Slow Coolant Loss and Tank Coffee

[everwax]

Hi All. First post and first Porsche.

Bought a dark blue '99 986 Boxster 2.5 with 87k on the clock for 4k in mid-June this year. Had to get A/C condensers replaced once I realised there was no air-con (don't ask - top down after picking it up).

It's the best car I've ever driven, MX5, S2000, 200SX, MGB-GT et al. Holds the road like on rails and the wonderful turbine whine when it comes on cam and surges at 4.5k is a real grinner. Happy bunny!

Except ... I don't think it's delivering full power. The best I could get out of it on a quick trot down the M1 (England's arterial motorway) was 165 mph (on the speedo); acceleration was under par at 0-60 in 3.2 secs and 0-100 in 9 secs. Is this usual for a 15 year-old Porsche car?

Joking aside, the car is nimble quick and responsive but - and this is the point to the post - I have a problem with intermix, and I would very much appreciate some of the techs on this forum to give me a hand.

And yes, I have trawled this forum for many days but as I am not a 'petrol head' and as this is the first Porsche that I have owned I would appreciate a little tolerance to the 'newbie'.

Okay, some symptoms:

1. Slow coolant loss -1/2 pint 200 miles
2. Creamy brown scum in coolant tank
3. Start-up small puff of smoke (no oil smell as far as I can sense)
4. Occasional stutter at low revs when accelerating (1.5 - 2k)

and facts:
1. Slight vacuum when idling through oil filler cap which is easily removed and sealed
2. Temp gauge never above 80+a bit (English gauges), even when hammering it
3. Dipstick shows clean oil, no discolouring, almost clean.
4. After purchasing and bringing it back home from the dealer after a 40 miles trot at no more than 80 mph on motorways, I slowed into my local 30 mph suburbia and the
EMS light showed solid and then blinked. When I parked it stopped and has never been seen since.

I think that about does it. I believe it's not an IMS because that was replaced with an upgrade 8 years ago (service history).

So...

I am concerned about the junk in the reservoir tank and, as I said, would appreciate it if I can get into dialogue with some of you guys with experience of my issue.

My wife and I bought this car after a lot of thought (and collapsing a pension policy) because she wanted something to enjoy and be proud of. She has cancer and time is limited - which is why we were quick to purchase - and without an inspection check. I offer this personal information to illustrate we are not quick wannabuys but have found a car we love which needs a little TLC. And I have to do it on an extremely limited budget.

In anticipation, thank you guys.

/Mike