Coolant smell, can't find a leak

[BH2000S]

Thanks for all the great advice. I have not had time to jack the car up and check the water pump yet. I did check the burp valve (aka coolant bleeder valve?), totally clean. The expansion tank cap seems to seal fine but the threads seem a little wonky and the part number ends in 02 so I'll order the $27 updated Porsche one from Pelican. I don't really smell anything in the trunk.

I don't know if the water pump was replaced with the engine. The receipt notes a lot of hours cleaning coolant out of the oil system but not the water pump. I need to track down more info from a dealer.

If it is a small seal leak, I would be tempted to use a cooling system sealer but I'm guessing that will just cause problems down the road with a Porsche.

[nieuwhzn]

I have exactly the same problem. Bought the car 5 years ago, always smell a whif of coolant when starting. There is nothing, Nothing, that smells like a coolant leak anywhere. Leaks usually get worse over time, so after 5 years I kinda got used to it.
The only thing that I still have to look at is the overflow of the coolant tank. I found a tube that ends in the trunk but isn't connected on the other end, just strapped down under the engine somewhere.

[JayG]

Originally Posted by BH2000S

Thanks for all the great advice. I have not had time to jack the car up and check the water pump yet. I did check the burp valve (aka coolant bleeder valve?), totally clean. The expansion tank cap seems to seal fine but the threads seem a little wonky and the part number ends in 02 so I'll order the $27 updated Porsche one from Pelican. I don't really smell anything in the trunk.

I don't know if the water pump was replaced with the engine. The receipt notes a lot of hours cleaning coolant out of the oil system but not the water pump. I need to track down more info from a dealer.

If it is a small seal leak, I would be tempted to use a cooling system sealer but I'm guessing that will just cause problems down the road with a Porsche.

Do not under any circumstances use cooling system sealer. That stuff can clog up places you don't want restricted.

If you do use it, please post your VIN so we know to avoid your car if you sell it

[BH2000S]

Originally Posted by JayG

Do not under any circumstances use cooling system sealer. That stuff can clog up places you don't want restricted.

If you do use it, please post your VIN so we know to avoid your car if you sell it

I'll just put some oatmeal in the radiator like shoddy used car dealers used to do!

[911monty]

Black Pepper!

[Xpit77]

Turn on the heater and fan and smell. If this is the strongest it may be the block heater.

[BH2000S]

I finally had a chance to jack up the car and pull the pan. Very clean underneath, nothing unusual found. No residue, no coolant smell. Hoses all appear to be in good condition. Pan just had road dirt on it, I cleaned it off and will recheck for any drips.

Since my original post, coolant has dropped about one line on the expansion tank. I still have not ordered the new cap, that could be the source. Not smelling much in the interior with the top up, still smell coolant at the side vents. The search continues.

Here are some really boring Porsche engine porn shots to prove I was under the car.

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