Cone took out the Radiator

[Detoxx]

A cone took out my radiator during the accident avoidence course in the porsche driving school yesterday. It looks like lower radiator plastic neck where the hose connects is the weak point and hangs slightly below the radiator height. If it gets hit I can see why it would easily crack the radiator, nice weak point on the 996. Pulled it yesterday once I got home, would recommned jacking and removing the front wheels but does not have to done as I didn't do it. I was being lazy and next time I will as it would have saved some time and swearing. Can't believe how much work it is to get it out compared to a normal radiator. Thought I'd ask the experts a few questions

1) Any way to repair this radiator (such as jb weld or permatex rad replair) or am I just better off getting a new on

2) Least expensive place to source a new turbo radiator & porsche coolant, have a 996 Anniv and it has the large rad.

3) Easiest way to burp the air out of the cooling system and/or have my indy shop do this part as they have the pressuring system for this.

4) Does anyone know of any idea's or way to protect the lower radiator neck

TIA

[JFP in PA]

All of Porsche's front radiators are vulnerable due to the mounting methods and the lowness of the nose of these cars. Just running the nose gently up on a grass hump or a parking curb is enough to break them. I know of no functional way to prevent this other than to protect the nose of the car from any impacts.

I’d also forget about trying to repair the damaged radiator; we have seen a lot of attempts at this, but very few successes. Considering how much fun it is to get them out, it is better to simply lick your wounds and replace it.

Your cheapest source for a new unit is probably going to be board sponsor Sunset Porsche, unless you can find someone that has one and does not need it.

As for refilling the system, best method is the Uview vacuum filling system; it is the exact same system the dealer’s use, only about 1/5 the price Porsche would charge for it. With this tool, it is a 5 min. process to refill the system without any issues.

[Detoxx]

Thanks for the input, new radiator has been ordered.