spessx

Oil/water leak on rear subframe.

So I’m new to the boxster world and have done wuite a bit in the way of searching before posting.

Last night my son and I were driving our new to us 2001 Boxster Base/5 speed. I could smell some coolant but the temp guage never got over the 180-190 range. I stopped for gas and could see that it was losing some coolant and some oil.

It appears to be an oil leak where most of the oil is on the rear left subframe. The oil leak pretty much slowed to a stop once the car was parked.

Any idea what I should start looking for in terms of an oil leak?

stl_986

sure it isn't the coolant leaking & washing oil off the engine?

Really just need to get it on a lift, start the engine & see where both coolant & oil are coming from. Any suggestion is just going to be a guess and there are many things that could cause both to leak.

spessx

I don’t have a lift. I do have it on stands though. Not sure its a great idea to start while on the stands.

Starter986

Get some better stands. If you don't trust your existing stands you have no business being under the car. Get a pair/4 Escos.

BondJ

Not sure why you’re reluctant to run the engine while it’s on a stand, just don’t slip it into gear.

The usual suspect for water leaks is the plastic header tank in the trunk. First place I’d look

stl_986

Honestly if not comfortable getting under the car, take it somewhere. Anything that is broke or leaking is going to need to most need under the car access in addition to the top....besides the coolant tank that is, but that would leak from a different place. All the time you spend online looking for possible places is time you aren't actually looking at the car to see where it is leaking from which is what you have to do. Pictures will give you a general idea, but your eyes (or better the mechanics eyes) will tell you. Worth the $100 diagnostic fee from a shop.

spessx

So, I was able to diagnose the "oil" leak. It was actually the left rear transmission mount. I've ordered new mounts and will replace them next weekend.

The next thing I need to diagnose is coolant smell. I haven't seen any leaks but I can definitely smell it even though the car is running at normal temp.

stl_986

remove the rear carpet & the pads under it. See any coolant?

spessx

I pulled everything out of the trunk and all is dry. Also, the cap’s part number ends in “04” and is tight. Here’s a pic of the underside of the cap. What should I check next?



Coolant tank cap

stl_986

Is the smell inside the car while you are driving or smell it on the outside of the car after driving for a bit?

spessx

After driving for a bit. I can smell it in the car when I stop at a light or back up.

stl_986

That suggests a leak at the front of the car which is where your radiators are located.

spessx

Ok, I’ll pull off the fromt pan and check those.

paulofto

Removing the front pan will not give you full access to the rads. You need to remove the front bumper cover.