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    Jun 22, 2008 3:17:59 PM

    Jim48
    Senior
    Jim48
    Loc: Virginia, USA
    Posts: 639, Gallery
    Registered on: Oct 24, 2005

    Coolant Addition - what does Porsche allow?

    A few days ago I noticed a white residue around the base of the cap on the coolant filler/overflow tank, and the level registered below the minimum. I haven't had any overheating problems (the coolant temperature stays at 175 degrees F (79.4 Celsius), but recently did a bit of track time and am thinking that was the cause of the loss, but I will have it checked out in the near future.

    The manual states that you should normally mix half water with half coolant, but does not specify a coolant brand or specification. Does anyone know what that specification is? The Porsche coolant is orange in color, a lot different looking than the stuff sold in U.S. auto parts stores.

    Jim

    Jun 22, 2008 3:22:23 PM

    MMD
    Rennteam VIP
    MMD
    Loc: usa
    Posts: 9652, Gallery
    Registered on: Dec 16, 2004
    Reply to: Jim48

    Re: Coolant Addition - what does Porsche allow?

    AFAIK, we must use _only_ the Porsche stuff. It is suppozedly permanent; never needs replacement. If just a small amt I'd add water. Stuff is supposed to be diluted 50/50. By adding a bit of water you'll have..., what..., 49.9/50.1? Missing significant amount of "permanent" coolant? Could be bad.

    Jun 22, 2008 3:47:36 PM

    ADias
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    ADias
    Loc: Southwest USA , United States
    Posts: 2495, Gallery
    Registered on: Apr 9, 2004
    Reply to: Jim48

    Re: Coolant Addition - what does Porsche allow?

    Quote:
    Jim48 said:
    A few days ago I noticed a white residue around the base of the cap on the coolant filler/overflow tank, and the level registered below the minimum. I haven't had any overheating problems (the coolant temperature stays at 175 degrees F (79.4 Celsius), but recently did a bit of track time and am thinking that was the cause of the loss, but I will have it checked out in the near future.

    The manual states that you should normally mix half water with half coolant, but does not specify a coolant brand or specification. Does anyone know what that specification is? The Porsche coolant is orange in color, a lot different looking than the stuff sold in U.S. auto parts stores.

    Jim




    Your overflow tank cap is probably leaking. You may need a new cap or a new tank and cap. This was common with 996s, it surprises me it is not solved yet. You should talk to your dealer.

    Jun 22, 2008 8:17:42 PM

    Jim48
    Senior
    Jim48
    Loc: Virginia, USA
    Posts: 639, Gallery
    Registered on: Oct 24, 2005
    Reply to: ADias

    Re: Coolant Addition - what does Porsche allow?

    Thanks, MMD, and ADias, for the thoughtful advice.
    I wasn't missing much, but the level was below the minimum mark, and when I was in heavy traffic the other day, the oil temperature really got high (around 225 degrees Fahrenheit, which is pretty high although I was in very heavy and slow traffic).

    I will also check out the radiator to see if there is anything blocking it.

    I'll pick up a jug of the coolant and ask about a new cap. As I saw a lot of white residue on the cap, around the lower edges, I suspect it's the cap only, but I will get a jug of the stuff later this week. I have to go on a trip with it next Saturday (not too long, only about 250 miles round trip), but I don't want to get stuck. I'll have them check the whole thing out when I take it in for an oil and filter change soon.

    Jim

    Jun 22, 2008 8:33:49 PM

    ADias
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    ADias
    Loc: Southwest USA , United States
    Posts: 2495, Gallery
    Registered on: Apr 9, 2004
    Reply to: Jim48

    Re: Coolant Addition - what does Porsche allow?

    Quote:
    Jim48 said:
    Thanks, MMD, and ADias, for the thoughtful advice.
    I wasn't missing much, but the level was below the minimum mark, and when I was in heavy traffic the other day, the oil temperature really got high (around 225 degrees Fahrenheit, which is pretty high although I was in very heavy and slow traffic).

    I will also check out the radiator to see if there is anything blocking it.

    I'll pick up a jug of the coolant and ask about a new cap. As I saw a lot of white residue on the cap, around the lower edges, I suspect it's the cap only, but I will get a jug of the stuff later this week. I have to go on a trip with it next Saturday (not too long, only about 250 miles round trip), but I don't want to get stuck. I'll have them check the whole thing out when I take it in for an oil and filter change soon.

    Jim



    If you are adding the P-coolant yourself I would dilute it with distilled water only.

    Jun 22, 2008 9:41:21 PM

    MMD
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    MMD
    Loc: usa
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    Reply to: ADias

    Re: Coolant Addition - what does Porsche allow?

    Oh! BTW..., check this area:

    If you are lucky clean it up and give just a slight tightening by hand to maybe solve this problem.

