08-22-2011, 01:09 PM
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#1
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Registered User
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Essex, CT United States
Posts: 301
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Coolant Leak
I have a 2002 S. Backing out of a driveway on Saturday, I scraped the nose of the car. Now I see a small amount of coolant on the floor of my garage on the passenger side in front of the tire (front).
Any ideas on what I did? I imagine the two events are related. It's not a lot of coolant, probably a few tablespoons. Reservoir level ok. I am idling the car now before I head out tonight to see if it is bad under pressure.
TIA.
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08-22-2011, 01:15 PM
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#2
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Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: It's a kind of magic.....
Posts: 6,583
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These cars are famous for damaging the front radiators when hitting the nose on driveways or when pulling into parking spots had putting the nose on the curb. Common failure points are where the mount that hold the radiators in the bodywork protrude from the radiator itself. And even if the unit is only slightly cracked now, it is going to get worse; and no, it cannot be repaired with expoxy from the outside.
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“Anything really new is invented only in one’s youth. Later, one becomes more experienced, more famous – and more stupid.” - Albert Einstein
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08-22-2011, 01:23 PM
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#3
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Registered User
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Essex, CT United States
Posts: 301
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Any DIY on repairing these things?
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08-22-2011, 02:11 PM
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#4
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Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: It's a kind of magic.....
Posts: 6,583
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I've seen it written up, but I do not remember which site. Involves pulling the front bumper cover, which exposes the radiators; after that it is pretty straight foward. You will need either a vacuum filling system for the coolant, or use the manual "burp" proceedures.........
__________________
“Anything really new is invented only in one’s youth. Later, one becomes more experienced, more famous – and more stupid.” - Albert Einstein
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08-22-2011, 06:40 PM
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#5
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Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Winnipeg MB
Posts: 2,485
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Just did my first coolant change. That Airlift vacuum system rocks! Gotta have a decent compressor to operate it though.
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'99 black 986
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08-23-2011, 02:28 AM
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#6
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Registered User
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Essex, CT United States
Posts: 301
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Wayne's book says that you can get at the radiator while leaving the bumper cover on, but it's a lot easier with it off.
This leak is SO minor that I wonder if I can somehow repair the radiator instead of replacing it. I went to dinner last night and after driving forty miles and dining for 3 hours, the pavement under the car was dry.
This morning there was a teaspoon.
JB Weld anyone?
Last edited by peterbrown77; 08-23-2011 at 07:01 AM.
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08-26-2011, 06:32 AM
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#7
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Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Unionville, CT
Posts: 442
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by JFP in PA
These cars are famous for damaging the front radiators when hitting the nose on driveways or when pulling into parking spots had putting the nose on the curb. Common failure points are where the mount that hold the radiators in the bodywork protrude from the radiator itself. And even if the unit is only slightly cracked now, it is going to get worse; and no, it cannot be repaired with expoxy from the outside.
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100% correct. You need a radiator. Been there..done that.
__________________
2001 Boxster, GT3 console delete, lower stress bar, RoW M030 suspension package, painted bumperettes.
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08-26-2011, 06:36 AM
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#8
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Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Unionville, CT
Posts: 442
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probably hardly leaks when running. expansion puts pressure on the rubber bumper washer and kinda seals the leak until it's cooled.
It's a slow but doable job in a day or so. you might need a new air scoop that is in front of the radiator.
No choice....just do it.
__________________
2001 Boxster, GT3 console delete, lower stress bar, RoW M030 suspension package, painted bumperettes.
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08-26-2011, 06:45 AM
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#9
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Registered User
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Essex, CT United States
Posts: 301
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Grrrrrrr...
The lift I use is out of commission for months too....
I found the Behr part at Parts Train for $200, see some cheaper aftermarket ones for around $120.....
I guess $80 is worth it for peace of mind.
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