194F is the target temp for the engine with maximum air flow.

 

I noticed my temp gauge flashing a few days ago and now ive got a massive water leak.. anyideas as coolant was pouring out when i parked up after a short journey, i`m hoping there has been no serious damage to the engine does anyone know what may of caused this apart from the obvious as i can`t get to a garage till tuesday i`m presuming it should be towed there too?

Thanks in advance

XT

 

cracked coolant tank or bad cap. Was it from the rear of the car, drivers side?

 

Usually, a massive coolant leak is due to the reservoir tank cap failing. The cap seal fails to withstand pressure and allows the tank to purge the coolant through the cap. Tank failures are usually small cracks that allow coolant to drip onto the exhaust, evaporate, and create the smell of burning coolant.
Cap failure is very common, and the cap has been redesigned.

 

Thanks for all your responses its from the rear of the engine passenger side although with you saying "cap" your refering to the water tank cap? it isnt that it seems as though its from the lower part of the engine?? getting worried now thanks again for the help..

XT

 

Ohhh! 996 OVERHEATING problem. I thought you said 996 OVEREATING problem.

 

I guess thats the American model then?

 

what a perfect thread! I just took my car in for the flashing light too. My temps have always been right at the 180 with the needle sitting on the zero or just slightly past it.

The light was flashing and I quickly RTFM and realized low coolant. I then remembered seeing white smoke coming from the car the day before in traffic. So I must have a small leak somewhere since the car is not over heating. It is at an indy shop right now as I type this. No dang dealerships are open on Saturdays! Sucks.

On another over heating note, I also have that "fan mod" done that I can overide the factory fans and have them turn on when I want. Those have come in handy in traffic. Sitting on the freeway...when I see my needle creep past the 180 zero...I turn those puppies on and it brings it down. Very easy and useful mod.

 

check the following things in this order:
1. coolant tank cap.
2. hose
3. tank.

 

I heard that when the light flashes it's also an indication of air in the system... In my case it was a leaking reservoir.

 

That's why this is such a good forum - people work together to problem solve. On a number of other message boards, posters just flame one another when they don't "check the f-ing archives" etc. Here, with a few exceptions questions are addressed and answered civililly. Porsche owners really try their best to help one another out. Great forum!!

 

OK Update!!!

well my car wont be on the road this Easter Weekend....

so just as discussed...my resevoir/expansion tank has about a 2" crack in it. Been leaking for awhile..I went underneath and you can see the trail of coolant running down my headers and mufflers down the driver's side.

Oh yeah I had "green" non OEM coolant in there as well...but I dont want to start the whole coolant debate.

Sooo...now I made a RSVP to take the car to TRE Motorsports in North Hollywood for the fix. Approx estimate?? $670 This shop has been reco'ed in the past and has a good rep..plus it is near where a co worker lives so I can hitch a ride to work. I spoke to a Dave there...very nice guy and assured me no problemo bring it on in.

Replace expansion tank...
Flush and fill system...
labor and parts...

oh well...there you have it peeps. Another one of those.."its gonna happen sooner or later fixes"

More once I get the car back.

 

I heard they are a great shop, a couple of dear friends of mine use them.

 

I`m guessing this is exactly the same fault as I have!, currently i`ve no means of getting underneath it but i can see green coolant pouring out from above where i cannot see, whereabouts is the expansion tank? Is it viewable from underneath the car or from the rear? thanks again for all the helpful comments

BR

XT

 

Open the engine compartment lid.
The tank is on the left side. It has a blue cap.