I recently had a shop repair my two front radiators after an accident (part of the claim). I drove to and from the shop twice since when I got the car home, I couldn't check get the coolant cap off. I had yellow coolant, they added a small amount of red, I wanted to check for the fluid jellying up. They got the cap off with some struggle. So there is 60 miles, drove to work once for another 20 and maybe another 20 for a Sunday jaunt. So this morning I decide to drive to work before I shut it down this weekend. Oil guage went down a notch so I go to take a peak under the hood. (just under 2k, haven't added a drop of oil). Doesn't appear to be any foaming under the oil cap so that's good. Car started, no strange smoke. No puddles. I decide to look at the coolant tank. It is super low. Like a couple inches below the full line. So I call the shop that did the work and asked how they bled. Their bleeder wouldn't work so they borrowed one from the dealership. The shop is Porsche certified so I guess they have some relationship. Anyhow, is the dealership equipment different? I am thinking they didn't bleed the system properly. Then I drove and blew out the bubbles and now the level is low. No lights went on, the car has been running cool. The shop said to bring back on Monday. Anything I need to mention or be concerned about? I am hoping I just top off and call it a day. Shop has been great. Paint work is outstanding.

Thanks, sometimes it pays to be an **** Porsche guy.

 

Remove cap.
Add distilled water.
Replace cap, super tight.
Done.
Eat Turkey.

 

So what's the question? If the tank is low/empty ("a couple inches below full line"? BTW. there is no full line - there's a "min" and "max" mark/line... if it's actually "a couple inches below either of them, the tank is dry...) put some more coolant in there. I've got a couple other questions...If the tank had yellow/green coolant in it, why did the shop put Red/Pink stuff in there? Did they recommend a new cap for the coolant tank? How about a whole new tank itself? It's common knowledge that these tanks have problems when they get old...any shop that knows about these cars should know this...

 

I'd do a full flush. The mixing of coolants (some) can turn to a hard jello like substance.

 

Tank is new (did last December 2k ago). Shop added Porsche coolant because that is what they had. I used yellow when I flushed the whole system with tank.
I use the crease on the tank as my fill line. Seems to have always worked in the past just fine.
I didn't get my measuring stick out but there was still coolant in the bottom of the tank but below where it was.
No recommendation of a new cap, I wouldn't expect them to since they were just refilling.
It's likely air bubbles. I will fill and keep an eye on.

 

The shop said they didn't add much. Not sure what much is.

I would think if it was going to jell, it likely would have by now (month later and 100 miles). I mentioned that too them so it is on the record.

I have new coolant from when I did the whole system. I'll go home at lunch, top off and see what happens. I figured it's probably nothing.

Thanks for the help guys.

 

I don't know how long it takes or how much is an issue, but I've seen it first hand and it will clog your cooling system and take a motor out. Your car, your choice, good luck!

 

Your right. I'll call my indie about a flush. Thanks.

 

Dont lose sleep over it. Just top up the coolant. BTW, Porsche coolant is pink color.

 

I just went home and topped off, drove to work. Temps are great, no funny coolant smells, no puddles. I check in the morning and see if the level dropped. Thanks.

 

This look normal?

 

No...

 

Better check your oil and look in the coolant tank.

 

I am wondering what the repair was to the rads. If they removed any of the front hoses, they lost more than a small amount of coolant.

 

During the day.