Boffo

So my low coolant warning comes on in my 02 996. I did consult the manual for any special instructions but didn't see anything specifying a special coolant other than "Porsche approved". So without thinking much, it being late saturday afternoon, I reached for regular green premixed 50/50 antifreeze and poured in about half a gallon.

While browsing the board this evening, I decide to do a search and after reading a few threads I am now horrified that I've ruined the cooling system or created jello or something... My question is should I suck this stuff back out of reservoir or am I ok to drive and may want to consider getting it all flushed out?

BruceP

If you mixed an OAT and non-OAT type coolant, then a flush and refill is probably a good idea, IMHO. There are widely varying views on what coolant is 'right' for a Porsche, but what is, I think, not disputable is the danger of mixing the 'green stuff' with the 'pink stuff'. For all it costs to get it flushed and filled, I'd do it.

Boffo

Thanks for the reply. Now that I know more about coolants than I ever cared to after some web searches, I chose to siphon out the reservoir before ever starting the car. My primary concern was around phosphates and silicates wrt to seals and the water pump. (And it sounds like a system flush is a major project). The car has been fantastic and I really don't want to upset its balance.

FWIW, the green seemed to mix fine with the amber that was in there (no pink or blue or red). The reservoir seems to hold about 3/4 of gallon. My guess is that long-life OAT no phosphate, no silicate fluid is an ok addition with the amber, but after all this effort I'll just be at the dealer first thing tomorrow. Thanks!

pat056

I mixed the universal coolant w/the Porsche over a year (and 15,000 miles) ago w/no issues.
Bigger ?? is why is it low. I would think you'll find more new to follow i.e.water pump, coolant tank, or something. It doesn't just lose coolant, IMHO.

1999Porsche911

Why would you spend a premium for Porsche' coolant when there are numerious brand names available? Especially since you obviously have a leak? Use the PEAK Lifetime 50/50 you can get at most auto stores for less than $10/gal.

BruceP

Just to be clear, here, I wasn't recommending sticking to the Porsche brand name. Only that you shouldn't mix coolant types.

1999Porsche911

PEAK Lifetime mixes with the Porsche's coolant just fine, for future reference.

Tippy

Just like my Audi says do not use anything other than Audi's coolant or "engine damage will occur"............I very highly doubt it............

BruceP

I love that "nobody can push me around" Porsche driver attitude.

Me, I buy Porsche's. The price premium isn't that big, in absolute terms. I also buy coffee at Starbucks, so you know what kind of guy I am...

pat056

"Peak" is what I use.
Like 1999Porsche911 said; the next objective is to figure out where that coolant is going. Mine was the water pump. Since I had that replaced in April, I have not had to add any coolant.