it alone. So vacuum techniques are going to have to suffice.

I've never had mine off but I've had gutter mesh installed since my Cayman was almost new. Didn't have many tree leaves in my part of Florida and palm fronds weren't a problem. I'm not sure about mosquitoes though. If I were to go through the effort to remove the cover, I'd also use the opportunity to upgrade the horns and replace the Homelink module with a modern one.

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Agreed. I took my 986 bumper cover on and off alone but it’s not the same now. There are some clips and newer fasteners which isn’t a big deal but I did that work in my 50s not knocking on the door to 70.

I also cleaned mine, and it was GROSS back there, both in front of the AC condensers and between the condensers and radiators. After you get it cleaned out, install grill guards, they really, really help.

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Spyder omitted from the screen mesh offerings, I’m assuming because it’s not enough sales to be had. Sorry for the incorrect response mode. I’m not getting that right now.

I made mine from a sheet of aluminum Home Depot gutter mesh . I made a paper template and cut the mesh with snips. This pic is 16 years old, the aluminum has aged and now has a dark/charcoal patina that almost matches the plastic surrounds. Also the cable ties are less noticeable since the colors match. I was able to fit the mesh without removing the bumper or the black housing. I know yours are different on the spyder but I couldn't find a good close-up picture to see any obstructions.

Did you have to pull the BC or are those inserts removable? I bought some plastic mesh like that from JC Whitney and did this on the 986 . I have always wanted to keep my car absolutely bone stock and although the 986 never displayed any temperature changes, sometimes I wonder if Porsche didn’t leave that wide open because it needs the airflow. That looks tight though, nice job.

No, once cut to shape, I was able to slip the mesh between the horizontal slats and position it with my fingers while securing it with cable ties. It's been 16 yrs so I can't remember the exact process. I think I used some thin wire to make a couple hooks to temporary position and hold it in place while I got the cable ties positioned. I'm sure my fingers aren't as dexterous anymore to do it. I remember putting masking tape over all the painted surfaces since the metal mesh had lots of sharp edges. Actually there must be a way to remove that facia in order to replace to fog light bulbs, so maybe there's an easier way. But at that time the car was new and I didn't want to break something or not be able to reassemble easily. Now days you can find several videos for nearly any task.