Coolant Level When Cold

mwadams · May 27, 2005

Hi

Not sure what to do about this, so help appreciated.

Have had the car for 3 months and have noticed that the coolant level always seems to be just below the MIN marker (about 3mm) on the header tank.

I topped it up once, checked again when cold and it was ok for a couple of weeks; but its back just below the MIN marker and been like that for well over a month.

The level is not going down at all.

What do I check as there appears to be no leaks ?

Thanks

Mark

Mark_Bennett · May 27, 2005

It can be tricky to get all the air-locks out of the Boxster and 996/7 system (rads at the front, engine at the back and all that). I had to top mine up after picking it up originally, but not since (this was when new).

You don't want to top up TOO much as you will dilute the solution (I'm guessing you are using water?). So try topping up once more, and if it happens again then take it to a specialist/OPC and get them to check it out. You would be wanting a refill with the correct mix and type of coolant by then anyway.

PGAdamopoulos · May 28, 2005

Mark is 100% correct.
I had a similar problem when OPC Guildford replaced my rad.
Be carefull not to overfill, you might cause expansion reservoir to crack when running the car.
Just keep an eye on it, like the day after a long & fast run with all wheels on the same elevation...
if you are really worried take it to be pressure tested.
Can you smell any antifreeze?

Guest · May 28, 2005

The header tanks are renowned to go on earlier 996's. I have had mine replaced last year.
Quite often you can't tell there is a crack. It may be hairline, the seal has perished, the cap allows evaporation, the expansion tank has a crack. Unless it's a real bad leak you may not see any fluid escaping anywhere. That's what happened with mine. I took the car in to have work done to dit (you guess what that was [

] ) but they called to tell my expansion tank had a crack in it too. IMHO, I would get it checked out by your OPC or independent.

mwadams · May 28, 2005

Just for information, the Header Tank was replaced on the PDI prior to purchase so i have ruled that one out.

Since I did top it over a month ago its remained at a constant level just below the MIN marker, and I have not bothered to top it back up again.

I will probably take it back down to AUTOBAHN where I bought the car and get it checked, but didn't want to make myself look an idiot !

thanks for the response

Mark