Discussion
Got my car back from total rebuild by hartech. 2-3weeks just before receiving the trader had 2 condensers installed. In that time it's started to lose coolant. Are the 2 connected? Eastleigh Porsche say if they source the park in the tubes they will be obliged to change all the tubes in the car even if there's only a fault with 1. 1200-1500
Mikey1961 said:
Got my car back from total rebuild by hartech. 2-3weeks just before receiving the trader had 2 condensers installed. In that time it's started to lose coolant. Are the 2 connected? Eastleigh Porsche say if they source the park in the tubes they will be obliged to change all the tubes in the car even if there's only a fault with 1. 1200-1500
I assume you're refering to Hartech rebuilding the engine ... did Hartech have the car during the rebuild or did another company remove the engine and send it to Hartech?
Replacing condensers does not affect the coolant system.
I think the issue to which you refer is coolant leeking from the coolant cross-over pipes at the front. If one has failed (and it is likely a coincidnece and not related to engine out or condenser replacement) it can make sense to replace all pipes in one go, not just the one.
How long have you owned the car? If less than six months and bought from a dealer, the dealer is liable for the repair unless they can prove categorically it occured since selling. Do you have a warranty?
Replacing condensers does not affect the coolant system.
I think the issue to which you refer is coolant leeking from the coolant cross-over pipes at the front. If one has failed (and it is likely a coincidnece and not related to engine out or condenser replacement) it can make sense to replace all pipes in one go, not just the one.
How long have you owned the car? If less than six months and bought from a dealer, the dealer is liable for the repair unless they can prove categorically it occured since selling. Do you have a warranty?
HI the crossover pipes that leak are 987/997 models, there are 10 on the front that cause coolant leaks.
The car you have is 996, so very rare for the similar pipes to leak, and I don't understand that they have to change all, unless your post is unclear, as to exactly what the said.
I would find out whats leaking first, it could be something very simple/
Chris
cd1957 said:
HI the crossover pipes that leak are 987/997 models, there are 10 on the front that cause coolant leaks.
The car you have is 996, so very rare for the similar pipes to leak, and I don't understand that they have to change all, unless your post is unclear, as to exactly what the said.
I would find out whats leaking first, it could be something very simple/
Chris
Hi cris thanks for reply. Hartech did the whole job but the trader 're gases before it went to hartech. It lost gas so he replaced the condensers and that's when the coolant issue started. I've had the car 8 months now and been without it for 5 months. Due to bore scoring issues which the trader paid the majority. It had done 38k immaculate car. Guess I'll have to keep it for a few years to get my money back. Are you familiar with Hampshire mechanics Porsche specialists at all. I try and get help on here as I'm not a petrol head. MikeThe car you have is 996, so very rare for the similar pipes to leak, and I don't understand that they have to change all, unless your post is unclear, as to exactly what the said.
I would find out whats leaking first, it could be something very simple/
Chris
cd1957 said:
HI the crossover pipes that leak are 987/997 models, there are 10 on the front that cause coolant leaks.
The car you have is 996, so very rare for the similar pipes to leak, and I don't understand that they have to change all, unless your post is unclear, as to exactly what the said.
I would find out whats leaking first, it could be something very simple/
Chris
Hi cris thanks for reply. Hartech did the whole job but the trader 're gases before it went to hartech. It lost gas so he replaced the condensers and that's when the coolant issue started. I've had the car 8 months now and been without it for 5 months. Due to bore scoring issues which the trader paid the majority. It had done 38k immaculate car. Guess I'll have to keep it for a few years to get my money back. Are you familiar with Hampshire mechanics Porsche specialists at all. I try and get help on here as I'm not a petrol head. MikeThe car you have is 996, so very rare for the similar pipes to leak, and I don't understand that they have to change all, unless your post is unclear, as to exactly what the said.
I would find out whats leaking first, it could be something very simple/
Chris
Mikey1961 said:
I've had the car 8 months now and been without it for 5 months... Due to bore scoring issues...
This is a mirror image to my 996 ownership experience, woeful really. With regards to the coolant leak, mine was the faulty water pump but from reading (and if I'm understanding) the symptoms correctly then I suspect it's something else. My first thought when reading this is that perhaps the trader damaged one of the radiators/radiator hoses that sit behind the condensors or perhaps more accurately the radiators/hoses were equally rotted (they collect loads of crap) and replacing the condensors disturbed them enough to finally give up the ghost.
