leaking coolant trying to find where
 

long story short, I'm leaking coolant in my 01 boxster S, looked underneath and it seems to be coming from under the engine so I took both engine covers off and it seems to form a puddle on the passenger side near some hoses and pullies. any ideas?

A common cause for coolant leaks is the coolant tank. It is on the passenger side.

If it's dripping from the water pump, you'll be able to tell... Usually dried crud or drops around the pulley shaft.

If I'm hearing you correctly, you are seeing a water leak on the front right corner of the motor. If that is the case you probably have a bad water pump.

I think the water pump is the lower left pulley ( if looking into the car) I can't see it, but can tell there's something dripping.... is it hard to change a water pump on these.

That is the water pump pulley.

I had mine changed a wile back. I think the labor hrs were 6.

well I got the car jacked up in my driveway. took most of the plastic undercarriage apart. it's dripping from the thermostate.

6 hours labor... screw that

Do it yourself. It's much cheaper and gives you a great feeling of accomplishment!

It's a longshot, but do you have the updated expansion tank cap? Makes a big difference. Last week I had a leak by the rear passenger wheel. At 89,000 miles, I figured it was the water pump. Before I swapped it I checked the cap. It was an old one. Replaced with the new version and no leak. Problem solved for $30 and 2 minutes of time.

yeah, I have the new one, and there's no vapor on the trunk lid. going to put it on ramps and swap out the water pump. 164XXX miles on her and now things are wearing out :(

My 01 S had a coolant leak shortly after I purchased it. Engine temp never rose above normal, but the warning lamp blinked. Problem was the coolant tank.

DBear

I agree, sounds like the water pump. Since you'll be dumping coolant, I'd recommend installing the LN low temp T-stat while you're in there, especially based on your location; makes a big difference in coolant (read oil) temps.

was going to get a low temp to stat, but I'm unable to acquire one locally. already have the water pump and going to work on her after my midterm. time isn't a luxury for me.

Hi phil.
I've just sent you a PM, and now notice while re-reading your thread that you have answered a few of my questions to you.
will be following this thread with intrest.
Guvs.

sigh... auto parts store telling me the part is going to take longer because it doesn't have the gasket with it.... no pizza delivering for me today.

water pump is off and waiting for the auto parts store to get the new pump. the blades on the old pump look like they were shaved off and one was broken. plus some lumpy corrosion was present. this job was pretty easy.

Ouch! Wonder where all the blades are...

I'm doing mine in the next week. Got a very slight coolant loss last week (118k miles). I took a look at the pump and can see a slight mist coming out of the bearing area. Just waiting for the parts to come in.

did you do the job from underneath? Did you remove the motor mount?

did the job from inside the car, pretty easy except for trying to put it back in without the gasket falling off. car is running fine, no leaks and coolant staying where it belongs. Idk where the one blade went but, luckily I fixed it at first notice.

Great thanks for the update.