first99-996

I noticed that my car was slightly overheating this evening. I pulled over to let it cool down and noticed this in the overfill. It's like a thick yellow substance. No motor oil type mixture. Is this the radiator fluid getting to hot? I noticed after it cooled down, it started breaking down to a thinner consistency. Any advice would be helpful. Thanks...

Ahsai

Sorry but it does look like intermix to me. Coolant should be clear at any temperature.

first99-996

Wow, really? It doesn't smell like oil. Hmmmm...

DTMiller

Yeah, do a google image search for "intermix oil and coolant" and, it isn't good.

FRUNKenstein

Ahsai - correct me if I am wrong. Basically this can be caused by a bad air-oil separator, a cracked head or (rarely) a bad head gasket. Hope for the bad AOS.

first99-996

Well, I just checked the oil dip stick and there isn't any sign of this intermix, just regular oil. Now, I've seen when a cracked head or bad head gasket when water and oil mix, but, this seems odd. It like pancake batter, haha..

first99-996

Now also if it was the head gasket when there be some type of smoke coming out of the exhaust as well? If so, there isn't.. Well I'll find out tomorrow when I take it to the shop. Crossing fingers that it isn't bad. I'll update everyone, thanks..

Ahsai

I'm no expert but my understanding is AOS will cause coolant in oil (when it breaks down internally). There's only oil vapor and no oil pressure in AOS. There's coolant pressure inside AOS so coolant leaks into the crankcase.

The MLS head gaskets are virtually indestructible. Oil/coolant heat exchanger is possible but also very rare. The most likely cause in this case is a cracked head since there's no coolant in oil. Oil has much higher pressure than coolant when engine is runnng so it forces itself into the coolant when there's a crack. Once the engine has stopped, oil has no pressure but the hot steamy coolant could force itself into the oil.

first99-996

Thanks for the advise. I'm hoping to find out something tomorrow..

Sneaky Pete

In my old 1999 996 I had exactly what is in your picture 3 years ago. I had no coolant in my oil either. You my friend have intermix and a cracked head. Don't drive the car......at all because that will make the fix that more expensive.

first99-996

Thanks bud! It's going to the dealership as we're speaking.

Gonzo911

Fingers crossed...

Gator996

Mine as well.

KNS

Perhaps a bit late but I'd find a good independent Porsche mechanic before taking it to the dealership. If you've already taken it there and the dealership gives you the bad news, say "thank you", pay your bill and then find a good independent Porsche mechanic.

Ahsai

+1. Most likely dealer will say you need a new engine in the tune of 25-35k.