987.2 Cayman Oil mixed into the coolant
#1
![Exclamation](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon4.gif)
I have an issue that the engine oil mixed into the coolant, we inspected the engine heat exchanger and it looks fine, any idea to test the heat exchanger or any other parts related to this issue ?
many thanks in advanced
many thanks in advanced
#3
Drifting
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Is what I see in the picture the only evidence you have of coolant mixing with oil? Because to me that just looks like ordinary condensation on the oil cap. This is caused by cold weather, shorter trips, and perhaps an AOS that is misbehaving.
#4
Rennlist Member
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I would agree with @old man neri in the sense that I would at least drop the oil filter canister and see what the oil at the filter looks like. To add to that, if the car only makes short trips, it may never get the oil hot enough to boil the natural condensation of water vapor out of the oil.
Generally, head gaskets are a prime culpret with regard to oil/water mix. There are standard automotive tests, not unique to Porsches, that can be applied. There is a tester that you can dip into the coolant to check for combustion gases. You can pressurise the coolant system and see if it holds pressure. You can do a leak down test on the cylinders. Again, none of this is Porsche specific, just standard diagnostic stuff.
If you really want to get down into the details, you can work your way through the link below.
https://newhillgarage.com/2023/04/14...tem-explained/
Generally, head gaskets are a prime culpret with regard to oil/water mix. There are standard automotive tests, not unique to Porsches, that can be applied. There is a tester that you can dip into the coolant to check for combustion gases. You can pressurise the coolant system and see if it holds pressure. You can do a leak down test on the cylinders. Again, none of this is Porsche specific, just standard diagnostic stuff.
If you really want to get down into the details, you can work your way through the link below.
https://newhillgarage.com/2023/04/14...tem-explained/
#5
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
You need to take a proper oil sample first as mentioned above. In legit cases of mixing, internal engine oil cooler leakage is possible but if a PDK, the pdk cooler can also create a mixing issue. The quality of the mixed fluid with coolant looks and smells a little different though.
#6
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
so from picture it was not that clear but in real that is a big issue,
Trending Topics
#8
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Hi @Docbentley
The oil level is low
1- we inspected both heat exchanger for PDK & engine.
2- We made a coolant flash.
3- we removed the thermostat to let it run.
4- testing for 2 days.
is there a special test for heat exchanger or I have directly to change it with a new one ?
The oil level is low
1- we inspected both heat exchanger for PDK & engine.
2- We made a coolant flash.
3- we removed the thermostat to let it run.
4- testing for 2 days.
is there a special test for heat exchanger or I have directly to change it with a new one ?
#9
Rennlist Member
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Before you noticed this, had the car overheated? Are the cooling fans working?
These engines don’t tolerate overheating well and a cylinder head can crack. That is more likely than a head gasket failure, which is extremely rare.
These engines don’t tolerate overheating well and a cylinder head can crack. That is more likely than a head gasket failure, which is extremely rare.
#10
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
No Overheating at all
Fans are working fine
we didn't change a new heat exchanger, would you recommend to change it ?
#11
Rennlist Member
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
When you say we, are you working on this with a friend or are you dealing with a shop? think you need a proper review of your problem with a mechanic knows Porsche. I don’t think that I would start throwing parts at it.I would follow up on the oil analysis. The analysis will tell you what kind of oil is in the coolant. That way you have a proper starting place.Hopefully you’re not still driving the car!
#12
Rennlist Member
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
When you "Flashed" (flushed) the coolant did you pull a vacuum and let it settle? If you used an Air Lift tool you would have been able to detect a leak in the coolant system.
The following users liked this post:
qwe (06-09-2024)
#13
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Seems that if there’s oil in the coolant you would also see coolant in the oil once the coolant system fully pressurizes. Are you getting coolant in the oil too?
I agree with jbx2, typically when you refill the coolant system the proper method is the use of a vacuum tool that pulls vacuum on the entire system. Doing that may expose a vacuum leak somewhere if the vacuum doesn’t hold steady.
I agree with jbx2, typically when you refill the coolant system the proper method is the use of a vacuum tool that pulls vacuum on the entire system. Doing that may expose a vacuum leak somewhere if the vacuum doesn’t hold steady.
#14
Nordschleife Master
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Zuffenhausen, Georgia
Posts: 5,364
Received 1,910 Likes
on
1,044 Posts
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
#15
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
TLDNR
In order of frequency, higher to extreamly low
Oil in Coolant - possible cracked cylinder head (backside of head, not frontside like usual (i.e not combustion side))
Coolant in Oil - possible cracked cylinder head, cylinder, heat exchanger
Mix in both - again, cylinder head - requires close to balanced system pressures under certain conditions (hot day etc.)
Rare if ever, head gasket failure.
In order of frequency, higher to extreamly low
Oil in Coolant - possible cracked cylinder head (backside of head, not frontside like usual (i.e not combustion side))
Coolant in Oil - possible cracked cylinder head, cylinder, heat exchanger
Mix in both - again, cylinder head - requires close to balanced system pressures under certain conditions (hot day etc.)
Rare if ever, head gasket failure.