Coolant Issue

[simonkay1]

My friend has just put his 2003 C4 into an OPC because it was leaking coolant fluid. At first, they said it was a couple of hoses needing replacement which they have done (quoted him £150.00).

They then called back this evening and have told him that they have pressure tested the system and they 'think' there may be some pin holes in the pipework leading from the rear to the front of the car and that they will need replacing. They say in order to do this, it is engine out, wheels off etc and say it will cost in the region of £2.5k

Advice required is

1) has anybody had this problem (assume it will be the same for the C2)

2) How much did it cost / was it done at OPC or independent

3) Is there an option to do a simpler fix

Appealing for any help from you very knowledgable chaps on the forum

Regards

Simon

[Loren]

Sounds unusual to me...

Most coolant leaks are: tanks, tank cap, rubber hoses, and water pump - in that order.

I would get a second opinion at another OPC or well know Porsche shop.

[bmohr]

if they can't trace the coolant leak then the other possibilities are the cap as loren stated OR coolant moving into the engine via crack.

[Dharn55]

if it is coolant moving into the engine through a crack you are going to see either smoke out the exhaust for contaminated oil/coolant, which will be obvious pretty quickly. I know because I had intermix from a cracked head.

There are lots of hoses in these cars that can leak. To see the ones under the cars that connect the pipes from the engine to the front radiators you have to remove the shields under the car. I think you can replace the hoses, and the tubes if necessary without removing the engine, but it will be a bear.

[wvicary]

Get a second opinion. If the tech can't source a coolant leak I wouldn't have faith in them.

[Gator]

I would absolutely get a second opinion before authorizing this work. I have a 2000 C2 w/ @ 97k miles on it. In Feb I replaced all of the coolant hoses on my car. I got an excellent look at the pipes you are referring to. My coolant pipes looked brand new. Unbelievably clean. I'm not sure what they are made of, but they look like they'll outlast me. I really think some additional investigation is required.

[jimmy3530]

So, I came home from work the other day and noticed a coolant leak once the car got into the garage. It was spraying long enough to cause it to drip onto the exhaust and make a mess. Once I popped the hood (do we call it the hood?....maybe boot is better), I noticed a fine spray of coolant coming from the tank area. Tough to see where it originated from though. It stopped once I released the pressure by unscrewing the coolant tank cap (carefully).

I spent the weekend seeing if I could replicate the leak to no avail. I ran the engine long enough for the temp gauge to reach 180F. My guess is that the leak is from the coolant temp/level sensor at the bottom of the tank. Hoses look good and so do the spring clamps. I noticed Loren saying that the coolant tank is usually the problem...but what in particular? The sensor seems particularly flimsy to me.

If i notice it again, I guess I'll replace the tank. They are not cheap though.

Thanks much!

[RFM]

That kind of sensors have no direct contact with cooling water, it is certainly not the sensor, rather the tank it self, as Loren mentioned.

[simonkay1]

Guys

many thanks to all who advised. Took your advice and took it for a second opinion. Turns out not to be the pipework at all, but the tank as Loren suggested. All fixed now for a quarter of what the OPC wanted to charge.

Thanks again

simon