Blown Head Gasket, or something else?

[BYprodriver]

Originally Posted by RobbieKnobbie

I had my 2006 Boxster S out for a leisurely drive last night and noticed at a stop along the way that there was a slight sweet, coolant, smell to the exhaust. I'd always seen a little white puff on start up, but I'd never noticed the smell before.

Supporting evidence...
06 Box S
57k miles
I've never seen the temp gauge go above 175 since I've owned it (2k miles)
I had the emissions tested some two months ago and it passed without issue. (would a state emissions test pick up coolant?)
The coolant level looks a little low, but the idiot light hasn't come on
No dipstick, so I can't see if there's discoloration to the oil
motor is completely stock
oil was changed 3 weeks ago, no water was noticed (but the engine was hot so it would have boiled off anyway)
The oil level since has been high

So I guess my questions are...

1. is there anything *other* than a blown head gasket/ cracked head that this could be?

2. would a blown gasket throw a code? I connected a friends generic OBD reader and it didn't find any stored codes.

Thanks guys!

From your post I'm not sure you have a problem but these engines don't blow head gaskets, heads do crack & 175 seems low for engine temp. CEL is there for emissions compliance, it is only concerned with increased emissions.

I would monitor coolant level, remove oil filter housing & send off oil sample to a lab to check for coolant (sodium) in oil, & inspect sparkplugs to look for signs of coolant in cylinder. Looks like your car is due for a change anyway.

[Joel-Box-ster]

Quick way to find out if you have a blown head gasket is to check the oil dipstick, if it has a milkshake color you have a blown head gasket. Also do a compression check for each cylinder.

[BYprodriver]

Originally Posted by Joel-Box-ster

Quick way to find out if you have a blown head gasket is to check the oil dipstick, if it has a milkshake color you have a blown head gasket. Also do a compression check for each cylinder.

Good advise for most cars, not this one, no dipstick, don't blow headgaskets according to Jake Raby.

[RobbieKnobbie]

Thanks for all the replies.

I made an appointment, she's going in Tuesday I won't drive her in the meantime. They said that they will run a compression test and look for elevated hydrocarbons in the coolant (???).

I have a water pump, belt, plugs and seals in the garage - all waiting for a warm weekend to be installed, but I think I'll have the shop install all that stuff while they have the car.

Sounds like I'll also have the coolant changed out at the same time - whether they're doing the head or not. And I'll make sure they pay special attention for impeller shaped plastic bits in the coolant


Whew... it'll be like a new car!