Every year I'm removing the front bumper cover for radiators clean-up. Since I had a strong coolant smell every time I was driving the car hard decided to pressurized the coolant system. With 15 psi found a leak at the top of the driver side radiator. Can it be fix or I need a new one? part# 996-106-131-72 supersede by 996-10-131-74 ($573.50 ouch!)

 

I would replace as they usually end up leaking elsewhere better to fix it once lol.

 

How did you pressure up the system? I need to do this as well.

As for the radiator, I would replace it. Then you don't have to worry about it.

 

I got a Blue point radiator pressure kit SVT275-1….Good product...

 

Check out FCPEuro. I bought all (3) of my radiators last year (1 was leaking...I replaced the other 2 as preventative maintenance) from them. I think each of the side radiators ended up being $350 or so and while not an OEM Porsche part...its the same manufacturer.

 

Thanks for the info!!!

 

I also bought mine from FCP last year. Good price there and they are all OEM.

 

I will need to be doing this soon myself! Anyone ever had the center one leak? I am wondering if it is just the side ones that have the problem? Is there anyone that makes an upgraded setup with different end tanks? I would prefer something better then the OEM as they aren't worth crap!

 

Sorry to hear this JP. From what I have looked into, the radiators should be viewed as a scheduled replacement item. My TT had it's side radiators replaced at 38,000 miles and 9 years age. Don't know how to fix. Maybe epoxy and a press to seat the tanks? Good luck.

 

I've have 42k on my 03 and driver side is leaking very slightly!

 

I'm looking at different avenue right now, of course a new one is the better option but replacing the front radiator is not a bad job and getting it fix is tempting…But My car is over 12 years old now, may be it is time to simply replace it. And next year the other one

 

We offer the AKG brand radiators for your TT if considering a new replacement. You may find the left side here: AKG Radiator Porsche 996 TT

Sorry about the leak and good luck with the replacement DIY, it'll be a snap!

Mark/Pelican Parts

 

Thanks for the info Mark. It has to be close from the OEM because mine is engraved AKG on the top plastic part ;-)

 

Update: I went to see a welder that a friend suggested and this guy saw a problem with my radiator almost immediately. Where the leak was, the plastic cover was not equally press down on the radiator. We use a special tool to bend the clips properly at the leaking area and did a pressure test at 10 pounds in his garage and no more leak….Once home I did the same thing on both faces of the radiator all around both covers and after the radiator reinstallation, got the PST2 out and did, for the first time, the "Special function" called "996 turbo cooling" that is used to bleed the TT. This function delay the fan operation and the temperature of the system is aloud to go up to 210 F ! This function takes about 20 minutes to do with the engine running and help you to fill the system properly. I did it twice to be sure and there was no sign of leaks anymore…. I did a good inspection of all three radiators and there is no sign of corrosion on any of them and I think it was worth trying to save it…. Will keep you updated on that one

 

Thanks for the update, looks like you solved that issue.
Mark/Pelican Parts