Coolant tank threads

[chomper129]

I put in a new coolant tank about 2-3 years ago, due to the original one leaking.  I replaced the cap with a band new one and all has been fine.  Lately the cap has been coming loose as the engine heats up and coolant bubbles out of it and smokes like crazy.  I bought a brand new cap, tightened it up before I left for work today, and as I got back in my car to leave, the cap was completely loose.  I drove it for about 15 minutes and the cap was loose again.  Faulty threads on the tank?  2000 C2 Cab

Edited March 25, 2019 by chomper129

[Ahsai]

Sounds like so. Has it even been cross threaded? Is it a genuine Porsche coolant tank?

[chomper129]

genuine tank from Pelican Parts.  I don't think its ever been cross threaded.  Ive only taken it off and on a couple times.  The price of a new tank is so high for what it is, and its a pain to get in and out.  I guess i'm outta luck?

[Ahsai]

If the brand new cap was genuine parts too, I can't think of why it will come loose other than thread damage on the tank. Have you taken a closer look at the threads on the coolant tank and see if they are stripped?

[chomper129]

I guess they must be even though they don't look like it.  If I try and tighten the cap as tight as it will go, it just slips and loosens again.  New tank is in my future.  thanks for the help Ahsai

[JFP in PA]

58 minutes ago, chomper129 said:

genuine tank from Pelican Parts.  I don't think its ever been cross threaded.  Ive only taken it off and on a couple times.  The price of a new tank is so high for what it is, and its a pain to get in and out.  I guess i'm outta luck?

 

Be very circumspect about what they call "genuine" or "original equipment", we have seen more than one example of cheap aftermarket stuff being substituted and called "OEM".

 

Get the real thing from a dealer; not cheap, but replacing ain't fun either...………..

[Ahsai]

^Good point, John.

 

The genuine tank for a 2000 is ~$488 (from sunsetporscheparts.com). If your tank was "only" $200~250, it's likely an aftermarket unit, perhaps with a very confusing name such as "OEM" or "Originally equipped".

Edited March 25, 2019 by Ahsai

[JFP in PA]

1 hour ago, Ahsai said:

^Good point, John.

 

The genuine tank for a 2000 is ~$488 (from sunsetporscheparts.com). If your tank was "only" $200~250, it's likely an aftermarket unit, perhaps with a very confusing name such as " OEM" or "Originally equipped".

 

Pelican has a long reputation for doing this, which is why some don't do business with them.

[KK911C4]

I recently had a similar experience. My 19 yearly coolant tank sprung a leak on the back side. I replaced it with an "OEM" not genuine tank to save $, and despite having a new genuine Porsche coolant cap, the cap just would not snug, spewed a lot of coolant after a drive, and ruined the coils on that side. I ended up having to redo the whole repair with a genuine Porsche tank and replace coils. I had the same experience with MAF replacement. Buy genuine "Porsche".