Is this the known coolant pipe leak or something else?

[jotarou1]

Hello All,

Today we took a 2 hour road trip in 75 degree weather heading to the Bay Area (NorCal). After pulling into a parking lot and parking the car, as I walked away I noticed a small puddle of liquid. I figured it was the AC condensation dripping so no big deal. I came back a few minutes later and I found a much bigger puddle of water trailing all the way back to the muffler. The drip started on the passenger side near the rear of the engine. Does this appear to be the known coolant pipe issue or could it be something else? After leaving the store we drove for 30 minutes and after parking again I found another puddle, but it was a much smaller puddle. Finally when we came home (another 2 hour drive back) I forgot to check right when I got home, but about an hour later I remembered to go check under the car I could once again see a puddle. The car temperature was always normal, about half way. No warning messages popped up either. I did a search and most of the threads I read mentioned a large amount of fluid leaking when the coolant pipes fail. I also read some threads where people said they took it into the dealer and all they did was top off the coolant.

CPO 2004 Porsche Cayenne S - 33,000 miles

[bigbuzuki]

Looks a little ominous to me.

I would visually check your coolant level at the reservoir bottle to begin with.

A cooling system pressure check may be in order here to confirm if indeed this is a coolant leak issue.

I had 2 sources of coolant leakage on my Cayenne. One was from the coolant pipes and the other from a porous water pump.

Good luck.

Edited October 11, 2009 by bigbuzuki

[odix]

Hi -- I have a CPO 2004 Cayenne S as well, 60k miles. Three weeks ago I leisurely drove from Mendocino to the Bay Area in 100+ heat over the mountains and then down 101 South. Nonstop 3 hrs plus. Nothing over 70mph but it was hot, in the mountains the oil and coolant temps were up. AC was working very hard. Once home, parked in garage engine off, two pools of fluid collected under the Cayenne -- dripped from what looked like the driver and front passenger footwell area -- not at all like your pictures and what dripped in my garage was obviously clear water. The pools of water where the size of a small/medium pizza. My garage floor is level so the fluid did not drain which allowed me to determe it was water.

I researched it and it appears to be normal AC condensate. No a problem, just normal operation.

So I think your issue is more then just the AC drainage . Good thing you have a CPO and low-milegae vehicle. A dealer can check it out and get you back to normal. I love the Cayenne S -- what a vehicle, true engineering marvel Take care.

Edited October 11, 2009 by odix

[wvicary]

I would bet it's the coolant pipes. Hope warranty covers replacement.

[wirunner]

Hello All,

Today we took a 2 hour road trip in 75 degree weather heading to the Bay Area (NorCal). After pulling into a parking lot and parking the car, as I walked away I noticed a small puddle of liquid. I figured it was the AC condensation dripping so no big deal. I came back a few minutes later and I found a much bigger puddle of water trailing all the way back to the muffler. The drip started on the passenger side near the rear of the engine. Does this appear to be the known coolant pipe issue or could it be something else? After leaving the store we drove for 30 minutes and after parking again I found another puddle, but it was a much smaller puddle. Finally when we came home (another 2 hour drive back) I forgot to check right when I got home, but about an hour later I remembered to go check under the car I could once again see a puddle. The car temperature was always normal, about half way. No warning messages popped up either. I did a search and most of the threads I read mentioned a large amount of fluid leaking when the coolant pipes fail. I also read some threads where people said they took it into the dealer and all they did was top off the coolant.

CPO 2004 Porsche Cayenne S - 33,000 miles

Did you feel/smell it to see if it was water or coolant (to the best you can tell)? My 06 leaks a lot of water (its watery) from the same spot your picture shows and I assumed it was AC condensation too but I live in a fairly cold climate and it seems weird. Mine will actually be dripping water 8 hours after I turn it off (like after work). Hmmm maybe it's a first sign of coolant pipes. Post an update if you find out more.

[voodoocat]

I get puddles in my garage every day, and today it was 60f day. Coolant is right level, have not lost coolant, and had coolant pipe replaced previously (2004). I think it's condensation.

The spot is right front area, right below front passengers foot will be. Smelling it will be the best way to tell. Try driving in ECON mode (no A/C) and see if it happens.