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		|  03-29-2017, 11:05 AM | #1 |  
	| Registered User 
				 
				Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Austin 
					Posts: 314
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				Coolant issue? Internal leak?
			 
 
			Had the car in the shop not too long ago for IMS/RMS and a few other things.  Not sure if that is related or not.   
Over spring break I got a P0300 and P0304 code (misfire on cyc 4).  Found a few drops of oil under the car while changing the brakes.  CEL turned off next time I started the car.  I was planning on asking shop to scan at the next oil change.  Again, not sure if it's related.
 
Late last week got a red low coolant warning in the morning.  Topped up with a little under 1/2 gal of distilled water.  Yesterday I was checking the level after work and think I didn't get the cap on tight.  Drove about 35 miles at 80+ on the toll road - no lights or warnings.  Just as I pulled into the driveway the red coolant warning came on again and the car barfed on the driveway.  Cap was loose as I said.  
 
Let it cool down and topped up with distilled water and drove about 5 miles and got a red low oil pressure warning just as I pulled in the parking lot.  Had the boys bring me some oil and distilled water.  After sitting about 3 hours, the oil level was fine but the coolant was low again.  Topped up again and had my son follow me home.  He says white smoke appeared when I started the car.  Got a CEL and a yellow "drive to workshop" warning on the drive home.  
 
Haven't seen any water under the car (except when it puked on the driveway).  Makes me wonder if I have an internal leak (especially with the white puff of smoke).
 
Shop says I need a pressure test on the cooling system.  Hoping it's not an oil to coolant leak.  Thoughts / suggestions?
				__________________2003 S, 6 Speed, PCM, PSM, Bose, Litronics with washers, on its' second LN IMSB, comfort top, UDP, 987 engine mount, 997 RMS, Koni Sport Shocks, H&R springs, Techno brace, comfort blinkers, nin8six windscreen, particlewave light up cubby
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		|  03-29-2017, 11:44 AM | #2 |  
	| Porsche "Purist" 
				 
				Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Wisconsin 
					Posts: 2,123
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			Yes a cooling system pressure test is needed.  I would also do a compression or better yet a blow down test.  I recommend you park the car.
		 
				__________________1998 Boxster with 7.8 DME, 2005 3.6 liter/325 hp, Variocam Plus, 996 Instrument panel
 2001 Boxster original owner.  I installed used motor at 89k.
 1987 924S.      2002 996TT.        PST-2
 Owned and repaired Porsches since 1974.  Porsche: It's not driving, it's therapy.
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		|  03-29-2017, 01:01 PM | #3 |  
	| Registered User 
				 
				Join Date: May 2014 Location: S.California 
					Posts: 2,029
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			Hopefully not Intermix ? Search
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		|  03-29-2017, 01:08 PM | #4 |  
	| Porsche "Purist" 
				 
				Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Wisconsin 
					Posts: 2,123
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			Some white smoke at startup can be normal.
 Once the system dumps, it can be hard to get all the air out. A loose cap allows the coolant to boil at a lower temp.
 
				__________________1998 Boxster with 7.8 DME, 2005 3.6 liter/325 hp, Variocam Plus, 996 Instrument panel
 2001 Boxster original owner.  I installed used motor at 89k.
 1987 924S.      2002 996TT.        PST-2
 Owned and repaired Porsches since 1974.  Porsche: It's not driving, it's therapy.
 
				 Last edited by Paul; 03-29-2017 at 01:12 PM.
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		|  03-29-2017, 01:16 PM | #5 |  
	| 1997 Tip, 2018 Macan 
				 
				Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Upland, CA 
					Posts: 1,338
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			Take a look at the oil and see if it is the right color. Dark not brown. Check the end of dip stick and under the coolant tank cap for sludge. The oil coolers/o-rings can sometimes fail. Also, check under the trunk carpet and see if it is wet.   
Search through Pelican's tech articles, lots of good free info;  Porsche Boxster 986/987 (1997-2004) Technical Articles | Pelican Parts |  
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		|  04-04-2017, 10:31 AM | #6 |  
	| Registered User 
				 
				Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Austin 
					Posts: 314
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			Well so far I know I have an internal leak of the coolant system, definitely getting water in the combustion chamber.  Oil "looks" ok but coolant may be leaking slow enough the oil is burning it off.  Misfire on cyl 4 was last CEL so compression test next.
		 
				__________________2003 S, 6 Speed, PCM, PSM, Bose, Litronics with washers, on its' second LN IMSB, comfort top, UDP, 987 engine mount, 997 RMS, Koni Sport Shocks, H&R springs, Techno brace, comfort blinkers, nin8six windscreen, particlewave light up cubby
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		|  04-05-2017, 05:23 PM | #7 |  
	| 1997 Tip, 2018 Macan 
				 
				Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Upland, CA 
					Posts: 1,338
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			Well that is definitely not good news. Please keep us in the loop, as you have time.
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		|  07-09-2017, 09:59 AM | #8 |  
	| Registered User 
				 
				Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Austin 
					Posts: 314
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			It was a cracked head. No intermix, just burning coolant in the cylinder.  Bought a used head and had it installed. Had them fix a few nits and leaks while they were in there. Just over a 100 miles on it now. Going to change oil at 1000.
		 
				__________________2003 S, 6 Speed, PCM, PSM, Bose, Litronics with washers, on its' second LN IMSB, comfort top, UDP, 987 engine mount, 997 RMS, Koni Sport Shocks, H&R springs, Techno brace, comfort blinkers, nin8six windscreen, particlewave light up cubby
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		|  07-09-2017, 07:04 PM | #9 |  
	| 1997 Tip, 2018 Macan 
				 
				Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Upland, CA 
					Posts: 1,338
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			Glad to hear you are back on the road.
		 
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