Which coolant to use?

[MNBoxster]

Originally Posted by TVC15

Wow, great information! thanks.

Btw, How do i know which coolants are Porsche approved?

Hi,

I think you may have misunderstood. Only Porsche Coolant is approved for use.

What I am saying is that the Porsche Coolant isn't significantly any different than other Long-Life Anti-Freezes on the Market. To be sure, there are some subtle proprietary differences between Brands. But the Key here is that it needs to be Phosphate-Free.

Because there are proprietary differences, a Full Ingredient List will usually be lacking. MSDS Legislation requires that all Toxic or Dangerous ingredients be listed on a Warning Label, but be aware that this is only a Partial list of the total Ingredients. The one thing which most of these Long-Life Brands will include on their labeling is the phrase - Phosphate-Free.

The incidences where Gelling occurred which John (deliriousga) refers to are instances where Anti-Freezes containing Phosphates and one which are Phosphate-Free were mixed. Mixing coolants which are Phosphate-Free will not result in this Gelling. Hope this helps...

Happy Motoring!...Jim'99

[TVC15]

Thanks for clarifying. It sounds like in need to go to the dealer to buy the coolant.

Glad I checked with you guys! Thanks again for the help.

[Mr. Boone]

You get a lot of opinions on this one....I say use only the stuff that has the Porsche label on it. it,s a lot more $$$ but it will avoid warantee issues.

[larez2]

I just bought a gallon of the Porsche factory coolant, $46 bucks at the dealership. Expensive Stuff. It's is made by ELF, some euro company. I read a bunch of posts all over the Internet saying not to mix and a few that said it was okay to mix the same type (even if different color). If you are just topping it off, I'd just stick with the factory coolant / antifreeze and pay the extra (or use distilled water).

I heard from Tool Pants that the following 2 coolants meet the US performance requirements for Porsche (but are not technically approved by Porsche).

Havoline® DEX-COOL® Extended Life Anti-Freeze/Coolant
Chevron DEX-COOL® Extended Life Antifreeze/Coolant

I was thinking about when I would need to change the coolant in my car (it's a 99'). But there is no service interval listed. According to Porsche the coolant never needs to be changed for the life of the car. Wierd. I'd probably change it if it looked dirty or I had to replace the water pump or radiator(s) or hoses or something.

Good Luck,
Larez2

[MNBoxster]

Originally Posted by larez2

I just bought a gallon of the Porsche factory coolant, $46 bucks at the dealership. Expensive Stuff. It's is made by ELF, some euro company. I read a bunch of posts all over the Internet saying not to mix and a few that said it was okay to mix the same type (even if different color). If you are just topping it off, I'd just stick with the factory coolant / antifreeze and pay the extra (or use distilled water).

I heard from Tool Pants that the following 2 coolants meet the US performance requirements for Porsche (but are not technically approved by Porsche).

Havoline® DEX-COOL® Extended Life Anti-Freeze/Coolant
Chevron DEX-COOL® Extended Life Antifreeze/Coolant

I was thinking about when I would need to change the coolant in my car (it's a 99'). But there is no service interval listed. According to Porsche the coolant never needs to be changed for the life of the car. Wierd. I'd probably change it if it looked dirty or I had to replace the water pump or radiator(s) or hoses or something.

Good Luck,
Larez2

Hi,

There is no such thing as true Lifetime coolant. The change interval s/b 5 years or 150k miles whichever comes first. You will be fine using the brands TP mentions or any of the Long-Life, Phosphate-Free Coolants. Changing at this interval allows you to drain any/all the corrosion and other contaminates as well as add a fresh quantity of anti-corrosive agents. BTW, be sure to use distilled or de-ionized water when you do.

BTW, Elf is one of the premier Oil Companies in Europe. It is, in fact, the French National Oil Company. They have subsidiaries throughout the world. Like Texaco or Chevron, they produce a brand of Coolant in addition to their Gasolines and Oils.

Happy Motoring...Jim'99

[chaiyz]

Update, at $50 a gallon for Porsche Antifreeze, I'm just happy that they don't also sell gasoline.

[Flavor 987S]

Originally Posted by chaiyz

Update, at $50 a gallon for Porsche Antifreeze, I'm just happy that they don't also sell gasoline.

It's "only" $35/gallon from places like Sunset Porsche and Suncoast Porsche. Probably even less (than $50) at your local VW dealership.

[cas951]

Originally Posted by Flavor 987S

It's "only" $35/gallon from places like Sunset Porsche and Suncoast Porsche. Probably even less (than $50) at your local VW dealership.

Yep it's $30 from my VW dealer.

[jeeper31]

Originally Posted by cas951

Yep it's $30 from my VW dealer.

Which coolant do I ask for? Is it good for a 1998 986?