996 leaking coolant lid?

[abcounts]

While changing my oil yesterday, I noticed what looks likes coolant "weeping" (no drip yet) from this engine block plate located on the passenger side toward the front of the car. I have not yet noticed any loss in my coolant tank level. However, I'm thinking it is only a matter of time. So, if I am correct, this part is referenced in the parts catalogue as simply a "lid" but there is a gasket here which I should replace with the Porsche part number 996-101-336-50, and I will need to flush/replace the entire coolant system in the process. My coolant had been replaced by a previous owner with greenish-yellow stuff which seems to have worked very well. I didn't notice at the time but it looks like my "hose holder" is also either open or broken and may also need replacing. MY QUESTION: Is this a typical situation (normal wear) on a 2002-C2, with 67,400 miles? Or, should I be looking for any other causes or symptoms of a bigger problem? Thanks.

[Ahsai]

Typical. My '03 leaked at the exact same spot. All you need is the cover plate and not the gasket.

http://www.autoatlanta.com/tinyresults.php?pn=99610101600;TB_iframe=true&height=550&width=875

The cover already has a built-in rubber gasket that comes with it. Btw, you need to drain the coolant first. Otherwise, coolant will gush out when you remove the plate.

Edited December 7, 2013 by Ahsai

[abcounts]

I purchased the new engine cap part #99610101600. It has the rubber ring in it, rather than the gasket which was on my old one. The gasket came off in one piece, but it looks as if there may be some sealant residue on the face of the engine block. I've tried mineral spirits, acetone, and gasket desolver to prep the surface prior to putting on the new cap. Should I try very fine steel wool next? How about muriatic acid? Or, should I put a sealant on the new rubber plate? Should I re-use the old plate and use a sealant rather than gasket?  Also, does anyone know the torque value for these two bolts?  They are M6, 8.8 class. I'm thinking 11NM, 8.5 ft.lbs. based on bolt size alone, but cannot find out for sure. I called Pelican where I got the part, and checked as much as I can in books, online without success. It would be a shame to lose all the coolant to a leaking plate or to over-torque and strip the bolt. Thanks for any help.

[Ahsai]

Wow, took you 2 yrs :)

You don't want to use the gasket on top of the o-ring. The o-ring alone will seal fine. Try scotch brite and no acid! As long as the surface is flat (felt by fingers), you'll be fine.

8.5ftlb sounds right as long as you use in-lb torque wrench. In case of leak, clean the area well then drain the coolant into a clean pan and reuse.

Edited November 13, 2015 by Ahsai

[abcounts]

Yes, I am extremely slow at getting around to these things, usually because I fit them into a tight schedule, using this car as my 2nd family driver. Also, the plate was merely "weeping" only ever adding distilled water to reservoir one time. One of the problems was finding my way through all the rhetoric about the type of coolant to use. Since I bought the car pre-owned (64K miles- now 70K) and I could not ID the type of coolant other than "yellowish", I concluded it would be best to return to Porsche "pink" coolant when I make this repair and drain the coolant. So, as of yesterday, I have re-installed the plate, (simply referred to as "engine plate". I did so according to your/mine specs, and re-attached all hoses, and filled the system with "tap water" starting the car, not letting it go dry, running to 182 degrees to open thermostat, and use heater core. I did this to inspect the integrity of the plate, and concluded it was very secure and dry. I also did this to flush the remaining "yellowish" coolant from the system.  As soon as the car cooled, I detached all coolant hoses again, opened the drain, and drained the car of the tap water.  BTW- I had it on a scissor jack lifted to 48", with all plastic panels, and front bumper removed. This morning, I intend to start the filling process of 50-50% coolant/distilled water with Porsche pink stuff. I have the Bentley book, and Essential Porsche book, etc. but could not find this simple torque value listed anywhere, other than in generic bolt charts. Thank you for your help.

[318touring]

Wow, took you 2 yrs :)

 

 

Took me 9 months to do this exact job,  from receiving the information from Ahsai (thanks buddy!!) to actually tightening up the bolts and wiping coolant off my face.

 

BTW, I didn't drain the coolant hence wiping coolant off my face.

[Ahsai]

I warned you about the coolant, didn't I :) Glad you guys can now enjoy a leak-free engine.