[SamSparks]

A quick (maybe dumb) question re the fan switch that goes into the radiator.

 

My new switch (bought from an official Porsche Centre some time ago) has a copper washer (one of those compressible copper washers). The one I took off the old radiator has a fibre washer. Does it make any difference if a copper or a fibre washer is used?

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[Waylander]

Should not matter just don't over do it

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[SamSparks]

Should not matter just don't over do it

 

Many thanks - very helpful.

 

Clark's garage says that for a brass threaded radiator torque should be 28nm. Does that sound right to you?

 

I have the requisite 29mm deep socket and a suitable torque wrench but with the radiator tanks being plastic I'm just a tad nervous....

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[SamSparks]

Nice result, you will need the block off doodah I have a brand new one here,

 

I just hope its not about 25mm shorter than the 968 rad, but I think it might be

 

Update. My new radiator - which is in fact a 944 turbo radiator (95110603150) - fits perfectly. Got a Porsche dealer to send me a cap to blank off the additional port.

 

While I was at it also got new top and bottom rubber mounts (and hoses and clips). One of the original top mounts was missing - how/why, I don't know for sure (but I can guess).

 

At the time I didn't think to get new screws - the ones that hold the fan assembly to the radiator. Should have done - some not reusable. Got them ordered now.

 

As best I can tell, the prob with the old radiator seems to have been a failing gasket (tank to core) - not the core leaking or cracks in the plastic tanks. But I guess 20 years is a good innings.

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[Waylander]

Send it off for a refurb, worth having a spare or sell it on

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[SamSparks]

Send it off for a refurb, worth having a spare or sell it on

 

Good idea. I'll look into that.

 

Do they typically just replace the core completely, fit new gaskets and re-use the plastic tanks?

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[Waylander]

I guess that must be about right, core and seals

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[dlearl476]

pretty sure 951 (except maybe on the tip).  only the suffix number is different (05 for the manual 968 vs 03 for the 951)

Both have been superseded. The Porsche PET lists all models of the '91 944 and manual transmission 968 radiator as 951-106-031-07, the tip is -06. The PET also lists a rubber cap and hose clamp for the Turbo hose outlet for N/A cars. I'll post it when I come across it again.

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[dlearl476]

Sooooo....


After spending two years worrying about my "leaking radiator," cleaning up spilled coolant so I didn't poison any pets, and countless hours surfing the Internet looking for a replacement or perhaps a better option, turns out all that was wrong with my cooling system was a 24 year old cap on the overflow reservoir.


I guess the initial drops that the techs suspected were coming from the core/cap seal were some leftovers from when they did my belts, pulleys, and water pump and the subsequent leaks I found were blow-by accumulations on the engine pans from the cap.


So take it from me, before you throw $2,00-$3,000 at a head gasket, throw $7.99 at a Stant 10230,

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[MCL968]

Sound advice! I wonder if the cars are all just getting to the age where simple things like caps need to be replaced before they fail. I think I might swap mine out this weekend just because I have no idea how old it is and it's a cheap part so why not?

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[dlearl476]

Quite possible. I'm doubly embarrassed because virtually the same thing happened to my BMW 2002 although, in that case, it was the actual radiator cap and the source of the leak was obvious once I pressure washed the engine compartment and looked for fresh signs of leaking.


FWIW, in comparing my old and new caps, it wasn't the spring/tension that was the issue. It appears that age, heat, pressure had worn a groove in the rubber gasket where it met with the reservoir lip. It was between a 1/16th and -/8th inch deep whereas the new gasket is flat.

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[az968]

Good idea. I have to drive past Death Valley on the way to S Lake Tahoe, bet it's going to be hot along there. New radiator cap sounds like cheap peace of mind.

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[BeBe]

If you replace the cap, you don't have to bleed anything do you?

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[az968]

Only your wallet. And its a small cut.

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[flash]

ok - that was funny

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[BeBe]

I already have the cap.  Haven't installed it yet; due to the question above.  Knowing that it holds some pressure, would it have to be bled -- like brakes.  I assume the answer is no, but looking for confirmation.

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[az968]

No, just don't remove the cap with the engine is hot, you might get some blowback. Cover the cap with a rag when you open it to catch any spillage.

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[BeBe]

Ok!  A project within my technical skill level.  I also replaced the gas cap a few years back.  

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