Just wanted to share my unfortunate experience with everyone.

I have a 2011 GT3, Guards Red, with 2200 miles. Broke it in according to manual.

We all know the coolant issues GT3s are known for and Porsche downplays this issue. I had a scary experience last weekend where I was driving the car hard and all of a sudden I lost control and the car spun, but I recovered. I kept on driving thinking traction control was malfunctioning, so I turned it off. That was mistake. Every turn, the car would slide and the back would slightly come around. I didn't know what was wrong. Eventually, the "check coolant" light came on so I stopped and looked at the coolant reservoir. It was empty and there was coolant all over the ground.

Car was towed to the dealer and they found a hole in the coolant pipe by the right front tire. I've attached a couple of pictures, but they're not great.

I got the car back a couple days later, drove it, and 5 minutes later the check coolant light and engine temperature too hot lights came on. I pulled over and saw the coolant reservoir was empty again, but no leaking seen around the car (system bleed?). I filled the tank up again and the engine temperature wavered a bit for a few minutes, but stabilized at 175F after 5 minutes or so. Once the engine oil temp was warm, I drove the car hard again and didn't notice anything out of the ordinary. I pulled into my driveway, and noticed a small trickle of coolant in the driveway and the engine compartment lid was smoking slightly (coolant smell). I got angry, but talked to the dealer the next day. They said it is probably the overlow valve on the coolant reservoir tank hitting the exhaust below and smoking. The level of coolant in the reservoir is still okay. I guess I will drive it around and see if this resolves.

What a pain in the ***, but I still love the car.

 

There's your problem -- a giant screwdriver stuck in the hose! Can't you see that?!

 

Holy Sh*! you're right!

 

There are a couple of useful things to learn here:

1. coolant can neither be created nor destroyed ... if the tank is empty, it went somewhere, if the tank is filling up, something is entering the system. "Topping up" is for '67 Buicks.

2. Carry "rescue tape" or any of the silicon emergency tapes for these kinds of trouble ... same with radiator repair putty ... this is why God intended the 911 to be air-cooled.

3. If you lose control of a car, stop and figure out what happened ... tire through to the bead? ... cyclist stuck under the rear? ... there must be a cause

4. Don't try the front sway bar in full stiff -- the car already has too much understeer.

 

Adam a mouse perhaps did it..

Kyriacos no worries probably when they refilled the car they didn't do it properly and you had to add up once it circulated..

Smell is awful though I agree..

 

See, that's your problem. Not sure if I have a manual, but mine does not leak anywhere yet with 7500 miles.
Maybe they sold me a fake?

 

I take it welding/modding the pipe fittings like some tuners are doing isn't going to prevent coolant loss in cases like yours.

Does it look like debris kicked up by the tire that punctured the hose maybe?

 

Really need to not read posts when eating and/or drinking

Such a nice laptop, now ruined...

 

Rats, Slow, rats everywhere!

 

Tell me about it.. I hate rats

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70UDo5maqvM

 

Just drove car 15 miles. Needed to refill reservoir again. Small trails of fluid occasionally seen. There has to be another leak. Oh well, dealer is only 100 miles away - I guess they're coming to pick it up again. Again, what a pain in the ***.

 

Where do you find this stuff after midnight Greece time..

 

I hope they're bringing a Pana loaner.

Nothing nearer?

 

me too, I blew milk out of my nose on the "cyclist stuck under rear" comment

 

This sucks, not so long ago after having the coolant changed, next morning I had to add some probably from air trapped in the system.
But only a little and for one time only. If this continues and as Adam said there must be a leak..
Good luck solving this quickly.



When Morpheus offered me the pills I took the red one..