2001 Boxster Coolant Leak

[78F350]

Originally Posted by The Sandman

... Nevertheless, I attempted to manually raise the bleeder valve with the small metal tab on top, which promptly came off in my hands. It appears that there is wear around the rubber where the metal tab sits on the bleeder valve, and I am uncertain whether this valve is working at all. ...

The bleeder valve tab should not come apart. There should not be visible wear on the rubber where the tab sits. It sounds like your vale is worn out/damaged and dumping coolant before it reaches normal operating pressure.

I'd watch that area when you do the pressure test.

[The Sandman]

Originally Posted by 78F350

The bleeder valve tab should not come apart. There should not be visible wear on the rubber where the tab sits. It sounds like your vale is worn out/damaged and dumping coolant before it reaches normal operating pressure.

I'd watch that area when you do the pressure test.

Attached pressure test kit to overflow tank cap with a tight seal, cold engine. System holds *no pressure*. Heard air leaking around the bleed valve. Put some water around the valve, and saw bubbles near one of the screws where bleed valve cover attaches to overflow tank. No obvious cracks and no pink fluid in trunk.

Bolts are tight so didn’t feel the need to overtighten.

Are next steps replacing the bleeder valve, o ring, etc, or ?
Dave

[78F350]

You can replace the bleeder valve. I have pulled one apart on a bad tank out of curiosity and it's not too complex. Here's a thread that I've read before: My first Question, Bleeder Valve?

I would recommend replacing the entire tank unless you know that it has been done in the last several years. The tank will wear out eventually. Why not do it now. There are lots of complaints about aftermarket tanks. Many of them are flawed right out of the box. Best to go with Porsche brand even though it costs (much) more.

The easiest way to replace the tank:
DIY Coolant Tank Replacement in Under 2 Hours

[The Sandman]

Originally Posted by 78F350

You can replace the bleeder valve. I have pulled one apart on a bad tank out of curiosity and it's not too complex. Here's a thread that I've read before: My first Question, Bleeder Valve?

I would recommend replacing the entire tank unless you know that it has been done in the last several years. The tank will wear out eventually. Why not do it now. There are lots of complaints about aftermarket tanks. Many of them are flawed right out of the box. Best to go with Porsche brand even though it costs (much) more.

The easiest way to replace the tank:
DIY Coolant Tank Replacement in Under 2 Hours

Many thanks for the links... fingers crossed that this is the source of the problem vs. a red herring.

Any other reasons why I shouldn’t have any pressure (ie cannot even pump it up to 2-3 lbs)?
Dave

[The Sandman]

Originally Posted by The Sandman

Many thanks for the links... fingers crossed that this is the source of the problem vs. a red herring.

Any other reasons why I shouldn’t have any pressure (ie cannot even pump it up to 2-3 lbs)?
Dave

Replaced the bleeder with a new kit. Haven’t noticed any leak from underneath car, through the overflow pipe nor is there a coolant odor anywhere. Interestingly, when the car is hot (180) or so, unscrewing the cap still releases no pressure.

Dave

[78F350]

There's another place that I have found small coolant leaks. Both radiators have a small connection for a tube at the top corner. Those tubes join and run back, under the car to the tank. The connection at the radiator is fragile and I have found them cracked on a couple radiators. Hopefully yours is good now. Have you tried a pressure test again?

[evomind]

Originally Posted by 78F350

There's another place that I have found small coolant leaks. Both radiators have a small connection for a tube at the top corner. Those tubes join and run back, under the car to the tank. The connection at the radiator is fragile and I have found them cracked on a couple radiators. Hopefully yours is good now. Have you tried a pressure test again?

Slightly off topic but appropriate....
I have a slight coolant leak from the front passenger side and I was thinking to remove the underside panel and check around but looking at this pic its probably checked from the top?
How do I take a look at the top of the radiator?
thanks

Nevermind, I found a write up, but is there any way to see a possible source of a leak without taking the whole front end off?

[The Sandman]

Originally Posted by The Sandman

Replaced the bleeder with a new kit. Haven’t noticed any leak from underneath car, through the overflow pipe nor is there a coolant odor anywhere. Interestingly, when the car is hot (180) or so, unscrewing the cap still releases no pressure.

Dave

Update: replaced bleeder valve, system still holds no pressure (using pressure tester) and I can still hear air seemingly near bleeder valve during pressure test. O rings are on it properly. System also dumped a ton of coolant through overflow again today after a spirited run.

No evidence of coolant in trunk. Is there anything potentially serviceable underneath bleeder valve? Stumped on this one.
Dave

[blue62]

Originally Posted by The Sandman

Update: replaced bleeder valve, system still holds no pressure (using pressure tester) and I can still hear air seemingly near bleeder valve during pressure test. O rings are on it properly. System also dumped a ton of coolant through overflow again today after a spirited run.

No evidence of coolant in trunk. Is there anything potentially serviceable underneath bleeder valve? Stumped on this one.
Dave

Simplest things first.
are you sure the bleeder valve is in the down position?
If yes take it apart again and make sure you reassembled it correctly.