Leaky

Hi, Took my 996tt for a 25 mile hoon yesterday (a very hot day). Popped it back in the garage and when passing a couple of hours later found what looked like 100-150 mls of coolant on the floor by the front tyre (drivers side). Couldn't see much (you need to be twiggy to get under these things), but put a drip tray underneath - and this morning - the tray was still dry. I am well aware of rad probs with tt's but why would the leak stop? How long do the rads usually last? How much to replace(OPC)? And finally, if its not the rads what could it be? I don't suppose my warranty will help here.

not just the air con??

water or actual coolant ? as up front ti would probably be air con water, which is normal

Slight green tinge - slight oily feel Didn't have the aircon on for the blast

From what you describe it sounds like coolant loss from one of the rads or the hose connections. Slightly confused because of colour, mine is red!! Mine used to leak when pushed hard then would stop soon after the engine was turned off, (as the pressure in the system drops back) Not accepted by Porsche as a warranty item although you might successfully argue if the car is only 2 or 3 years old. I did get a contribution from them towards mine but wasnt without a struggle and was offered as a "goodwill gesture" I had a quote from OPC for circa £1400 to replcae all 3, (generally recomended all 3 are done once one goes because it is likely that the others will be close behind. The side ones are the worst because of their location and they trap road debris and moisture and then wrot!! If you are up for doing the job yourself parts are about £600, I did mine and wasnt that difficult but a little fiddly!!! If you want any more info just PM me.

Hi - if its the aircon its simply water (condensation) - if as you say its green then its almost deffo coolant -unless there is some dye in the aircon condenser for a previous problem. - Simon

This is strange as I thought the rads were covered by the Porsche warranty

In my opinion they should be covered by the warranty, Porsche have had many failure although they would never admit to it.....Possibly why the wont cover them. Air conditioning condensor is covered though!!!!!

maybe slightly obtuse but how about a screen wash leakage? doesn't the turbo have headlight washers too? could be from windscreen or headlights and/or all points inbetween?

Could be brake fluid although the quantity sounds too much but might be worth a look. Have you had car serviced recently? If they overfilled the brake fluid it may result in the excess fluid spilling out (green and oily) especially when driven hard with lots of braking. It is on the offside (drivers side) and above the front wheel - if you open the bonnet you can see the filler cap through the plastic cover with holes in it just below the windscreen wiper -if this is the fault it should be obvious.

Thanks guys I am pretty sure is coolant. Now understand why it will have stopped after cutting the engine. Can't believe its £1600 for all three - but can see why its worth doing them all at once. The car is an 02 with 30k on the clock. Serviced 3 months ago before purchase. Might try a local indy -no way could I do it myself. What are the chances of an OPC gooodwill contribution??

My radiators were replaced under the Porsche extended warranty and I am aware of several others who also have had them replaced so don't agree that they are not covered. If the car has been serviced and the radiators have failed prematurely then I would expect them to be replaced - if there is any obvious damage then clearly not. Mine is an 03 TT and they were replaced last year so at only 4 years. Not sure whether there is a time limit on their failure.

If it's coloured it's either aircon refrigerant or water from your rad. My car has red coolant, check yours by looking at the header tank in the engine compartment. If your's is also red then the leak is definitely from the aircon condenser as there is typically a green dye added to the refrigerant for leak detection. Your aircon will also stop working soon confirming if this is the problem. New condensers are circa £270+vat from OPC and £160+vat from third parties for the same part manufactured by Behr, check this out http://hypershop.org/proddetail.php?prod=13550&cat=85290 OPC will charge you a lot to change the condenser whereas you could do it in a few hours if you have a mind to. There are plenty of guides on how to remove the bumper. Kwikfit will recharge your system for £40 once you've had the condenser replaced. If it turns out to be the rad, you'll also have a similar choice, OPC or third party. Let us know what you find Ray

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