24 captured repliesDiscussion pagination complete · Source accounts, not a confirmed diagnosis
THIS DISCUSSION / SOURCE-DERIVED OVERVIEW
Discussion summary
YOUR RESEARCHI think I have a coolant leak! [updated]
Reported or suspected cause
water pump
Reported cause
No successful repair reported for this finding.
1
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0
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0
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Leading evidence: 'water pump' (1 discussions report identifying this cause; no attributable repair resolution). Across 1 matching discussions, the most frequently mentioned possible cause is 'water pump' (1 discussions; 1 report identifying it and 0 suggest it). The most frequently discussed action is 'Repair book so put it' (1 discussions). For that action, 0 discussions report a resolution and 0 report an unsuccessful attempt. No action has an explicit, attributable resolution report under the current rules. These are forum reports and suggestions, not a confirmed diagnosis.
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Performed · outcome unconfirmed
I just pulled and replaced a motor with jack stands and two floor jacks, did some "while your in there stuff" and am glad I did it.
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Performed · outcome unconfirmed · Original poster
They also replaced the serpentine belt whilst they were there which was worn.
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Suggestion
Your issue is a simple fix, yes you need tools (I did) and you ordered the repair book so put it to use...Get r done!
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24 eligible posts · 0 unverified posts · 1 discussions match the subject in their title or opening post.
Rennlist: 1 discussions
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UPDATE: I had another look this evening as best I could. The leak is clearly occuring more heavily under pressure when the engine is running.
I had a poke around underneath as best I could with a lamp - couldn't really see exactly where it's coming from still. It could still be the hose maybe?
Should I clean it up and run the engine and take a look underneath maybe and see if I can see the source?
Slightly better image:
END UPDATE
Well, just a couple of months into Porsche ownership and the fun begins. At 20 years old my 996 is now technically a vintage Porsche... so I cant complain too much.
So this morning I pulled out of the garage and noticed fluid on the mats I leave under the engine. (I knew at some point it would leak something back there...)
Pulled back in to take a better look. Looks like a sweet pink fluid dripping from the left rear of the car (passenger side here in Australia). I took some pics and a video.
It looks a bit brown in the image - but I wiped some off using a white cloth and it was pink syrupy fluid. (probably looks brown as it picked up dirt)
I'll investigate more later - I left the car parked up until I can figure it out. Hoping it's just a hose or something I can easily replace myself...
That hose doesnt look great either, but doesnt seem to be directly from a split in the hose, but maybe from the connection.
Video of dripping fluid:
https://i.imgur.com/08h5sCn.mp4
Link to big image:
https://i.imgur.com/YY4q8ur.jpg
Porsche 996 Coolant Leak
Porsche 996 Coolant Leak
Pink is Porsche coolant. You have several possibilities:
1. Water pump leaking
2. Coolant tank leaking
3. Coolant hoses leaking.
Do a pressure test and find out what is leaking then replace that. If it were my car and I did not have any records, I would replace the water pump, and the coolant hoses, as well as the thermostat.
Water pump is directly above that. I'm sure if you looked with a flash light you will notice the coolant coming from behind the water pump pulley. Very common failure and is not hard as a DIY.
Thanks for the replies.
This might have to be a trip to the garage then; I'm just not geared up for DIY mechanical repairs these days. I dont have decent tools or a jack, ramps, and what ever else I'd end up needing :-)
I'll book it in I think :-)
I wont write off a DIY repair. I'll take a closer then I guess :-)
Depends whats involved. I'll do some Googling...
I just ordered the 101 Projects book for the 996 and I think that has some details about water pumps and hoses etc..
Thanks!
First, remove the serpentine belt (easy to do): if there's play when you spin the water pump, you can be confident it needs replacing. (The same applies to anything else driven by that belt.)
Next, see what your garage will charge.
If you decide to DIY, Pierburg water pump is ~$US 190; low-temp thermostat (worth having & easy to install while you're in there) is ~$US 50.
Good point.
In theory, you could catch the old stuff and re-use. In practice, it's time for new coolant anyway. Go with aftermarket OAT coolant (e.g. Zerex DexCool) - or pay 3 times as much for the same chemistry with a Porsche label.
For what it is, I'd go new coolant.
I was reading about people jacking and taking the weight of the engine off the mounts etc... I have some basic tools. But once I get into buying a decent jack or two I'm at a few hundred bucks before I even start on parts and my time.
So the question is: Am I thinking I'll DIY more in the future... or am I a garage service kinda guy these days. Hmmm. I'm no stranger to cars - I used to get into it 20 years ago but I'm in my mid 40s with a dodgy back :-)
With my other cars, I get the local mobile mechanic to do basic services.
I'm 56 and have a bad back (3 level fusion) and am in pain every day. I just pulled and replaced a motor with jack stands and two floor jacks, did some "while your in there stuff" and am glad I did it. You have to enjoy wrenching and the money saved over time ads up fast!
Your issue is a simple fix, yes you need tools (I did) and you ordered the repair book so put it to use...Get r done!
Fair bloody point :-)
I'll have a good look when I get home.
Side question: If the rate of coolant leakage isnt too rapid, is it possibly safe to drive the car as long as it's topped up? I'm guessing coolant warning and temp lights will come on if it gets real serious?
(I know the right answer is no... )
You are right of course and thinking about it - I should at least be setup to do my own oil changes I reckon.
I did buy this car as a hobby - something to get back into the Porsche world with after I sold my old '76 2.7S 18 years ago :-)
I’m 51 and have a bad back as well.
I not only work on my 2002 996, but also my 2006 Ford Mustang & 2011 Honda Odyssey.
I also work on cars for free for low income individuals.
I started a Car Ministry last year to provide free parts and labor for people who can’t afford repairs.
I worked on a 2005 Nissan Sentra, 2008 Toyota Sienna, and a 2002 Honda Accord on Saturday. (Along with my Mustang)
You’re not too old to work on cars.
Most of the volunteers who work for me are in their 40s.
I also have some 20 year olds learning from me.
My best volunteer(early 20s) is just learning, but she never complains about how hard repairs are.
I just did a coolant hose swap and a coolant flush on a 99. Be careful to note that some hoses require another hose, depending on what revision the hose is. A good parts place should be able to tell you that.
Also, lookup the procedure for coolant replacement, since some tricks make it easier/faster.
Even if you end up paying the same as a shop charge by buying the tools and parts then doing it yourself, now you have the tools for anything in the future.
That is a great video and the one I found the most useful when I did my water pump. Just ignore the part where he adds sealant. Instead, get the OEM metal gasket and don't use any sealant.
Update to the post:
So I'm going to have to disappoint a few of you - in the end I decided I had to put it into the garage. I just dont have the time or set up right now to do it myself. Thats just how it goes.
I put the car into RSR Sports Cars in Adelaide Australia. So for any future people googling this: 100% fully recommend them. They are amazing - highly recommended. No hesitation. They have my business for life.
It was the Water Pump. And they replaced the associated hoses.
They also replaced the serpentine belt whilst they were there which was worn. Worth doing and only $48 for that belt.
Money well spent. The car is sorted. and I got to look around the cars they have there - so many great Porsches!
