Afraid of the answer..... - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

MWS · 09-02-2017, 11:47 AM

Sorry if this is overly obvious, but has a total system flush been done? I would suggest a flush, drive a while, maybe flush again, and see where you stand. Oh, and yes, get the new cap. I lost coolant about a year ago due to a bad cap (and I would have sworn it was something more serious).

Best wishes.

robdelorenzo · 09-02-2017, 12:42 PM

Thanks guys!
I am encouraged.
I just bled the system and then drove it up and down a very steep canyon road.
It's sitting in the garage now and only let out a few drops! from the overflow.
I'm going to let it cool down for a few hours and then drive it again.
Temp gauge stayed right around 190 which was good.
I need to change the oil from the meltdown tonight, which I have not done yet.
I also will also change out the water pump and thermostat as soon as I can swing it.
I will also need to flush the whole system.
I like the idea of multiple flushes, but not $120 in coolant again (still cheap insurance)
And yes, I did see the old pump when it was removed and all of the vanes were intact.
But so far, so good!
This is a new cap as of yesterday. I read on here to drive for a few days with the bleeder valve open. Is that a good idea? One guy said that's what they do when they race Boxsters. I'm just a daily driver guy, though.
This board is a lifesaver and I'm beginning to think that my mechanic is a "Worst case scenario" thinker. He's right in the fact that he doesn't cut corners and does lay out all possibilities though.
I LOVE my Boxster and need to listen to the warnings from now on.

911monty · 09-02-2017, 12:52 PM

Good news! BUT get that oil out of there before you drive again!!! That oil has done a marvelous job but should be changed out ASAP since I'm sure it's suffered from Thermal Breakdown and if any engine deserves it I think this one qualifies. And yes leave the bleeder open and the cover off and see if you can identify where the coolant is leaking from. Congratulations on maintaining sanity/

robdelorenzo · 09-02-2017, 01:04 PM

Thanks Monty!
We know for sure that the coolant was coming from the overflow. The mechanic had it on the lift yesterday and showed me. I just looked again (OCD) and there are only a few drops on the garage floor.
One other question, there's nowhere to get a German oil filter (Hengst is what I like to use on this Sat of a 3 day weeked. I found this at Autozone: STP Oil Filter S8278 - Read Reviews on STP #S8278

I guess it's going to have to do as it's all I can find within a short distance to go pick it up. I think it will hold me over until I change the oil again which will be in way less than 5k just to play it safe.

911monty · 09-02-2017, 01:11 PM

Yes I have no doubt it's coming from the overflow. The coolant cap and the purge valve are in the overflow formed into the top of the expansion tank. With the cover off you should be able to open the trunk and see the coolant leaking. Just don't attempt to tighten when leaking!
Do you have a NAPA nearby? I think they carry the Hengst filter but I'd put a WIX/NAPA gold in if they have it.

robdelorenzo · 09-02-2017, 01:22 PM

Napa is not answering their phone and they close soon.
Oreilly has this Wix: https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/wix-5291/filters-16470/oil-filter-16731/oil-filter-12090/oil-filter/57211/4836299/2002/porsche/boxster?q=oil

would this be a better choice than the STP one?

911monty · 09-02-2017, 01:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by robdelorenzo

Napa is not answering their phone and they close soon.
Oreilly has this Wix: https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/wix-5291/filters-16470/oil-filter-16731/oil-filter-12090/oil-filter/57211/4836299/2002/porsche/boxster?q=oil

would this be a better choice than the STP one?

Yes. WIX is the one of the best.