Coolant Smell

[my996]

I have started smelling antifreeze (coolant) vapors when I get done driving. Could this be an expansion tank replacement issue or some other problem?

Thanks

[Loren]

I would start looking for leaks. Look closely around the coolant tank cap and under the car (both tank and hoses). Make sure your coolant tank cap ends in 01 (00 leaks).

[nagold252]

I have started smelling antifreeze (coolant) vapors when I get done driving. Could this be an expansion tank replacement issue or some other problem?

Thanks

During my CA smog test last week I noticed coolant percolating from the cap of the expansion tank. The horror! We hand tightened the cap and I had the system checked by my dealer at a subsequent service call. The cap failed the pressure test as did another valve(?) both of which were replaced under warrenty. Check the cap is my recommendation.

[my996]

I will check the cap as suggested. Loren - I did not see any leaks (not saying that there were not any, just that I did not see any). The tank is a "00" - ****! I'll let you know more as I keep an eye on this issue

[adigian]

I had a similar issue. Coolant vapor and colant would seep past the cap, replaced it and it still occurs. Also, when cool and I loosen the cap there is still pressure in the tank. Sorry to tell you that I then got a head test kit (tests for emmission vapors in the coolant) and there was emmission vapors in the coolant. Subsequently three mechanics tell me I have a cracked head, need new engine.

[jlb532]

I had a similar issue. Coolant vapor and colant would seep past the cap, replaced it and it still occurs. Also, when cool and I loosen the cap there is still pressure in the tank. Sorry to tell you that I then got a head test kit (tests for emmission vapors in the coolant) and there was emmission vapors in the coolant. Subsequently three mechanics tell me I have a cracked head, need new engine.

I've got the same issue I believe. Were there any other symptoms? Does the car still drive well? How often did you have to top off the coolant?

Also, perhaps a silly question to some, but bear with me. If these are 'cracked heads" accounting for this problem, is that something that can be lived with? Or will it continue to get worse? I suppose I'm trying to guage how much time we might have...

[alstech]

Hello All.

I recently bought a 1999 911 Porsche (996) with exactly the same symptoms. My problem is now fixed.

(Note: I found that the coolant was running out of the reservoir overflow pipe on the left hand side/top of the tank.)

This is what I did. (PS: I am not a mechanic)

I noticed that my coolant level was very low so summized that I was running hotter than I should and theorized that that would cause more pressure than normal and leak through the cap. I topped up the tank with distilled water and cleaned the cap out thoroughly and tightened it down.

I ran the car and kept and eye on the temp gauge and all is good.

Hope this helps???

I had a similar issue. Coolant vapor and colant would seep past the cap, replaced it and it still occurs. Also, when cool and I loosen the cap there is still pressure in the tank. Sorry to tell you that I then got a head test kit (tests for emmission vapors in the coolant) and there was emmission vapors in the coolant. Subsequently three mechanics tell me I have a cracked head, need new engine.

I've got the same issue I believe. Were there any other symptoms? Does the car still drive well? How often did you have to top off the coolant?

Also, perhaps a silly question to some, but bear with me. If these are 'cracked heads" accounting for this problem, is that something that can be lived with? Or will it continue to get worse? I suppose I'm trying to guage how much time we might have...