My first experience with a
porsche
was when I was about 18 - a family friend in rural south France took us for a spin in a black, air cooled
911
- it was incredible, overtaking 6 cars in one go. The sound and acceleration was blistering!
20 minutes later we'd pulled back in to the barn and were having aperitifs when, WHOOSH, a huge noise - we get to the car and 6 foot flames were shooting from the engine! After waiting what seems like an age for the hosepipe to start, the owner had to jump in the car to save the barn (which was attached to the house) from catching fire!
As it turns out, the old rubber fuel line ruptured and caught fire on the engine block. Write off.
So it seems my experience with black porsches hasn't moved on much. 10 or so years later, after owning my black 06
Cayman
for 1 year, it's broken down 4 times and I spent the last day of my holiday on two tow trucks getting back home.
As it happened:
1 - ECU "Check coolant"
2 - drunk 2 litres of distilled water & coolant
3 - managed to drive 50 miles or so, but started getting gunk dirty mayo under the oil filler cap. Watched temp gauge (via OBD) like a hawk, got to 87C but no higher.
4 - spoke to mechanic - instructed not to drive in case it's a leaky head gasket OR faulty oil cooler.
What say you, planet-9 forum?
The mayo usually occurs when you drive short distances and don't get the engine temps up enough to get rid of moisture in the engine. Generally not something to worry about. However, since your
Cayman
is thirsty in addition to the mayo, I'd say you could have a head gasket issue.
Clearly, coolant is getting into the oil and a failed head gasket is the obvious cause. As per the advice given, don't attempt to drive it.
Ouch! Sorry to hear that. I agree with Trev450 (unfortunately): head gasket. Good luck.
Check the oil at the drain. Is it also intermixed?
Thanks for the replies -
mmm...mechanic is taking a look today. It seems this isn't a rare issue, but it could mean one of two things - a bit of moisture, or something more serious.
As it came on so fast with the coolant issue I'm not sure I can relax just yet.
I'll post updates as I have them
thanks
OK I have some good news - the mechanic has pressure tested the system, the oil, cylinders, and generally racked his brain and can't find a fault. Yay!
I've been enjoying drinving it around recently, having been out of action for a few weeks.
He's flushed the oil (<6 months since last change and it was quite black) and is doing a brand new coolant fix as I mixed types when I filled it up.
Have just installed some DEPO LED tail lights and am loving the new look.
What a relief!!
If not done already, get a used oil analysis. Did your mechanic check for combustion products in the coolant? There is a tester for that. Good luck.
I'll ask him
next
week - thanks Rob!
Is there a link to the tester somewhere? What's it called?
Here is what I used to check for combustion products in the coolant ( blown head gasket ):
http://www.amazon.com/UVIEW-560000-...NPDL76/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1430829922&sr=8-1&keywords=combustion+leak+tester
Rob
Echoing the above, a combustion products test AND a used oil analysis would be a very good idea. Less than $100 to get both done yourself and you will have more diagnostic information.
Use Blackstone Labs or another similar service for the UOA.
Blackstone Labs
