Coolant overflow question

[ISUnorth]

I am going to go do the driving around easy thing first. Assume at the end of that you:

- Shut off engine and open reservoir cap, relieving coolant pressure w/ care

- top off coolant until level reaches max

- flip down bleeder valve locking clip

-replace filler neck trim cover and cap.


BTW, I took off the filler cover and there was coolant condensed under it and puddled ever so slightly on the top of the reservoir tank. Minute amount but it had to come from somewhere. I am wondering if this might be from a bad cap or maybe those o-rings on the bleeder value. I think I will do the drive-about air bleed thingy and buy a new cap. If those don't do it I will try the o-rings.

Russ

[Burg Boxster]

with condensation under the filler cover..... it definitely sounds like the o-rings are bad. The entire valve could be bad but doubt it based on the valve's pressure thresholds (see pressure test below). When the entire valve is bad, the results are much like having a bad coolant cap and you end up w/ what's affectionately known as a peeing Boxster. When this occurs, it dumps almost the entire cooling system contents in one shot after engine shutdown. It'll be plainly obvious by either the rushing water sound you hear or the extremely large puddle in front of the right rear wheel

Anyhow, some dealers may try and tell (thus sell) you the entire tank needs replaced....... but the o-rings and valve assembly are available separate [from the tank]. Sunset or Suncoast sells them in case you don't have luck locally. Here's a write up on how to replace the o-rings:

Coolant Tank Bleeder Vavle O-Ring Replacement

Incidentally, if you ever do a pressure test on the system, you are to pressurize it to normal operating levels - 19psi. The bleeder valve is designed to open at 20psi and close at 14psi. So at 19psi, you'll be below the threshold of it activating and can truly test the system for leaks. I wouldn't worry about having a test done unless your problem persists after you replace the o-rings.

Good luck

[joyfrog]

I had the same thing happen to me I replaced the coolant cap evidently the ones ending in 00 are faulty I have an 02 Boxster S I replaced it with the newer caps ending with 02 ....problem fixed

[ISUnorth]

I bought a new cap and did the drive around "easy bleed" and so far so good. The car has not gone wee wee on the floor or parkling lots and haven't had any condensation under the cover.