THERMOSTAT HOUSING 3.2L V6

[GKARAG@BELLSOUTH.NET]

2006 Cayenne 3.2L V6 with 67000 miles.  I have a teeny coolant leak coming from the thermostat housing area on the left rear of the engine.  The leak is very small and does not drip on the floor, at least for now.  The service manual refers to removing the transmission to change the thermostat, at least that's the way I read it.  Can the replacement of the housing be made without removing the transmission?  I know it looks a little crowded back there but it mystifies me that the Porsche engineers would design it where the transmission needs removal.

 

Any insight or experiences with this greatly appreciated.

 

Thanks in advance

George

[wizard]

I drive a Boxster but having to remove the transmission sounds way too extreme for Porsche.

 

Have you checked the tightness of the bolts on the thermostat housing as a first step? 

 

Hoses?

 

Unless there's been prior work carried out which has disturbed the thermostat housing, it might be a better idea to carefully check out your water pump.

[Loren]

There are only two hex bolts that need be removed.

Chances are the o-ring is leaking and must be replaced.

The housing gets a new o-ring and spray-on sealant.

Do not over tighten the two hex bolts - 6 ftlb. max.

[wizard]

Well, I did say that I drive a Boxster and not a Cayenne (-:

 

The water pump and thermostat are next to one another on a Boxster.

 

Out of curiosity, I came across this which may be helpful, but for a V8.

 

https://youtu.be/2o5gv-J8XFA

 

Edited November 29, 2016 by wizard

[GKARAG@BELLSOUTH.NET]

On the V6 3.2L Cayenne the thermostat housing is on the rear left of the engine.  First car I've ever seen with this setup.  There are what looks like 4 hoses and 3 allen head bolts that hold the housing to the back of the motor, and a sensor connector.  I can see 2 of the bolts clearly (ones on the bracket)  but the 3rd is further back and I cannot see it.  Maybe once the hoses come off it can be easier seen.  BUT before I attempt this repair I want to make sure of all the steps.  The shop manual actually refers to the thermostat itself when referring to removal of the transmission.  I would think if the housing and the thermostat come off together you wouldn't have to remove the transmission.  Then remove the thermostat from the housing.  Otherwise whoever designed this needs to have their brain examined.

 

This video looks similar to the location and a great example of what not to do.!!!!!

 

 

 

[GKARAG@BELLSOUTH.NET]

Loren,

R u sure theres only 2 bolts thru the housing?  Illustration 105-02 in the parts manual shows 2 long ones thru the bracket support and a 3rd smaller on to the right of the support..........its showing 2 for the round thermostat connection piece on the bottom............

[Loren]

The small one is just for the support I think - no need to remove it.

My information comes from the Porsche factory Cayenne Service Manual.

[GKARAG@BELLSOUTH.NET]

Screws  11 and 12 are what I was referring to.

 

 

 

[Loren]

11 yes

12 no

 

[moakesr]

On 11/29/2016 at 12:04 PM, GKARAG@BELLSOUTH.NET said:

2006 Cayenne 3.2L V6 with 67000 miles.  I have a teeny coolant leak coming from the thermostat housing area on the left rear of the engine.  The leak is very small and does not drip on the floor, at least for now.  The service manual refers to removing the transmission to change the thermostat, at least that's the way I read it.  Can the replacement of the housing be made without removing the transmission?  I know it looks a little crowded back there but it mystifies me that the Porsche engineers would design it where the transmission needs removal.

 

Any insight or experiences with this greatly appreciated.

 

Thanks in advance

George

 

Hi, did you attempt this job?

 

My thermostat housing is leaking and dropping the transmission seems a bit extreme to me!

 

Richard

[GKARAG@BELLSOUTH.NET]

I have not. I bought the housing but didn’t really need to replace the teeny leak crusted and seemed to stop. I think I added about 1/2 pint of fluid in the last 3 years. However,  I had the plastic T near the reservoir crack so I have to replace that hose assembly so while I’m there I might as well replace the housing. Just need to figure out what hose goes to the housing that goes under the manifold.  Sure doesn’t seem that the transmission has to come out.