Cooling system refresh timelines?

[RobertDenali]

 

Hello,

I recently purchased a 2013 cayenne GTS and noticed a coolant smell in the engine bay.

 

This is my first Porsche and I have been driving BMWs for years.

 

I work on all my cars and on the BMWs most of the cooling system needs to be replaced every 80k miles.

 

Is that the case for our Cayennes?

 

Basically what is due and when for preventative maintenance specific to the cooling system?

 

Thanks,

 

Robert

 

 

[Loren]

Coolant can be tested to see it's viability to provide cooling. I would not change it unless is has become contaminated or does not test to minimum standards (for it's coolant type).

[Tom M]

As Loren said, I wouldn't be looking to change the coolant necessarily. I would, however, be actively looking for the source of the leak. There are multiple possibilities of which some are the water pump, the thermostat housing with the glued in pipes, glued connection at the rear of the engine, etc. All of these can drip onto a warm engine and lead to the telltale odor.

[RobertDenali]

Ok, thank you for the information.

I have a pressure tester on it now.

[Tom M]

I'm sure you already know this but some leaks won't show up until things reach operating temps. This is especially the case if it's any of the glued joints so you may want to retest if the cold test comes up blank.

[RobertDenali]

Interesting, I didn’t know this about Cayennes. On BMWs I have always found the leaks when the car is cold.

The pressure tester has been hooked up all day however it is still at 15 psi no drop in pressure and no leaks identified yet....

[RobertDenali]

I am leaving the pressure tester on overnight however it is still at 15 psi.

 

If by morning no change I will probably just replace the pipes under the intake with the updated part revisions and possibly the thermostat housing.

 

I notice the coolant smell where the upper radiator hose is located when the engine is hot.

 

Or i might try to perform the pressure test when the engine is hot.

 

My coolant level is normal so I guess it must be a very small leak or it was possibly overfilled...

 

[RobertDenali]

I just took the pressure tester off after several days of testing and no drop in pressure.

 

I believe I have found the leak to be the upper radiator hose. I took off the plastic panels to get a better look and I found what appears to be a dried coolant trail.

 

I plan on replacing the upper and lower radiator hoses and then drive the car to see if the issue has been resolved.

 

Thank you for the help.

 

Off topic: is there a general forum section porsche owners hang out on?