Which coolant to use?

[Mr. Boone]

You get a lot of opinions on this one....I say use only the stuff that has the Porsche label on it. it,s a lot more $$$ but it will avoid warantee issues.

[larez2]

I just bought a gallon of the Porsche factory coolant, $46 bucks at the dealership. Expensive Stuff. It's is made by ELF, some euro company. I read a bunch of posts all over the Internet saying not to mix and a few that said it was okay to mix the same type (even if different color). If you are just topping it off, I'd just stick with the factory coolant / antifreeze and pay the extra (or use distilled water).

I heard from Tool Pants that the following 2 coolants meet the US performance requirements for Porsche (but are not technically approved by Porsche).

Havoline® DEX-COOL® Extended Life Anti-Freeze/Coolant
Chevron DEX-COOL® Extended Life Antifreeze/Coolant

I was thinking about when I would need to change the coolant in my car (it's a 99'). But there is no service interval listed. According to Porsche the coolant never needs to be changed for the life of the car. Wierd. I'd probably change it if it looked dirty or I had to replace the water pump or radiator(s) or hoses or something.

Good Luck,
Larez2

[MNBoxster]

Originally Posted by larez2

I just bought a gallon of the Porsche factory coolant, $46 bucks at the dealership. Expensive Stuff. It's is made by ELF, some euro company. I read a bunch of posts all over the Internet saying not to mix and a few that said it was okay to mix the same type (even if different color). If you are just topping it off, I'd just stick with the factory coolant / antifreeze and pay the extra (or use distilled water).

I heard from Tool Pants that the following 2 coolants meet the US performance requirements for Porsche (but are not technically approved by Porsche).

Havoline® DEX-COOL® Extended Life Anti-Freeze/Coolant
Chevron DEX-COOL® Extended Life Antifreeze/Coolant

I was thinking about when I would need to change the coolant in my car (it's a 99'). But there is no service interval listed. According to Porsche the coolant never needs to be changed for the life of the car. Wierd. I'd probably change it if it looked dirty or I had to replace the water pump or radiator(s) or hoses or something.

Good Luck,
Larez2

Hi,

There is no such thing as true Lifetime coolant. The change interval s/b 5 years or 150k miles whichever comes first. You will be fine using the brands TP mentions or any of the Long-Life, Phosphate-Free Coolants. Changing at this interval allows you to drain any/all the corrosion and other contaminates as well as add a fresh quantity of anti-corrosive agents. BTW, be sure to use distilled or de-ionized water when you do.

BTW, Elf is one of the premier Oil Companies in Europe. It is, in fact, the French National Oil Company. They have subsidiaries throughout the world. Like Texaco or Chevron, they produce a brand of Coolant in addition to their Gasolines and Oils.

Happy Motoring...Jim'99

[chaiyz]

Update, at $50 a gallon for Porsche Antifreeze, I'm just happy that they don't also sell gasoline.

[Flavor 987S]

Originally Posted by chaiyz

Update, at $50 a gallon for Porsche Antifreeze, I'm just happy that they don't also sell gasoline.

It's "only" $35/gallon from places like Sunset Porsche and Suncoast Porsche. Probably even less (than $50) at your local VW dealership.

[cas951]

Originally Posted by Flavor 987S

It's "only" $35/gallon from places like Sunset Porsche and Suncoast Porsche. Probably even less (than $50) at your local VW dealership.

Yep it's $30 from my VW dealer.

[jeeper31]

Originally Posted by cas951

Yep it's $30 from my VW dealer.

Which coolant do I ask for? Is it good for a 1998 986?

[BoxsterSteve]

Originally Posted by jeeper31

Which coolant do I ask for? Is it good for a 1998 986?

Part number is on back of jug, lower left corner.

[barkinfool]

Couldn't tell from pic. Does anyone know if the VW/Audi is made by ELF or is really the same / equivalent formulation as the Porsche branded coolant? I'm sure it probably isn't critical, but would seal the deal if it is.

p.s. Part of why I ask is I have an unopened jug + a little of the Porsche brand & would hesitate to mix with VW if not pretty much the same stuff.....

[jeeper31]

Originally Posted by BoxsterSteve

Part number is on back of jug, lower left corner.

Thanks. So is this the same as the Porsche coolant?