Coolant Change Help

[eshuber]

Getting ready to do a coolant change on my 02 - 996 and would appreciate some board help. I know that Porsche says its "permanent" but IMHO 5 yrs is long enough for coolant.

Questions:

What is the best method for flushing out the old coolant? I was going to drain old coolant and add fresh water - then bring up to operating temp. and cool down. Then drain again. Any better way?

Also - what is the difficulty in bleeding the air out of the system? It seems that I saw a post by Loren that you need a vacuum pump. Is that necessary or can you just "burp" it a few times with the pressure relief valve on the coolant tank?

Many thanks for your inputs

Ed in Austin,Tx.

[Tool Pants]

That vacuum system is neat. I have been watching a model on ebay.

When I replaced the coolant tank on the Boxster I lifted up the bleed lever and drove around for 20 minutes. That was over a year ago. But I thin the Boxster tank is higher than a 996.

The vacuum system is good for a dealership. I don't think they want mechanics driving cars around the street trying to get air out.