Coolant leak on 2004 - 986 S

[Emerald]

Since we all “like” a mystery — was getting coolant puddle in front of right rear tire and ended up replacing the water pump. All seemed well for a few days but then progressively started smelling hot coolant more and more. Also the level went down to about an inch of the bottom of the reservoir when off overnight. I thought maybe an air bubble at first as it purged but then did it again. Lost close to about .5 gal of coolant with not a dip on the floor. Checked under carpet in trunk and there’s a little like .3 cup of fluid on bottom. Thought maybe overfilled or dreaded cracked res. Noticed about 2 drops near top on side of res. Checked oil cap and No white. Ok hears where I’m rightly ready to be ridiculed. I was in a hurry while testing the coolant leak and bought a resevior cap for 8 bucks at Oreilly’s. I had home made a pump to pressurize the res before so maybe should give it another go? Not sure why but engine seems rougher running than norm. All help and barbs welcomed. Thx. Craig

[blue62]

Originally Posted by Emerald

Since we all “like” a mystery — was getting coolant puddle in front of right rear tire and ended up replacing the water pump. All seemed well for a few days but then progressively started smelling hot coolant more and more. Also the level went down to about an inch of the bottom of the reservoir when off overnight. I thought maybe an air bubble at first as it purged but then did it again. Lost close to about .5 gal of coolant with not a dip on the floor. Checked under carpet in trunk and there’s a little like .3 cup of fluid on bottom. Thought maybe overfilled or dreaded cracked res. Noticed about 2 drops near top on side of res. Checked oil cap and No white. Ok hears where I’m rightly ready to be ridiculed. I was in a hurry while testing the coolant leak and bought a resevior cap for 8 bucks at Oreilly’s. I had home made a pump to pressurize the res before so maybe should give it another go? Not sure why but engine seems rougher running than norm. All help and barbs welcomed. Thx. Craig

Well simplest things first:
1.Get a proper Porsche tank cap so you have the proper pressure rating.
2. Harbor freight sells a coolant system pressure tester for not to much money. to test the system.
Or have the system pressure tested to see if you have leak at the coolant tank.
3. After the above if coolant level still changes you could possibly have air in the system.

[Rob175]

After I replaced the water pump....two weeks later the coolant tank in the trunk began leaking. But in my case it was a very slow leak the never got the carpet in the trunk wet BUT when I pulled out the trunk liner and lifted the raised floor boards in the trunk there was a nice big puddle sloshing around in my trunk......a new coolant tank solved the problem. Between the water pump and the coolant tank I spent $2,000 to have my "indy" replace both. Check your trunk, especially if you smell coolant while sitting in the car.