I parked my 04 C4S Cab 3 weeks ago - before hitting the road for thanksgiving. It was rainy when I got home so I drove the Carrera instead. I went to go take her to work yesterday and I noticed a small oil spot on the ground under the rear end.

There is a very slow leak - just a few drops. The second picture shows the puddle on the floor. Photos attached. Any thoughts? Something to worry about or normal Porsche leakage? I had the oil changed end of October - the car hadn't leaked a drop in the garage previously.

O

 

Waterpump is leaking. Contact your local Porsche service

 

^ +1 are you sure it's not coolant?

 

Thats not oil... Check the coolant level. Then check expansion tank/coolant fill up tank, then the actual water pump itself. You may need to change the water pump or a hose if there is one above the leakage. Don't drive it until you check it out.

 

it doesn't smell like coolant - and has some viscosity to it - anyway to tell for sure? The expansion tank is right in the middle - cold - where it was when I parked it 3 weeks ago. I have been smelling coolant sometimes when shutting down the car after a round of spirited driving though.

 

Does it feel like coolant? From the pic it didn't look like an oil stain.

 

Looks familiar. When my AOS was on its way out, the only indication was a little fluid mix of oil and water on the floor. Not suggesting the AOS, but take a look under the car at the bellows connecting the AOS to the engine and see if there is fluid there.

 

it looks more like oil/water mixed then coolant - feels that way too - unless porsche coolant is slippery?

Assuming its either AOS or Water Pump - is it safe to drive it up to my indy? Its like 30 miles.

 

Taste it !

 

I wouldnt drive it until you are sure just what it is. Either oil or coolant I think I would flatbed it there or do the job yourself. I believe that a new coolant tank is a DIY job but would have to look into the job via youtube. There are a few films on the job here http://www.youtube.com/results?searc....1.TNxLUMF2zVM

 

No bellows on an AOS in an '04. Leak looks too far rearward to be AOS. If that drop on the bolt under the T-stat hose is the source, then I agree it sure looks like coolant that has washed off/mixed with dirty oil residue on the engine. No source of oil there. Yes, the coolant is very slippery, and translucent like that. Oil on the ground will be black and the puddles are more circular, whereas coolant flows easier in patterns like yours. However, it also looks like you've had the same leak in that spot a while. The concrete has multiple imprints of different aged leaks that have soaked in, so it's pretty hard to tell. Just get some liquid from the floor with a spoon, even a small amount and drop it in a glass of water. If it's oil, it will make a distinct slick or circle of oil on top. If it appears to mix in, it's coolant.

You have to make the call to decide if it's safe to drive. If the levels are all good, and no intermix in the oil, then likely fine to get there, but I ain't taking the responsibility! ;-)