Coolant Filler tube cracked

[SeattleQ45]

My car is early '94 Q45. Dealer is replacing water pump under warranty, but told me the coolant filler tube is cracked and needs replacement or it might cause the engine to overheat. Is this something I can do after they replace the water pump and fill the radiator, or is it best to do it while they have the coolant system empty. I'm trying to save most of the $120 they want to charge me.

Thanks,

Mike

[911/Q45]

If it is actually leaking when they fill it, then you'd better do it now. Otherwise, you can do it when you get home with a part from Joe.

[Q451990]

I'm not sure what part you're talking about... the hose that runs to the overflow tank, or the tank? Or is it the filler neck (aluminum) or it's cap assembly?

Heath

[elwesso]

I think he's talking about the filler neck.....

How would that crack????

[911/Q45]

They probably cracked it prying the water pump off with a screwdriver.

[SeattleQ45]

No, I found out the filler neck (the aluminum thing with the pressure cap and flange attached to it) and flange were leaking where they connect under a pressure test. I took a look at the parts , they are $35 for the aluminum flange and $26 for the cap. Labor is $50 or so for 30 minutes. It all looked easy to replace as far as I could see, but I don't have a way to pressure test it for leaks after install, nor do I have a tork wrench (not so sure about tightening aluminum parts) so I told them to do it.

It annoys me that every time I take the care in for warranty service, they find a few non-covered repairs I need to take care of. I guess the cheap miles really are gone.

[Q451990]

It annoys me that every time I take the care in for warranty service, they find a few non-covered repairs I need to take care of. I guess the cheap miles really are gone.

Having a warranty on a 10+ year old car is pretty rare! The cheap miles are gone for sure...

So you're talking about the filler neck cap and the part that it's attached to? That's pretty easy DIY if you want to try it... Just two bolts, pull it apart, and RTV the new one on. Are you sure the flange to filler neck seal couldn't just be re-sealed?

Heath

[911/Q45]

It may still have the old flimsy design part on it. They upgraded to a more substantial piece a while back.

[Q451990]

It may still have the old flimsy design part on it. They upgraded to a more substantial piece a while back.

True... I thought that was done by the 1994 m/y though. If the part that holds the cap on appears to be brass on the inside - it's the old design.

Heath

[SeattleQ45]

Having a warranty on a 10+ year old car is pretty rare! The cheap miles are gone for sure...

So you're talking about the filler neck cap and the part that it's attached to? That's pretty easy DIY if you want to try it... Just two bolts, pull it apart, and RTV the new one on. Are you sure the flange to filler neck seal couldn't just be re-sealed?

Heath

Yes , I thought I was getting a bit lucky with a warranty on a 10 yo car with 100K miles. It cost me $1,800 + $300 in deductibles and in return I've received over $3K in repairs: Fan blade, rear calipers, injector, water pump, and valve cover leaks, oil sending unit, and freeze plug (I'm sketchy on the last three items as I haven't seen the work order yet). And I still have 18 months or 17K miles left on the warranty!
Modified by SeattleQ45 at 10:12 PM 10/7/2004

[SeattleQ45]

Yes , I thought I was getting a bit lucky with a warranty on a 10 yo car with 100K miles. It cost me $1,800 + $300 in deductibles and in return I've received over $3K in repairs: Fan blade, rear calipers, injector, water pump, and valve cover leaks, oil sending unit, and freeze plug (I'm sketchy on the last three items as I haven't seen the work order yet). And I still have 18 months or 17K miles left on the warranty!

Modified by SeattleQ45 at 10:12 PM 10/7/2004

Make that $4000 in warranty work! This last claim session turned in a bill to the insurance company for over $2700, add to that my prevous work costing the insurance company over $1200.

I guess I better start saving now, for the work I'm going to have to pay for myself when the warranty expires.