Coolant level too high ?

[adrianb]

Hi Guys, does this coolant level look normal ? Seen a coolant puddle under engine and wonder if there is an overflow pipe as the level stick looks too high compared to picture in handbook ?? Had the 981S for 6 years and first time I need to check coolant.
thanks Adrian.

 

[AndrewCS]

EDIT ... do not be afraid to state the `obvious` - do not assume that the simple things have been understood []

... but then again I like diving down rabbit holes

Has anything `happened` recently to explain the high level ... e.g. a service ?

The main coolant reservoir 1 will have `burped` via the bleeder valve 11

 

[adrianb]

Hi Andrew, many thanks for your most detailed information. By burped do you mean excess coolant has come via the bleeder value to cause the puddle ?

8 year Service carried out by OPC August and only done 1000 miles before SORN in Nov, started engine in Jan and ran for 20min till hot, water 90c and oil 86c, no sign of coolant on floor at that time. Moved car yesterday and ran till hot as before, then noticed puddle in garage were parked since Jan. However No puddle today.

 

[AndrewCS]

EDIT ... do not be afraid to state the `obvious` - do not assume that the simple things have been understood []

... but then again I like diving down rabbit holes

By burped do you mean excess coolant has come via the bleeder value to cause the puddle ?

Yes ...

The system may have slightly over-pressured and hence expelled the fluid, probably due to some trapped air - due to it`s lay up or the bleeder valve becoming faulty (has become weak - it looks like a diaphragm unit)

The 981S cooling system is much the same as the attached for the GT4 (less the central - third radiator) - the lack of `exercise` may have the system a little `rusty`[]

A robust drive out will sort it

My reasoning is ...

[ul][*]Having had two 981`s, I have never had such an indicated high level, the float is always just on the minimum and only takes a few mls to raise it ... I do not lay my cars up [*]Having read the cooling system operation and control philosophy, it is not a simple system and requires `use` to be at it`s best [/ul]All the above is possibly BS as your laying up may be a regular thing over the past six years and this is your first issue ...

 

[adrianb]

Thanks again for another comprehensive reply. Winter storage has been a feature, but I have started and run hot more frequently in the past so sounds like I need to wait for a dry day and go for a spin

 

[MrDemon]

[attachment=coolant2.jpg] Yes looks high see my pic, the coolant expands into the cup and drains via this hole onto the floor.

 

[adrianb]

Thanks Mr D for your reply. Not having needed to check coolant in 6 years of ownership, I was surprised to see No coolant between the low and high mark and presumed puddle confirmed a leak. However having read handbook realised the red stick was a float level

I am still unsure if I should drive, could the system have a stuck valve somewhere which might cause damage ?Bearing in mind my photo was taken with coolant cold could the level stick be stuck up giving false reading?

 

[Motorhead]

Adrian,

I suppose the obvious question to ask is if the float is actually floating? In other words, if you push down on the stick does it bob-up again? Just make sure that it’s completely free before suspecting anything else.

I’m sure that it’ll be fine to drive the car if you’re not getting any coolant level or high temperature warnings, but if you’re really concerned then the best thing to do would be to bleed the system and then review the situation. The cheapest and most reliable way to do it would be hand over the job to a reliable local Porsche Independent who should/will have the necessary equipment and expertise to do the job properly.

Jeff

 

[MrDemon]

I did not know it was a float either so filled it up so I cool see the coolant, put it this way I pissed out a lot of coolant ! and the last 3 drives I have been soking it back up into cloths as that cap fills right up. FFS.

 

[Motorhead]

Ha! Sometimes it pays to read the manual D![]

At least it seems to be a more reliable method of checking the coolant level compared with the 987 (I’m sure you know what I’m talking about there D!). Pink coolant against the yellow Max/Min marker levels makes it almost impossible to gauge the exact level. I’ve taken to using a Mini Magnum stick as a makeshift dipstick … works a treat!

Jeff

 

[adrianb]

Hi Guys, quick update, Motörhead suggested very sensibly checking float stick and guess what, it was Stuck, gave it a tap and it dropped to bottom of housing, so now according to the float stick the coolant level is Low ️Cars I just luv them question still remains why did the coolant get to such a pressure/ level to raise float stick to max and release coolant ? All very odd

 

[AndrewCS]

Stuck indeed ... I guess that I was far too polite to suggest the obvious at the outset

I run my level at a float position of minimum, just about `bobbing`... N.B. the float chamber is above the main reservoir

 

[adrian55]

Hi, Adrian , Could the problem be caused by faulty coolant(radiator) caps. I had similar problem on my 981 - changed cap in boot and got an independent garage to change the one under the engine cover .Yes there is one there as well which used to cause problems in 987s and 986s . Hope you solve issues ok .

Adrian

 

[AndrewT]

Hi, Adrian , Could the problem be caused by faulty coolant(radiator) caps. I had similar problem on my 981 - changed cap in boot and got an independent garage to change the one under the engine cover .Yes there is one there as well which used to cause problems in 987s and 986s . Hope you solve issues ok .

Adrian

My 987 Cayman S started losing coolant but I never noticed anything dripping onto the ground under the engine. When my car was serviced by an independent garage he changed the cap under the engine cover and that fixed the problem - there was no visible coolant leakage because what dripped out of the leaky cap fell on to the exhaust/engine and evaporated.

 

[Motorhead]

Coolant leakage from one or both caps is well known on these cars Adrian, so given your car’s age it would be sensible to replace them. I suspect that the sealing O-rings lose their “springiness” with age, allowing coolant to escape when under pressure.

Given that the leakage appears to have come from the main one in the boot I’d begin with that one, top-up to the recommended level and then monitor the situation on a regular basis until you’re satisfied that the situation has stabilised.

Jeff