Slow Coolant Loss and Tank Coffee

[everwax]

Thanks, Steve,

I appreciate you taking the time.

I know I have to get this sorted. I was hoping to try to pinpoint the issue so I can approach my local indie dealer (who did the A/C refit intercooler and recharge at £380 - a fair price) with some knowledge of the problem and then negotiate a deal on analysis and repair.

[thstone]

Originally Posted by everwax

I was hoping to try to pinpoint the issue...

Coolant/oil intermix;

Top three suspects:

1. Failed oil cooler - the oil cooler is actually a coolant/oil heat exchanger. When it fails, oil and coolant can mix.

2. Failed internal freeze plug: one on each head. The engine needs to be removed to replace the freeze plugs.

3. Failed head/head gasket: Cracked head or head gasket is allowing coolant and oil to mix. Often coolant gets into the combustion chambers. Check the spark plugs for discoloring.

Good luck mate.

[everwax]

Thanks for the 3 points. thstone; I think I will go with #1, the cheaper option )

Bugger.

Truth is, I have a service history but it is not always official Porsche, and the car was clearly idle for at least 18 months whilst somebody had a problem with it about 5 years ago. The curious thing about it is she feels 'okay'. I know that sound dumb but I've just returned from a late night refuel and she wants to pull - almost as if I'm holding her back. I drive sensibly in urban traffic but I let her go on business runs on motorways and she feels 'right' when I enjoy it and shift at 4-5k, hitting the hot spot and suddenly we're topping a 120 and wanting more ... when I slow down.

It doesn't 'feel' like a serious issue so I'm hoping you're right with the cooler!

As I said, I'm not a 'petrol head' but I'm enjoying a car really for the first time (I was a motorcyclist).