996 C2 first drive

Well I'd been looking forward to this for some time having bought the car just before the last lock down & waiting for dry roads. Today was the day I'd have my first proper drive in a 911, my 911! It's taken a long time to get to this point having talked myself out of it on numerous occasions over the years. I only did about 40 miles or so but wow! It's everything I'd thought it would be. The handling (MO30), steering feel, brakes, gear change, the seats, the engine, the noise, in fact everything about it felt just right. Got back to the garage with a big grin & I'd really enjoyed myself then I got a whiff of coolant, you know, that unmistakable smell. The car has a low temp thermostat fitted & it never moved above 80 but just as I was parking up it moved ever so slightly. Jumped out the car & there it was, a small trail of water & a puddle under the NS rear corner. *****! It must have happened just as I got home. That was lucky! I had a quick look & I suspect the coolant tank has cracked, unless anyone has any other suggestions. Before buying the car & checking very carefully what had been replaced the coolant tank was just about the only thing that hadn't, so maybe still on the original one? No matter, I still enjoyed it & things are going to go wrong with older cars!

Brilliant - I still remember my first drive in my old 996 c2, I had sweaty palms for the whole journey, literally.... if you are not used to the rear engined experience they demand respect and although they don't have the low down rumble of, say, an Aston Martin that 4000rpm plus howl is very addictive... I have a feeling that the small puddle might be a case of 'they all do that sir" - a/c condenser? I will let others more technically minded answer that question though!

Have a look at the coolant cap, they have to be super tight and can leak when upto temperature. It drips onto the exhaust (that might be the smell) If your tank was leaking you would have a puddle where it has be stood. Also check the cap revision, yours is likely to finish 01 or 02 I'd recommend buying a 04 for about £30

Also check that the water pump isn't leaking, that causes a puddle in the back left corner too. Glad to hear the rest of the drive lived up to the hype though!

I still get that grin on my face every time I drive mine after 8 yrs of ownership. Have had my water pump go on the M25... that was fun, and also both front rads leaked. I've replaced all 3 on the drive in the past couple of years. Hopefully that's it for a while. :thumb: Good luck with yours. Endless fun

I drive mine every day. I get "the fizz" every day. Even when mine is being difficult, I still love it. There is nothing quite like a 911 to drive. As for coolant leak. Meh, it's part of the fun wondering what will fail next. It's then a good excuse to spend money and work on it.

Area of the leak would definitely suggest the tank or the cap. The water pump is more cost of left of centre right at the back and doesn't leak on to the exhaust. If it's the cap you'll probably see a pool of coolant around the ledge at the top of the tank. If it's the tank then look for the tell tale white trail/splatters. The cap is a cheap fix with the revised part. The tank, not so cheap if it's a 3.4. If you need a tank then buy an OE one from Porsche as the pattern parts tend to all leak at the cap for some reason. And trust me, you don't want to do the job twice. Like you say. Old cars so you've got to expect certain rubber and plastic component will have perished with time.