    Jun 23, 2008 10:57:50 AM

    larrytrk
    Junior
    larrytrk
    Loc: Central NJ & MA , United States
    Posts: 99, Gallery
    Registered on: Oct 23, 2006
    Reply to: MMD

    Re: Coolant Addition - what does Porsche allow?

    Where is this area, rear left or right?

    Jun 23, 2008 2:19:03 PM

    Dan L
    Expert
    Dan L
    Loc: Santa Barbara, CA , United States
    Posts: 1957, Gallery
    Registered on: Jan 2, 2006
    Reply to: larrytrk

    Re: Coolant Addition - what does Porsche allow?

    The whitish resident at the base of the cap is a sure sign that the cap is defective. Warranty item. THAT will solve the lower than min mark issue, when they bring it up to the proper level. For some reason, many dealerships are hesitant to replace the caps,--I think we know more about this on Rennteam than the dealer's service departments. That IS the problem.

    Beneath the car, slightly left of center, is that seep from the bottom of the water pump. If it is SEEPING, Porsche will leave it alone. If it is LEAKING, they will replace it.

    I have had my cap replaced and even a water pump replaced already. The cap definitely solved the low coolant level issue.

    dan

    Jun 23, 2008 2:31:07 PM

    ResB Offline
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    ResB
    Loc: Yorkshire, where roads are twisty... , United Kingdom
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    Registered on: Jan 19, 2006
    Reply to: Dan L

    Re: Coolant Addition - what does Porsche allow?

    I was also told just to use Porsche suppled coolant. This is the stuff that was sold to me for about Pounds8.50/litre

    Jun 23, 2008 3:43:57 PM

    MMD
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    MMD
    Loc: usa
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    Registered on: Dec 16, 2004
    Reply to: larrytrk

    Re: Coolant Addition - what does Porsche allow?

    Quote:
    larrytrk said:
    Where is this area, rear left or right?



    At red arrow; thank Joost for the pic. Easy to get to for inspection and (hopefully) DIY repair.

    Jun 23, 2008 7:06:22 PM

    larrytrk
    Junior
    larrytrk
    Loc: Central NJ & MA , United States
    Posts: 99, Gallery
    Registered on: Oct 23, 2006
    Reply to: MMD

    Re: Coolant Addition - what does Porsche allow?

    Thanks!! for location.
    I have had 2 new caps via dealer (white ring on tank) and still lose small amounts of coolant, now cap seems ok. Will check underneath again.

    Jun 23, 2008 7:27:16 PM

    MMD
    Rennteam VIP
    MMD
    Loc: usa
    Posts: 9652, Gallery
    Registered on: Dec 16, 2004
    Reply to: larrytrk

    Re: Coolant Addition - what does Porsche allow?

    Quote:
    larrytrk said:
    Thanks!! for location.




    My pleasure.

    Perhaps it's a defective bleeder valve (cap next to filler cap). I'm not sure how it works but maybe when you're driving (engine very hot and trying to cool itself) it leaks a little and when you stop it stops (and dries off).

    Jun 24, 2008 6:27:07 PM

    Jim48
    Senior
    Jim48
    Loc: Virginia, USA
    Posts: 639, Gallery
    Registered on: Oct 24, 2005
    Reply to: MMD

    Re: Coolant Addition - what does Porsche allow?

    MMD,

    Just looked at both spots you pointed out in the photos, and I was able to tighten the bolt on the engine bottom a bit (there was a slight white residue around the edge of the bolt), and also there was some white residue around the edge of the bleeder cap (and I was able to tighten, slightly, several of the bolts there, too).

    The track time I mentioned was on a pretty tight circuit, where I had to negotiate really sharp turns and go through a "Karrussel" type turn that was quite rough). Coupled with the bolts not being tight, that might have been the source of the problem.

    In any case, I'll have it checked out. I have to take a short trip this weekend, and can't get it serviced before then, so I will be properly prepared with an extra coolant cap and a gallon or two of the coolant, along with some distilled water, just in case. I don't think I lost more than 1 or two 8 fl. oz. cups, or a pint, at most, and I had to drive another 100 or so miles after discovering the residue and the level didn't appear to drop after my spotting the drop in the coolant level and the residue.

    But I will get it checked out in any case.

    Thanks once again, and I guess I'm really glad I raised the subject, as I would have thought Porsche would have made sure about things like the cap and the other things given that owners (rightly, elsewise why buy one) push their cars pretty hard.

    Jim

    Jun 24, 2008 10:11:05 PM

    flyman956
    Newbie
    flyman956
    Loc: , New Jersey USA
    Posts: 27, Gallery
    Registered on: Jun 18, 2007
    Reply to: Jim48

    Re: Coolant Addition - what does Porsche allow?

    had the same thing happen with 01 996,,, coolant resevoir cap leaked for a few days off and on then coolent res let loose completely. take it to dealer and have it repaired getting stuck s&*ks
     
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