Coolant Leak

[SWFLHOMES]

If anyone could help guide me on this one I would really appreciate it. I was driving home with the family last night when the "Low Coolant" light came on. I watched my tempeature and proceeded home. As I was within 1/4 mile of home the temp went way up to the redline. I filled it with coolant today and ran it to temperature, put the truck on jack stands, removed the lower cover and looked for the leak. It didn't leak initially until I shut the engine down. Then it decided to trickle out of the bottom of the engine. I looked closer and it seemed it was at the block. The best photo I could get is attached. Can anyone advise? The nearest Porsche dealer is a hour away!

The photo shows the leak just towards the rear of the oil drain plug at the bottom of the motor.

Craig

Edited February 22, 2009 by Loren
made image viewable

[Dennis C]

Can you provide more information? What is the year of the vehicle? It sounds to me like it might be cracked or broken coolant tubes. They were plastic on the earlier Cayennes and known to break.

[Bill_SoCal]

It looks like you have a V8 and not a V6. Is the orientation of the picture looking aft?

Bill

[Bill_SoCal]

Here is a relatively good schematic (picture) to identify at least where the major components on your engine (not sure if you have a turbo).

(Click to Enlarge)

1. Intake Manifold

2. Air-injection pumps

NOTE: Turbo Engine

3. VarioCam

4. Duplex timing chain

5. Intake camshaft

6. Exhaust camshaft

7. Valve

8. Piston

9. Spark plug

10. Exhaust manifold

11. Turbocharger

NOTE: Turbo Only

12. Oil collector on turbocharger

13. Oil filter

14. Oil/collant heat exchanger

15. Air-conditioning compressor

16. Oil pump pick-up pipe

17. Water pump (obscured)

18. Ancillary drive belt

19. Throttle-valve tract (electronic throttle

Credit for picture/information: www.panix.com/~clay/cayenne/cayenne-engine.jpg

Bill :beer:

[SWFLHOMES]

My vehicle is a 2004 Cayenne S. I also thought the tubes, but the leak seems to be coming from the bottom of the engine. I know water (or coolant) will find its own flow but if I understand the plastic tube location right they are at the top of the engine under the intake. It just doesn't seem to be dripping from up top. Do I take off the manifold and check anyway? Is it impossible to have coolant leak from the location I photo'd? My guess is that only oil would leak from the lower block area.

Thanks for the engine photo!

[Bill_SoCal]

That's a tough one...I have no idea. I might suggest you PM RFM and get his advice on what it might be.

[Loren]

That's a tough one...I have no idea. I might suggest you PM RFM and get his advice on what it might be.

Please don't PM Moderators or Admins unless it is a last resort - others will never see the reply and advice.

One of the goals of the forum is to "share knowledge" ;) Thanks!

[Bill_SoCal]

That's a tough one...I have no idea. I might suggest you PM RFM and get his advice on what it might be.

Please don't PM Moderators or Admins unless it is a last resort - others will never see the reply and advice.

One of the goals of the forum is to "share knowledge" ;) Thanks!

Sorry Loren! Understood.

[wvicary]

Have a look at the water pump.

[Ambrez]

hi there,

definatly the plastic coolant pipes

they are known for cracking or beaking on early 03/04 cayenne S models

the pipes are just under the inlet manifold,

dont drive the car!!

get them replaced

[3ball]

hi there,

definatly the plastic coolant pipes

they are known for cracking or beaking on early 03/04 cayenne S models

the pipes are just under the inlet manifold,

dont drive the car!!

get them replaced

I had this happen to me. $700 "upgrade" kit and $1000 later, it is fixed. You won't be able to drive it for long with that leaking; it's pretty darn critical. And it could potentially be a destroyed engine if you get low on coolant! Just man up and get it fixed. I have pictures of the kit, before, during, and after on my Cayenne's open-heart surgery of this if you want.

Edited February 26, 2009 by 3ball

[SWFLHOMES]

3ball,

The pics would be interesting to see. If you have been following the post Coolant pipe replacement you will find my replies to Ray. I will be following up on that post with my experience. I currently have the Cayenne in my garage with the intake removed (waiting on the parts). It is not a difficult job, just timely if you want to do it right. I have an occasional starter squeel so I will address that while I'm in the engine. I find it amazing that every issue I have with the Cayenne is related to a design flaw eg; (cardan shaft, A/C servo motors, coolant pipes, rear liftgate shocks etc). I would have NO problems with this vehicle otherwise.

Craig