munro86

Noticed no coolant in the expansion tank, no obvious leaks or any warning light.
Is it normal to lose some coolant through evaporation? Is just topping it off all I need to do?

Thanks for any advice.

rountreed

I would say no it is not normal, If you have a 99 model they are known for expansion tank problems. As far as not seeing any coolant I can not explain.

nycebo

Wow, there's a lot of coolant talk these days. Summer must be just around the corner and all these undriven cars from winter storage are showing their distaste at having been left under a tarp.

marlinspike

If the tank is empty and it's not leaking any more, I'm guessing it's the tank that was leaking...either way something ain't right.

bnewport

This tip makes diagnosing it pretty easy.

http://www.devwebsphere.com/porsche/...lant_leak.html

rcg412

FWIW my 01 996C2 coolant level fluctuates a lot. I have seen it as low as ~ 0.5 inch below minimum, between min and max, and at max, all on a cold engine. Recently had it in for oil change, and they found no coolant leak, just topped it off with "mouthful" of coolant...

Sometimes, the coolant hose closest to the rear of the engine (with the expandable clamp) tends to drip some coolant, but only saw this when it was very cold outside and car sat overnight (Temp was ~10F). Ross

marlinspike

rcg are you saying that it will be low, and you won't do anything, and then it will be high, or are you saying that you routinely have to top yours off but you find no leak? If the latter, I'm thinking head gasket and that your engine is getting burned up.

bnewport

If you don't find a leak then it's bad news. Take it to a dealer and get the engine checked. I don't worry about the level except during regular servicing when the dealer checks it. After that it's sealed and if the light comes on then break out the brakelite and check for leaks. Either way, if the light comes on, it's dealer time.