Radiator Flush

[achillies]

I have a 2000 996 with an unclear service history. The coolant has a greenish color to it but the car does not overheat (even in Las Vegas in summer). The highest it gets is the center of the 0 in the 180 mark. I needed to add a little coollant mix the other day and used Porsche coolant (50/50). But I noticed that the Porsche coolant is pink and the coolant in my car is greenish. Is that a problem? How much labor should I pay to have a dealer do the flush. Do they need a PST2? I have read the DIY but I am concerned with how much waste it produces and what I can do with it. (As well as how to catch it).

[Loren]

Porsche changed their coolant a couple years ago - all Porsche coolant is compatible (new and old).

Why do you think you need a flush? Unless the coolant gets contaminated I see no need to do a flush.

[achillies]

I only thought I needed one because the color wasnt pink and so I thought maybe the coolant was contaminated. The car cools great. I was just worried becasue of a lack of service history. Thanks

[h00dedclaw]

you can get the mix tested its a life long coolant and shouldnt need changing ever i have been told just topping up with coolant if for some reason youve added too much water and diluted the mix... which i did recently on a track day when it over heated !

[Chuck Jones]

I see you're in Las Vegas....Unless you get some really cold temperature extremes, you can just add a bit of distilled water when it gets a bit low. I know that here in calif, (at or near sea level) we don't have the real cold temp extremes so I just normally add a bit of distilled water if it get a little low. You shouldn't be losing coolant unless you're tracking it or driving it really hard and heating it up...or you have a leaking hose or clamp somewhere. Porsche advertises that the coolant is "lifetime"....but I don't like that approach and use a 30K changeout schedule.

[cbr786]

MY car 2000 C4 cab tip coolant is green car runs fine on green coolant maybe porsche used a green coolant ?

[achillies]

I checked with the dealer and they said it was supposed to be green for 2000 and to actually add distilled water to top up if necessary. I also did the coolant check with the floating bulb thing and the coolant was fine. Thanks

[1999Porsche911]

If you have never had the coolant changed (regardless of what coolant is in the engine), I suggest you change it. Remember that acids and debris are accumulating.