What did you do to your Boxster today?

[M1Ark]

Drove her hard today through Vulture Mine road and I then up Yarnell Hill where I had a sudden loss of coolant. AAA towed the car to the closest Import Auto shop.

[M1Ark]

Auto shop says I have a transmission Coolant Valve that is split in half. It's only $100 for the part but the service manually says the engine and transmission has to be lowered to get to it. $1400 with labor added. I asked how he knew it was split in half and he said he could see it when he distilled water is poured into the system. I said to him that if he could see it then he should be able to get to it.

[bar10dah]

I like to take a 'casual' trip up Yarnell just to scope it out. Look for hazards, speed traps, etc... Then, go back down, and go up again, much more 'spirited' this time. :)

Can you attempt the repair on your own? Are you mechanically inclined?

[M1Ark]

The auto shop called the Porsche dealer and was told the tranny did not have to come down to replace the transmission Coolant Valve. They charged me actual labor units and not book labor units. Book said 11 hours labor and they ended up charging me 6 hours labor. The mechanic had bloody arms from reaching for the valve. Seemed like a major pita. Thanked him for not dropping the motor and transmission. Drove the Boxster S home like I stole it and conclude that the repair was good.

Edited August 20, 2012 by M1Ark

[M1Ark]

I am mechanically inclined but the car was 125 miles from home.

Edited August 20, 2012 by M1Ark

[M1Ark]

My only lingering question.... Why did the transmission Coolant Valve split in half? Hmmmmm.

Edited August 20, 2012 by M1Ark

[M1Ark]

My Boxster S is at the dealer for routine maintenance and new keys:

Towing to the dealer - $200

2 new keys programmed - $900

New driver lock mechanism - $620

Alignment - $325

Brake fluid flush - $180

Tiptronic service - $550

New motor mount - $625

Ouch... Better run good when I get her back.