12-08-2012, 02:26 PM
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#1
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Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Little Switzerland, north carolina
Posts: 551
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coolant identity
Not sure what coolant is in my 04 boxster S since I did not buy it new. Miles are low, but recently had a leak and lost about 3 quarts and need to top it up. I understand about not mixing the different kinds, but I can't be certain if what is already in there is oem or not. It is the green color, but that isn't definitive. I would like to just top it up and not totally flush and refill. Any way to tell what is in there?
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12-08-2012, 02:35 PM
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#2
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Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Arlington Heights, IL
Posts: 1,561
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You could always top it up with distilled water until you are ready to do more maintenance on the cooling system. Did you fix the leak?
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12-08-2012, 02:42 PM
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#3
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Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: It's a kind of magic.....
Posts: 6,649
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There is no realistic way to test it to see what type it is. Best bet is to top up with distilled water or dump the entire system and put in new coolant.
__________________
“Anything really new is invented only in one’s youth. Later, one becomes more experienced, more famous – and more stupid.” - Albert Einstein
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12-08-2012, 03:25 PM
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#4
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Certified Boxster Addict
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 7,669
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+1 Distilled water is the way to go!
__________________
1999 996 C2 - sold - bought back - sold for more
1997 Spec Boxster BSR #254
1979 911 SC
POC Licensed DE/TT Instructor
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12-08-2012, 05:05 PM
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#5
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Registered User
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Miami florida
Posts: 1,591
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The most important issue is why you lost so much coolant. Do not let the car overheat, even for a moment, it could be the death of your motor.
__________________
Current car
2000 Boxster 2.7l red/black
Previous cars
1973 Opel Manta
1969(?) Fiat 850 Convertible
1979 Lancia Beta Coupe
1981 Alfa Romeo GTV 6
1985 Alfa Romeo Graduate
1985 Porsche 944
1989 Porsche 944
1981 Triumph TR7
1989 (?) Alfa Romeo Milano
1993 Saab 9000
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12-09-2012, 04:26 AM
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#6
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Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Little Switzerland, north carolina
Posts: 551
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Leak was straightforward and fixed and it did not overheat. I have added distilled water to top it up since I have no way to know absolutely what was in there. I will just go ahead and get the necessary porsche coolant and drive it as is while I decide if I want to go ahead and do a water pump and thermostat and belt at the same time. I have the situation stabilized for now and can take my time with the next step. I am leaning toward replacing pump, belt and thermostat and maybe the motor mount as well. I am not inclined toward unnecessary maintenance, but I want everything as it should be. 38K miles is a little early to be changing pump and belt, but it is also 8 years old and time can also take a toll. thanks for the input.
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12-10-2012, 05:29 AM
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#7
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Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Arlington Heights, IL
Posts: 1,561
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mountainman
I am leaning toward replacing pump, belt and thermostat and maybe the motor mount as well. I am not inclined toward unnecessary maintenance, but I want everything as it should be. 38K miles is a little early to be changing pump and belt, but it is also 8 years old and time can also take a toll. thanks for the input.
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Smart move. Go by years, not miles. A new OEM pump, OEM thermostat, OEM belt, and 2 gallons of OEM coolant is about $300. Cheap insurance.
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