Massive Coolant Leak :( Your expertise please

[jurassicjaf]

Hello All,

I have an '01 Boxster that just got its 60K service, everything was fully checked out-cleared with flying colors. I noticed a little fluid recently-a buddy said probably just an air conditioning discharge.

Last night after I got home, it sounded like rain system under my car.

In one fell swoop, the coolant is all gone, some minor moisture on the cap. Temp gauge held steady at 180 all night, no warning signs. This is my first issue with the car...

1. To get the car to a mechanic, should I refill with water or Porsche authorized antifreeze?

2. From what I described, does it sound like a blown hose, pump (gulp) or something else?

3. How much should any of those fixes cost?

Thanks Fellow Porsche pals!

[Chris_in_NH]

this post may help...

http://www.ppbb.com/scgi-bin/boards/986/main.pl?read=1238456

you can use Zerex antifreeze 50/50 with water to get to the mechanic. http://www.valvoline.com/zerex/

Edited September 10, 2007 by Chris_in_NH

[Phil47]

If the leak is so bad my guess is that the car would not maintain a sufficient volume of water top get to the dealer (unless they are very close). I would not recommend driving the car without it first being checked where it is. Alternatively get the car taken on a trailer to the dealer. Cannot imagine it is anything worse than a hose which should not cost a fortune.

Good luck.

Phil

Hello All,

I have an '01 Boxster that just got its 60K service, everything was fully checked out-cleared with flying colors. I noticed a little fluid recently-a buddy said probably just an air conditioning discharge.

Last night after I got home, it sounded like rain system under my car.

In one fell swoop, the coolant is all gone, some minor moisture on the cap. Temp gauge held steady at 180 all night, no warning signs. This is my first issue with the car...

1. To get the car to a mechanic, should I refill with water or Porsche authorized antifreeze?

2. From what I described, does it sound like a blown hose, pump (gulp) or something else?

3. How much should any of those fixes cost?

Thanks Fellow Porsche pals!

[pk2]

Hello All,

I have an '01 Boxster that just got its 60K service, everything was fully checked out-cleared with flying colors. I noticed a little fluid recently-a buddy said probably just an air conditioning discharge.

Last night after I got home, it sounded like rain system under my car.

In one fell swoop, the coolant is all gone, some minor moisture on the cap. Temp gauge held steady at 180 all night, no warning signs. This is my first issue with the car...

1. To get the car to a mechanic, should I refill with water or Porsche authorized antifreeze?

2. From what I described, does it sound like a blown hose, pump (gulp) or something else?

3. How much should any of those fixes cost?

Thanks Fellow Porsche pals!

Hi,

Forget the Porsche coolant, save your money for some good cognac. I'd go with the above recommendation. However though, there are in fact others out there that fit the bill. I did a bunch of research into exactly what was in and what was not in Porsche's mysterious brew.

Short story is: Primarily, (don't quote me, been awhile ) it's the absence of some stuff...phosphates and sulfates (or sulfides? something like that) that make an antifreeze as kosher as Porsches own, I forget the details.

As to your enormous leek, been there, could be any hose. In my case though, the overflow tank cracked (that’s when I did my research…faced with a $70 coolant bill, mine cost me $13 or so)

Good luck, P.K.

Edited September 13, 2007 by pk2

[jurassicjaf]

Hey Guys,

Thanks for the great advice! It ended up being just a faulty cap. They replaced that and refilled the coolant-my first dealing with the dealer -total cost $355- is that high? (the mechanic did clean my brakes and did a general mechanical check up, and they washed the car also) What a relief,though! They had given me a $1500 quote over the phone for a water pump.

I can't tell you how happy I am being a Porche owner. Here's my advice for Porsche's next ad campaign-"Life is better in a Porsche"

Hello All,

I have an '01 Boxster that just got its 60K service, everything was fully checked out-cleared with flying colors. I noticed a little fluid recently-a buddy said probably just an air conditioning discharge.

Last night after I got home, it sounded like rain system under my car.

In one fell swoop, the coolant is all gone, some minor moisture on the cap. Temp gauge held steady at 180 all night, no warning signs. This is my first issue with the car...

1. To get the car to a mechanic, should I refill with water or Porsche authorized antifreeze?

2. From what I described, does it sound like a blown hose, pump (gulp) or something else?

3. How much should any of those fixes cost?

Thanks Fellow Porsche pals!

Hi,

Forget the Porsche coolant, save your money for some good cognac. I'd go with the above recommendation. However though, there are in fact others out there that fit the bill. I did a bunch of research into exactly what was in and what was not in Porsche's mysterious brew.

Short story is: Primarily, (don't quote me, been awhile ) it's the absence of some stuff...phosphates and sulfates (or sulfides? something like that) that make an antifreeze as kosher as Porsches own, I forget the details.

As to your enormous leek, been there, could be any hose. In my case though, the overflow tank cracked (that’s when I did my research…faced with a $70 coolant bill, mine cost me $13 or so)

Good luck, P.K.