fpena944

Came from from the Iron Maiden show last night (yes, they rocked!) and noticed a puddle of fluid under the 996. My heart skipped a beat as I thought it was oil but when I examined it closer I found it to be coolant.

A couple of days ago I got the "low coolant level" warning but then it went away after I turned the car off and back on again. I thought it was a fluke and even in our hot temperatures the last few days the car stayed within normal engine temps when in traffic.

So I got under it and it appears the AOS has coolant on it and so does an area close to where a hose connects to the coolant tank. The fluid appears to have dripped down through an area to the right of the rear driver's side wheel but a little bit ahead of it.

I took some photos to show how things look there but as you can imagine it is tough to get a good shot.

So my question now, is this the coolant tank? Is it the AOS? A loose hose clamp? How can I tell what it is so I can address the right issue?

C4CRNA

Coolant tank rupture. Start there

Kazual99

Sorry to hear. Let me know if you want to tackle the fix on your own and I'll lend a hand.

fpena944

Well even if I wanted a tank it doesn't seem they're available in this country right now!

Called several dealers and they are out of stock. My local dealer said there was a recall on them which is why old ones were pulled off the shelf. They are doing research and will call me back.

I filled the coolant back up and went for a drive, everything seems ok right now but I also have an autocross scheduled for Sunday. Hmmm, worth taking the chance?

Charles - thanks for the offer but I guess not this weekend!

dotframe

No! I wouldn't drive it at all.

RollingArt

+1 This is good advise.

At any second the leak could turn into an all out rupture with total coolant loss. Not worth the risk.

It's not leaking from the coolant tank cap is it? That is another common place to find a leak.

GL

fpena944

Ugh, that's not what I wanted to hear since this is my daily driver.

Any temporary fixes for this thing? I remember on my 944 the coolant bottle sprung a leak but I was able to temporarily fix it until the part came in by using some plastic epoxy.

I'm going to try to call around to some other places as I do want this fixed ASAP. Guess I'll have to see if the wife let's me use her SUV for the autocross!

Unfortunately not. The coolant cap was replaced about a year ago so I've got that part covered. That is unless it went bad again. But it appears the whole leak came from the back of the engine which really points to the tank. Any way to test the cap individually?

Now on to a rant...Why put the coolant tank so close to the components of the car that create heat? Why not put it up front with the radiators? Oh well, can't do much about that now.

LordVicious

It might be the reservoir or perhaps the waterpump. When the pump starts to go it can spray all over the place. Fire her up and eyeball the waterpump.

rpm's S2

dC Auto in Rocky Mount may have a used one... a temporary fix at least.

C4CRNA

Did you try Pelican Parts?

fpena944

I did that and it does appear to be dry. So I think it is the tank or something leading into it.

I found one! Getting it sent out on Monday so I can't install it this weekend but I'll have one soon enough. Thanks for the suggestion though.

Hurdigurdiman

Might be worth checking hose clamps while you are awaiting the arrival of the tank in case it is not the tank. And around the water pump of course.

GMS

996 106 157 03? No signs of a shortage as far as I know.

white99c2

My coolant tank cracked and I had the same stains as you do. I'm betting its the tank!

LC MotorSports

The lower hose inlet on the tank bottom is where you will find the leak.