Massive Water Leak... Like A Spring

[lphong]

Hello all,

I have recently bought myself a 1998 996 Carrera... However it has developed a really worrying problem this afternoon. The coolant was leaking MASSIVELY from the coolant tank's side after having a drive in medium traffic in town, I put more in and then drove for about 40km on the Autobahn... it was completely okay, but then when I got home and stopped the engine... exactly the same thing happened!!! Coolant EVERYWHERE!! Any idea?

I have checked the engine and the coolant tank, no signs of head-gasket failure. I am guess it's a pump/hose problem?

Thank you all very much!

[phillipj]

You most likely have a cracked coolant tank. Do a search here for a DIY replacement. This is a very common ailment for the 996. It's not an easy job but do-able.. You can order the Parts form Sunset or Suncoast for the best price.

Good luck and don't drive the car anymore until you get this fixed.

[lphong]

Thanks phillipj! That's really useful!! :D I might just get it from the stealership as it is only 200m away...

[lphong]

Problem determined!!!!!! The cap has gone... the tanks looks rather new so I guess it's not the reason of the leakage + i filled the tank to maximum last evening and as of this afternoon all the water was still there. So I switched on the engine and let the temp went up to slightly above 80 for about 15 minutes, meanwhile i was observing the tank and the surrounding area.... then i heard 'ziiiiiiiii' noise coming from the cap, then coolant... most of the 'escaped' coolant went into the little drain hole then exited from somewhere down the bottom. Looked exactly like yesterday.

A tank cap wouldn't cost more than €20 i guess... i am a happy man again :D

[Loren]

Yes, US MSRP about $21.

[sosoomi]

You must live right..... what a great relief that it was just a bad cap..... You must have a great big smile on your face today!!!!

[lphong]

Thanks!!! Problem all sorted!! €13... just drove at 200km/h + for about 30km and no problems!!!