Cracked Radiator

Now that the severe cold snap is upon us, ive realised that the coolant tank level has been dropping massively over the past few days. Ive topped it up with 2 Official Porsche antifreeze bottles given to me free of charge by OPC Reading[ ], but on my way home tonight i noticed the dreaded red warning indicator referring to antifreeze levels. I stopped at the services and realised the tank was half empty. I bought some antifreeze from the garage and poured it in. When i got home tonight and into my garage, i noticed a puddle about the size as an antifreeze bottles worth around the offside front wheel. Its stopped leaking now and the tank is half empty. I have searched on this site everywhere and there is very little info about antifreeze leaking from the front radiator. I can't see any leak. Has anyone had their radiator replaced? If so what, where, and how much? Kind regards Simon[ ]

Well thanks for all your replies and useful information.[ ] Taken my sick baby into OPC Reading for analysis. Apparently they are really quiet so the triage nurse came out and put my 911 on the ramps. The front offside radiator had WARPED and CRACKED due to it being next to the aircon which gets hot. There was also a lot of dirt, leaves, flies and bits of dead mammals in there too.[&:] Its going to be about £250 for 1 996 radiator and 2.5 hours labour. So £500.[X(] I seem to be the only one who's ever had a cracked Porsche radiator.[:-] Simon[&o]

Simon I posted this question on PH and had a fair response. I've not heard of warping but the guys on there were talking about TT. Lots of dirt collects by the rads and they corrode. One of my rads is leaking. When I'm in traffic I can see steam rising and every month or so I have to top up. Apparently it may well cost £800 to rectify.....needless to say I'm hanging on. They recommend fitting a mesh behind the cooling ducts in the bumper to stop dirt and leaves collecting there. Have fun.

£250 for a radiator sounds a bit steep. I was quoted £158 + VAT yesterday for one from the OPC (and that was without any PCGB discount). Digging a bit deeper I've established that the same radiator is also fitted to the Boxster (part number 996.106.132.51 - fits the 996 from 1998 onwards (not Turbo) and the Boxster from 1997) and that Euro Car Parts are offering new OEM (Behr) Boxster radiators at £124 plus VAT. Assuming you're not tied to your OPC then a decent specialist ought to be able to fit the item in the same 2.5 hours for a lower labour charge - all in all this could save you a couple of hundred pounds.

They were sleeping on it...[8|] Sorry to hear you've got this problem. It's not something I've really heard much about (apart form the getting blocked bit) so I didn't reply... You might find this helpful in the future - it's a link showing how to get to the rads for cleaning. Also useful just to see what's under there. --> Cleaning the Radiators <--

[8|]Hi Mark, I don't expect you to all be awake at midnight of course[8|][ ] Lee, Your post was the only one that referred to radiators. I was going to email you to find out what happened. Porsche Reading said they can do it for the same price as Northway with my PCGB card. I have rung around and no-one can replace the radiator for me in the next few days except OPC Reading, who will have it done same day. £570 inc VAT. That includes clearing out the other radiator and replacing the warped/cracked one and refilling with antifreeze. The problem is, i need the car as i have to pick up girlies from parties, my Vice President from the airport and race Dave968 home from Reading to Arborfield.....and i can't do that in my Astra. So i'm stuffed.[:'(] Thanks guys anyhow

To avoid suffering this plight the rads should be cleaned out at least once every two years IMHO.... It is a very simple job. Also provides the opportunity to add some mesh at the same time, which won't stop grit and crud but will stop the bigger stuff.