Coolant low after a hard drive? - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

ASpec818 · 07-10-2011, 02:08 PM

Ever since replacing my water pump, I've been having coolant level issues. The coolent level was low when I picked the car up from the mechanic, so I refilled about 1/2 gallon distilled water. There didn't seem to be any leaks as my garage is clean. I drove the car about 40 miles today in stop and go traffic, and the coolant light came on again. The level was under the "min" mark. Is it normal to refill the coolant a couple of extra times after it was "bled"? Or does it sound like a problem elsewhere? The mechanic said the hoses were in good shape..

JFP in PA · 07-10-2011, 02:17 PM

Your problem is that the mechanic did not properly refill the system, and it has air pockets in it that are slowly coming out. As this can be very bad for the engine (hot spots), it needs to be addressed. You can "burp" the system yourself, but as you already paid someone else to do it, I'd go back to them.

These systems are really supposed to be refilled under vacuum to prevent air entrainment; if your mechanic does not know that, you should also be looking for one that does know what they are doing..............

Burg Boxster · 07-10-2011, 02:20 PM

mechanic most likely didn't bleed system properly/fully...

Total coolant/water capacity, depending on MY/options, is 5-6 gallons so 1/2 qt is not much. If you were to put 1 gallon in, I'd be worried... among other things about the mechanic's capabilities.

Keep an eye on it and/or do a bleed yourself (search and you will find complete details).

Good luck

san rensho · 07-10-2011, 02:25 PM

Sounds like the mechanic didn't bleed the cooling system correctly.

Let the car cool completely, open the coolant bleeder. ( lever/wire to the up position) then drive the car gently until the temp goes above 180. If the temp light starts to flash STOP. If all is well, close the bleeder and let the car cool. Check the coolant level and top up if necessary. Do the same thing the next time you drive the car.

If you still have a problem, suspect a leaking coolant tank. Pull up the carpet under the tank and check for coolant.

SF-Rockster · 07-12-2011, 11:13 AM

I'm going to try and flush my coolant.
Can anyone tell me where the bleeder valve is located?
Thanks

blue2000s · 07-12-2011, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SF-Rockster

I'm going to try and flush my coolant.
Can anyone tell me where the bleeder valve is located?
Thanks

Google search for pedros garage and pelican parts tech articles.

JFP in PA · 07-12-2011, 02:36 PM

Opps, wrong thread................