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Prior to purchasing my new to me 2006 997 Cab, I noticed the radiator fluid was below the minimum mark when cold. I had a PPI done and they noticed it as well.
The mechanic added fluid to bring it to minimum. I asked if they spotted a leak and if the water pump was OK. No leaks spotted and was told the water pump looks good. So I purchased the car. A week later I noticed the level was back where it was before purchase. So I added more and brought it to minimum. Then drove it on a couple of 300 mile trips. The 997 drives like a dream compared to my old 996! Well.....the level is back to where it was prior to purchase. I see no leaks on my garage floor. I am beginning to think the lower minimum level is OK?
Any thoughts are appreciated!
Are you checking it when its hot or cold? Check it when its hot. May also want to get a new coolant cap too, if your on the original its probably time for a new one. I see that you check when its cold, check when its hot. When its cold, the fluid gets drawn into the block. Go for a nice long drive, stop, then see where the level is.
Check the coolant cap (blue arrow). There is a newer part number, don't remember the details exactly, but some googling should find it.
Check the expansion valve just north of the coolant cap (green arrow). It should be flat facing north or south, not straight up in the air.
The coolant overflow tank is prone to cracking and leaking (red arrow), especially in the older 997's. The crack usually occurs underneath where it connects to a rubber hose below the green arrow. Mine was cracked but would not leak unless the coolant was at temperature, meaning during driving. Then one very hot day it gave way and a puddle formed under the car when parked. No signs of leaks until then puddle, just low coolant.
Most reassuringly so. I smelled coolant shortly after getting my 2007 C4S on its original cap, and noticed that white residue was formed on the cap.....and in the engine bay. I took the cap off and could see the underside of it had more white stuff and the rubber o ring in it was flat and not sealing well. Called Suncoast and had a new one in three days. No more smell or coolant loss.
I've had my car for 8 years and it always runs slightly low on coolant. I have replaced the cap. I have had it pressure tested. I have topped off the coolant. For some reason it just always wants to be just below the minimum line. Very strange indeed. But it never goes any lower than that. So I just leave it be.
I've had my car for 8 years and it always runs slightly low on coolant. I have replaced the cap. I have had it pressure tested. I have topped off the coolant. For some reason it just always wants to be just below the minimum line. Very strange indeed. But it never goes any lower than that. So I just leave it be.
That is what I was hoping for with this new to me 2006 997. if the level does not drop further that what I see now, maybe I can forget it and leave it be. New cap to be delivered in a day or so. I am afraid that maybe the plastic reservoir is cracked somewhere and needs replacing. Wonder how much that would cost to replace?
From what I've seen on DIY for that in here, its a bitch to get the old one out and new one in without taking a bunch of things off. The part is cheap enough though. Its the labor for it.
My tank was weeping and had a crack. Replaced the tank at the same time as the water pump.
Stick your cell phone in a cold engine bay to look at the back of the tank. Light on, video, reviews.
Mine was cracked right where the bottom tube connects to the tank. I had other cooling system parts replaced/upgraded during the repair (3rd radiator, water pump, thermostat). But the subtotal for just the coolant tank was $365 at my indy (parts plus 2 hours labor).
Search the forums and you will a few other threads relating to this.
Unless you spot a leak, I wouldn't worry about it. Does it keep to that level or do you have to keep adding fluid after a few days/weeks/months? If not, don't worry about it. If you do have to keep adding, then you have a leak.
Infact, the very first thread listed in the similar thread section below is the the few threads that specifically talk about this..
That thread was exactly what I was looking for! Thanks for the link. I checked the level yesterday after a drive, 997 was fully warmed up, level way below the min mark. I am not yet convinced that I don't have a leak. maybe it is time for the water pump to be replaced?
04-21-2015, 09:33 AM
Radiator fluid low?
