Coolant loss and Servo Fluid.

[WilliamsF1]

Hi - I just took a long roadtrip from Denmark (NORDIC Euorpe) to Toscany in Italy (30-35 degrees Celsius). Before that I had the water pump and coolant reservoir exchanged on my 98 Boxster. It is a total drive so far of more than 2000 Kilometers.

I am now in Milano and I have experienced two things that annoy me a bit, and I was hoping for some suggestions.

1. After the loong drive I where the car was a 90 degrees a lot of the time due to the mountain climb (many hours and hours of big mountains in very hot conditions) into Italy I noitced that it had lost a lot of coolant. We had the aircon a 21 degrees C all the time but it was 10 degrees more outside. I could poor almost 1 liter of water into the car before it reached .

What could this be since I just replaced the coolant reservoir and the water pump I would think all tubes was checked, but somewhere the coolant is leaking ?

The car seems to be running smoothly - I reached 200 Kms at one point without problems and OK the enigine is not blasting up hills but it is doing just fine and allways has a extra punch if I press the speeder some more. I am confused what is the cause. I havent been able to check for coolant leaks so far as the car is in a Hotel parking area I cannot get to but I will check asap if it is dripping from somewhere.

2. Today on 2-3 hour trip to Milano from Tuscany I noticed the steering wheel had become a bit like there was sand in the steering function. I called my local Porsche mechanic and he told me to go straight to Porsche in Milano and get more Servo Steering fluid on the car - As I have never opened into the enigne myself and dont know a word Italian I dont dare to buy this fluid at a mechanic myself.

Is this the problem or is my servo-engine broken ?

How much is a new servo-enige approx in $ - I was told at one point it made small squeaking noises at low speeds by a mechanic so I guess it is about to break down or is it normal ??

Thank you in advance

[Rodger]

There may have been some air trapped in your coolant system after they replaced the tank and water pump, but you'd be better off having the system pressure tested to be sure. There may be another leak somewhere.

As for adding power steering fluid, it's easy....open the top into the service position and the filler is right next to the intake manifold.

[WilliamsF1]

regarding power steering fluid - is there a specific term ? I called Porsche in Milano and they did NOT speak english... 5. times they reached the conclusion that I had to change oil and when I in sounds tried to describe the sound the steering wheel made they became VERY quite in the phone... I think they were laughing pretty hard !

Is it normal that it uses some power steering fluid over time or is there a leak I should find ?

I have to get it pressure tested... I hope it's just another leak and not a crack in the engine.

Thanks Rodger, I am leaving for the Porsche mechanic tomorrow so your advice came just in time!! You wouldnt happen to speak Italian, now that would be helpful ;) ?

[CarreraLicious]

regarding power steering fluid - is there a specific term ? I called Porsche in Milano and they did NOT speak english... 5. times they reached the conclusion that I had to change oil and when I in sounds tried to describe the sound the steering wheel made they became VERY quite in the phone... I think they were laughing pretty hard !

Is it normal that it uses some power steering fluid over time or is there a leak I should find ?

I have to get it pressure tested... I hope it's just another leak and not a crack in the engine.

Thanks Rodger, I am leaving for the Porsche mechanic tomorrow so your advice came just in time!! You wouldnt happen to speak Italian, now that would be helpful ;) ?

Regarding your coolant loss, it could be as simple as you having the old coolant cap. Look at the top of the coolant cap on your car. If the part# ends in 00, it's the old version cap, which sometimes leads to coolant busting out after a spirited drive. The cap has since been revised, and if you look at the top of the cap, and the part number ends in 01, it is the newer, revised version.

As for your power steering refill need, just look at this link. It shows you the way to get to your engine to view the power steering cap where you can fill the fluid. On the last picture, the power steering fluid cap is the one right behind the drivers seat back. Make sure you buy the right fluid, and when you refill, don't fill too much- the reservoir is small. Add a little at a time. It's Pentosin brand CHF 11S. It looks like this:

Link to show you how to get to engine: http://www.realtime.net/%7Erentner/Blog/B6...3469/index.html

[Tool Pants]

Don't know what is wrong with your steering. When it is low it makes a groaning sound, usually when cold and then the sound goes away as the engine heats up.

If you need more you can use the stuff in the silver or green can.

[1schoir]

Hi - I just took a long roadtrip from Denmark (NORDIC Euorpe) to Toscany in Italy (30-35 degrees Celsius). Before that I had the water pump and coolant reservoir exchanged on my 98 Boxster. It is a total drive so far of more than 2000 Kilometers.

I am now in Milano and I have experienced two things that annoy me a bit, and I was hoping for some suggestions.

1. After the loong drive I where the car was a 90 degrees a lot of the time due to the mountain climb (many hours and hours of big mountains in very hot conditions) into Italy I noitced that it had lost a lot of coolant. We had the aircon a 21 degrees C all the time but it was 10 degrees more outside. I could poor almost 1 liter of water into the car before it reached .

What could this be since I just replaced the coolant reservoir and the water pump I would think all tubes was checked, but somewhere the coolant is leaking ?

The car seems to be running smoothly - I reached 200 Kms at one point without problems and OK the enigine is not blasting up hills but it is doing just fine and allways has a extra punch if I press the speeder some more. I am confused what is the cause. I havent been able to check for coolant leaks so far as the car is in a Hotel parking area I cannot get to but I will check asap if it is dripping from somewhere.

2. Today on 2-3 hour trip to Milano from Tuscany I noticed the steering wheel had become a bit like there was sand in the steering function. I called my local Porsche mechanic and he told me to go straight to Porsche in Milano and get more Servo Steering fluid on the car - As I have never opened into the enigne myself and dont know a word Italian I dont dare to buy this fluid at a mechanic myself.

Is this the problem or is my servo-engine broken ?

How much is a new servo-enige approx in $ - I was told at one point it made small squeaking noises at low speeds by a mechanic so I guess it is about to break down or is it normal ??

Thank you in advance

As mentioned above, if you have an early Boxster with the "old" coolant cap, that could be the cause of your entire coolant loss problem.

The complete part number for the updated, correct coolant cap is 996 106 447 01.

Also, it is not unheard of for a new, replacement coolant tank to leak. Apparently, there is a difference between "OEM" and Porsche Original Parts in the case of coolant tanks. Some of the OEM tanks (they appear to be thicker plastic than the originals and make seeing the coolant level a little more difficult through the "window" provided for that purpose) sometimes leak through the bleed valve that is located just forward of where the coolant cap is located (round black plastic part, held down by 8 small screws, but you must remove the thin black plastic cover that is located under the oil filler cap, coolant cap, and dipstick receptacle to see it). When coolant leaks through the bleeder valve, it will eventually end up on the floor, near the inside of the right rear tire. If the coolant reservoir itself is cracked again, coolant will leak directly into the trunk and will soak the carpet, the padding and the wooden plates on the bottom of the trunk.

Finally, if you are topping up the coolant, make sure to use only distilled water, not tap water.

Regards, 1schoir