GTME2010

Hi, I’ve tried searching and have not come across my specific scenario.

im the 2nd owner of my ‘99 996 and have owned it for 6 years. Based on the color of the coolant in the expansion tank, I don’t believe it’s a 50/50 mix. This has been okay since the car and myself has been in southern CA. This year, I’ve moved to GA, and the weather will be 10 deg tonight and tomorrow night. Although it’s stored inside, I’m worried about the freeze point of the coolant. Is there a way to bleed 1gal of coolant out (minimizing chance of trapped air) so that I can add some 50/50 to the car?

im also not sure if the Porsche recommended coolant is just clear…

plpete84

The Porsche coolant is pink, just like on many German cars. I think the safest way to remove the coolant without letting air in would be to syphon out as much of it out of the reservoir as you can and replace it with a 50/50 mix. I don't think it would be a gallon but at least you don't have to drain and re-bleed it.
FWIW, when I did my water pump and thermostat I drained the coolant via the t-stat hose. I did not have access to a compressor and the tool to create vacuum and suck the new coolant in. What I did was elevate the rear of the car only to ensure the reservoir is at the highest point of the system. I then filled it from there. When I got to the allowed max, I ran the car and let the level drop and then refilled as needed. I followed this until the level didn't drop anymore. Then I popped up the bleeder valve on the reservoir and went for a drive. I brought some coolant with me just in case. The level dropped a tiny bit and I added some coolant once the engine cooled down. It's been 5 months since doing this job and temps have been rock solid with no leaks. You could try this procedure if you don't have access to the tool if you want to drain more coolant.

steam_mill

Why not buy this to determine the freeze point and then do whatever needs to be done?

WESTWARD PROFESSIONAL ANTIFREEZE TESTER,DISC - Tester Kits - EBP1DXL7 | 1DXL7 - Grainger, Canada

Or, since you don't know what is in there OAT? HOAT?, Drain, flush and refill?

GTME2010

Thanks Pete84,

I’ll give that a try. My coolant doesn’t appear pink, so I will assume I need to add coolant to the mix.

plpete84

What color is it? Green, clear, brown?

GTME2010

It is clear. I also realized the it may need to be drained/refilled due to age. Sort of an unexpected cold front for GA, which has not happened in many years here.

Marv

You can buy a coolant tester for $3.00 from Autozone. That will confirm your ratio—simple enough.

https://www.autozone.com/heating-and...E&gclsrc=aw.ds

Yes, you should drain and refill and make sure you use a Porsche approved coolant.

sasilverbullet

Only way to know for sure is get a coolant checker at the parts store.

DDzPorsche

Just my opinion but I would flush and refill with known good coolant mixture. Although it has never happened to me I've heard stories about what happens when you mix coolant types.

Mike Murphy

^^ I agree. Given the unknowns, I would start fresh. Maybe a new water pump and t-stat as well if that’s not been done.

DDzPorsche

Good idea, may as well add a new serpentine belt at the same time.

And the list goes on....

pdxmotorhead

It takes disconnecting multiple pipes under the car to full drain the system.
A shop vac in wet mode can help a lot. Go ahead and pull the front bumper
and inspect the radiators while your there..

I used the regular Porsche pink coolant (Concentrate) and a vacuum lift filler off amazon for 40 bucks.
It made filling the system SOOOO easy I'd never go without it now..
Full fill is about 6 gallons with a 3 radiator system. FYI.. about 5 with 2.
My tiny mini tank harbor freight compressor did fine pulling the vacuum.

Cheers