996TT coolant consumption

[laalves]

Luis, have a nice glass of vintage port, and don't worry about the coolant anymore! Just keep your eye on the fluid levels every couple weeks. :)

Well, that's a cool suggestion... Hope no antifreeze was added to my port!

[4G64T]

I have a similar problem. Since I refilled the coolant, after I run the car every weekend, I check the car once it is cold. I have to refill approx 200mls every week (when the engine is cold). I got a pressure test on the system and there seems to be no problems. I now notice small amounts of coolant nearboth front tires on the ground. Is there an overflow there? Am i putting too much coolant in when the engine is cold? Can there be a problem with the thermostat?

[White987S]

I have a similar problem. Since I refilled the coolant, after I run the car every weekend, I check the car once it is cold. I have to refill approx 200mls every week (when the engine is cold). I got a pressure test on the system and there seems to be no problems. I now notice small amounts of coolant nearboth front tires on the ground. Is there an overflow there? Am i putting too much coolant in when the engine is cold? Can there be a problem with the thermostat?

The radiators are in the front end.

[Loren]

I have a similar problem. Since I refilled the coolant, after I run the car every weekend, I check the car once it is cold. I have to refill approx 200mls every week (when the engine is cold). I got a pressure test on the system and there seems to be no problems. I now notice small amounts of coolant nearboth front tires on the ground. Is there an overflow there? Am i putting too much coolant in when the engine is cold? Can there be a problem with the thermostat?

There are no overflows or other outlets at the front of the car - only the radiators and hoses.

Are you sure it is coolant and not windshield cleaning fluid or condensation from the AC? Coolant smells sweet.

[4G64T]

It is coolant. Sweet smelling and green. Should I look at repalcing the radiators? How much do they cost? Thanks

[Loren]

It is coolant. Sweet smelling and green. Should I look at repalcing the radiators? How much do they cost? Thanks

No, I would look at finding the source of the leak. Could be a loose clamp or bad hose or ?

Certainly worth the 30 minutes to pull the bumper cover and have a close look at the front end.

[Chuck Jones]

Porsche uses those pressure clamps....which I've found have caused leaks several times...once in my diverter valves. I take them out and use the stainless screw type. Loren's suggestion to take off the front bumper and look at where your hoses connect to the radiators is the best suggestion yet....I seriously doubt that you'd find BOTH radiators need replacing....but you very well might find the clamps on the hoses that connect to them to be the cause. Betcha' a beer!!

The fact that BOTH are leaking is curious to say the least....

[itacud]

I just had to buy a new radiator, due to the beginnings of a failure. This picture is really out of focus, but the white stuff on the top corner of the radiator is corrosion from coolant seepage. Not enough to drip, but enough to drop the coolant level in the resevoir, and a sign of future trouble.

[somahone]

Have you had a good look around the front radiators, they are somewhat concealed and there a quite a few plastic areo panels which might wick the fluid to less obvious places other than directly below, or only happens when your out and about, the engine does pump considerable coolant when it going hard.

Scott

[laalves]

Right, after noticing it was dropping in level again and after actually noticing some fluid drip puddling under the front left radiator, I took the car to the dealership. New set of radiators are getting installed due to corrosion, under warranty. Excellent!

This must be due to my car's previous life in Germany in salt laden winter roads. No more of that in its current life, so they should be good for more than the next 7 years.

Edited November 18, 2008 by laalves