Losing antifreeze

[Q98]

Would a failed water pump be the cause for losing antifreeze? I have a 98 boxster and I noticed it was low on antifreeze. When I tried to replace the antifreeze it just leaked out onto my drive way.

[schoir]

Originally Posted by Q98

Would a failed water pump be the cause for losing antifreeze? I have a 98 boxster and I noticed it was low on antifreeze. When I tried to replace the antifreeze it just leaked out onto my drive way.

It depends on where the antifreeze is falling on the driveway in relation to the location of the water pump and/or the coolant tank, and/or possibly the radiators and hoses/clamps.

If the water pump fails, it can drip coolant from the weep hole. Coolant from a failed or failing water pump will land in the driveway just to the rear of the rear firewall, a little towards the passenger side but very close to dead center.

Also check under the coolant tank and under the rear trunk "carpeting". That coolant will usually end up behind the right rear wheel.

Where is it leaking onto the driveway?

Regards, Maurice.

[Stroked & Blown]

The coolant tank failure is common in the 986 - have a look here:
http://www.dietersmotorsports.com/tech/tech9-03-2003.htm

[rick3000]

How low was it on coolant? Was this the first time you checked it or was it low in relation to the last time you checked?

Coolant tank failure would leak into the trunk. If it leaked out of the overflow (located above passenger rear wheel), then there was most likely an air bubble in the coolant system from you topping it off. This happened to me and you just need to refill the car with coolant, it's 50/50 coolant/distilled water. You can take it to your dealer like I did when this happened, but I paid $700 to be told it was an air bubble.

[edbelton]

it happened to my 98 as well, turned out to be the reservoir cap... just tighten it a bit more or have it replaced, there are some recalls I think.

[Bry]

Originally Posted by edbelton

it happened to my 98 as well, turned out to be the reservoir cap... just tighten it a bit more or have it replaced, there are some recalls I think.

This was my problem also. I replaced the cap with the newer part number and all is well!