997.1 Coolant top-up

[type-r]

I have noticed that my coolant level in the reservoir is below the min level at the moment even though no coolant lights yet on the dashboard. So I bought some Porsche red/pink coolant to top up however I noticed that the coolant colour in the reservoir is brown/orange. Is this through internal rusting of say the radiator pipes? Is this normal and can i just top as normal?

[V8KSN]

type-r said:

I have noticed that my coolant level in the reservoir is below the min level at the moment even though no coolant lights yet on the dashboard. So I bought some Porsche red/pink coolant to top up however I noticed that the coolant colour in the reservoir is brown/orange. Is this through internal rusting of say the radiator pipes? Is this normal and can i just top as normal?

I would suggest you flush out and drain all the existing coolant in the system.

Next fill it up with the new pink stuff and run the car for a little while topping up if needed.

Keep and eye on the colour and if it changes from pink, book it into a specialist for a check over.

[type-r]

Yeah flushing the system is probably the best way to go.

Just read on another forum that discolouration does happen over time and the colour is not due to rust as most/all of the cooling system is made of non-ferrous metal. Definitely no oil mixing in there either.

The coolant has not been changed in over two years so will have it flushed and refilled.

[type-r]

From a short term point of view, is it ok to top up with coolant even though the coolant has become discoloured (orange)?

Or better just to top using distilled water?

[Rockster]

type-r said:

From a short term point of view, is it ok to top up with coolant even though the coolant has become discoloured (orange)?

Or better just to top using distilled water?

For the short term distilled water is ok.

You need to consider a leak is present. Believe or not the coolant can be the leak. Over time it lets a little vapor out when the engine is shut off hot and builds pressure but you never see any real leak sign. A telltale is to sneak up on the car after having shut of the hot engine say one to two hours or so earlier and opening up the engine compartment lid and checking for any condensation around the cap and nearby surfaces. If you spot any there's a leak and the cap has to be a suspect.

[DeeKay17]

How does one flush out all the old coolant?