11 captured repliesDiscussion pagination complete · Source accounts, not a confirmed diagnosis
THIS DISCUSSION / SOURCE-DERIVED OVERVIEW
Discussion summary
YOUR RESEARCH996: Engine Coolant Recommendations
Reported or suspected cause
typical coolant contain phosphate
Reported cause
No successful repair reported for this finding.
1
Identified cause
0
Suspected cause
0
Reported fixes
Read evidence and context
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that report identifying a cause
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Reported cause
The main problem is your typical coolant contain phosphate.
Leading evidence: 'typical coolant contain phosphate' (1 discussions report identifying this cause; no attributable repair resolution). Across 1 matching discussions, the most frequently mentioned possible cause is 'typical coolant contain phosphate' (1 discussions; 1 report identifying it and 0 suggest it). The most frequently discussed action is 'Fill reservoir tank (almost empty)' (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.
Source reports, not a diagnosis or a success probability. Counts refer to discussions and can overlap.
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that contain suggestions
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Suggestion · Original poster
I was tempted to just add water to fill my reservoir tank (almost empty).
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that contain suggestions
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Suggestion
as for putting long-life coolant in an older car, well, just a word of advice: don't do it unless you feel like replacing your entire coolant system.
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that contain suggestions
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Suggestion
He charged me $184.78 for the coolant reservoir and $120 for the labor to replace the leaking reservoir, fill and bleed.
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that contain suggestions
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Suggestion
Dexacool will be OK for top off make sure you use bottle water.
Counts describe captured discussions, not unique people or a diagnosis. Author identities are not reliably stored. Exact duplicate evidence is counted once across matching discussions; one discussion counts at most once per action/state. Multiple repairs reported together remain a combination. Suggestions and failed attempts do not establish a fix. Matches cover whole discussions and can include related faults, model variants and incomplete threads.
11 eligible posts · 0 unverified posts · 1 discussions match the subject in their title or opening post.
Rennlist: 1 discussions
0 evidence records excluded for query context · 0 excluded by outcome qualification · 0 adjusted by outcome qualification.
0 acknowledgements have no verified action link; they do not establish a repair result.
Generation: 20261026T142254Z · outcome-qualification-6. Deterministic extraction; no AI model inference. How we use sources
I need to add coolant to my 996. I was tempted to just add water to fill my reservoir tank (almost empty). Can I just add water or should I go for a 50-50 mix? If so, do I *need* to get porche engine coolant or can I get something off the shelf?
Thanks a *ton* for your responses!
by the cheapest elthylen glycol you can find. It's all the same. Fix up a 50/50 mixture and keep it in the garage so next time you need to add it, it's handy. Water for now is fine since it's such a small amount compared to the total volume in the coolant system.
I know of no oil, grease, coolant or other additive that is sold by porsche that is any better than others off the shelf. So don't waste your money.
I hate to contradict, but .... Our very active PCA club keeps an independent Porsche shop very busy. This is the best mechanic I have encountered in 42 years of driving. He charges us about half of what our local dealer charges. He worked for them for over ten years and has attended all of the Porsche certified training. I have never encountered a more honest mechanic and I consider myself slightly above average regarding car repairs myself.
About 2 months ago I had the dreaded coolant reservoir tank seam split that plagues the 1999 model year cars. In addition to the new improved tank Doug ordered up 3 quarts of the Porsche certified coolant. It was his opinion that the Porsche coolant should not be mixed with other coolant. I trust his experience implicitly.
As posted previously he charged me for 3 quarts of Porsche coolant 00004330078 at $6.97 each. He charged me $184.78 for the coolant reservoir and $120 for the labor to replace the leaking reservoir, fill and bleed. I post this for your reference.
Heck, my duramax requires special coolant, why would I cheap out on my Porsche ? Put your mind at ease and get the Porsche stuff.
Late models have Pentosin long life antifreeze with organic acid anti-corrosion agents, similar to Dexcool. It is not compatible with standard antifreeze. Hard water can also cause problems. Top off with bottled water. I've researched, trying to find something inexpensive that's compatible with Pentosin without success.
The coolant is made by Elf, and then when Elf and Texaco formed a joint venture for coolants in Europe it was called Arteco.
I have not looked at the container recently to see if Porsch has removed the names.
You can buy the same stuff at any parts place.
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/showt...hreadid=170704
you should never mix regular and long-life coolant in a car. that's like mixing diesel and gas in your gas tank! they're incompatible fluids. as for porsche coolant versus a major manufacturer, well, i've never heard anything to say the porsche long-life coolant is better than prestone long-life coolant. heck, they may even be the same thing!
as for putting long-life coolant in an older car, well, just a word of advice: don't do it unless you feel like replacing your entire coolant system. the long-life coolants have corrosive additives in them that today's cars' coolant systems are designed for, but older cars were not! refer to your owner's manual to determine which one is ok to use.
teflon is correct. mixing the two can cuase the coolant to "gel" and ruin your whole system. Do not skimp on stuff like this.
As lexpilot said, it is not that expensive to buy the right fluid.
Yes I agree with that you should not just add any coolant. The main problem is your typical coolant contain phosphate. I had experience with Mercedes that clogged the radiator with Prestone(not a cheap coolant) The reason is that german manufactures makes their radiators tubes smaller and typical coolant can gel and clog the radiator. I now use OE coolant in MB. I have used Dexacool in MBs and had good luck since it has no phosphates. IMO I would use OE for your porsche or some other German made extended life coolant. Dexacool will be OK for top off make sure you use bottle water. Calcium will hurt the aluminum.
The gel from antifreeze that sometimes cloggs things up is the silicone additive. I believe the phosphates were removed due to European pollution laws.
This is a source reference. Confirm exact model applicability in the original material.