The unfortunate truth is that even a low mileage 996 is an "old" car and so radiators will rot, seals will perish, and things will need replacing.
If it were me, I'd be tempted to remove the bumper and wheel arch liners and have a good poke around with a torch. You may be able to see where the problem is (crusty antifreeze residue) and then make a plan to fix it. The front of these cars isn't hugely complex and most jobs are surprisingly easy once you know where the issue is.
Edit: Sorry one more thought, how much coolant is it losing? Lots or just enough to occassionally set off the "Low coolant warning"? If the latter, maybe check the coolant cap. They are quite failure prone but cheap to replace at around £15-20
The unfortunate truth is that even a low mileage 996 is an "old" car and so radiators will rot, seals will perish, and things will need replacing.
If it were me, I'd be tempted to remove the bumper and wheel arch liners and have a good poke around with a torch. You may be able to see where the problem is (crusty antifreeze residue) and then make a plan to fix it. The front of these cars isn't hugely complex and most jobs are surprisingly easy once you know where the issue is.
Edit: Sorry one more thought, how much coolant is it losing? Lots or just enough to occassionally set off the "Low coolant warning"? If the latter, maybe check the coolant cap. They are quite failure prone but cheap to replace at around £15-20
Edited by LennyM1984 on Monday 29th July 11:42
Hi lenny. Looking at it I had the same thoughts the trader to a cheaper option the condensers. As they all look a family of rads. It's only using a small amount of coolant. But fitted a new cap last night I'll know later if that's the problem. It maybe a stone that's damaged the rad as I've not got the mesh guards on the outer small rads. All the same rather than go all the way round looking. I suspect for the best I'll book it in at Porsche and let them come to a conclusion. At least that way I'll know what I'm in for. Regardless if I get them to do it. Many thanks Mike
If it's only a small amount and you have now fitted a new cap, I'd do a few drive cycles (making sure you get it up to temp - turn the AC off to speed that up) and monitor it.
My car used to lose a bit of coolant (never enough to actually trip the warning) and a new cap solved the problem... after I'd spend a good day searching for leaks in the more obvious places!
My car used to lose a bit of coolant (never enough to actually trip the warning) and a new cap solved the problem... after I'd spend a good day searching for leaks in the more obvious places!
Got home from work. Took my 4s off the drive way. And it was leaking coolant both sides in front of the front wheels. Not much maybe a tea spoon full. I took the car for a quick run came back. Still a full tank of coolant. Left the car idle to get hot and no leaks what so ever! Now I'm confused
Mikey1961 said:
Got home from work. Took my 4s off the drive way. And it was leaking coolant both sides in front of the front wheels. Not much maybe a tea spoon full. I took the car for a quick run came back. Still a full tank of coolant. Left the car idle to get hot and no leaks what so ever! Now I'm confused
Likely rads or coolant pipes. Perhaps these were disturbed when the condensers were replaced not so long ago. You may even be able to smell the coolant.
A good independent Porsche specialist would know where to look and exactly what's involved. Get them to put the car on a ramp and investigate - shouldn't take long. Even if you're not mechanically minded ask to 'em to point out exactly where its weeping from, take a picture and a few notes as to what they say. Then you can report back here if you like, or just ask 'em to price it up and book it in.
On my 997 I had weeping cross-over pipes. Would drop a little puddle (5cm diameter) on the garage floor from time to time, but expansion tank showed neglible drop in the level.
A good independent Porsche specialist would know where to look and exactly what's involved. Get them to put the car on a ramp and investigate - shouldn't take long. Even if you're not mechanically minded ask to 'em to point out exactly where its weeping from, take a picture and a few notes as to what they say. Then you can report back here if you like, or just ask 'em to price it up and book it in.
On my 997 I had weeping cross-over pipes. Would drop a little puddle (5cm diameter) on the garage floor from time to time, but expansion tank showed neglible drop in the level.
If you're in north pat of Hampshire try Northway they are very good, honest & good price
I wouldn't remotely consider a Porsche dealer for this type of car or problem
If i's dripping on both sides then it's likely both rads, it's not a major drama probably £600 for both
Whilst the bumper is off, get the rads & the cavity properly cleaned out of all leaves & debris, then fit grilles to stop any more crud getting in & protect your 4 new rads / condensors
I wouldn't remotely consider a Porsche dealer for this type of car or problem
If i's dripping on both sides then it's likely both rads, it's not a major drama probably £600 for both
Whilst the bumper is off, get the rads & the cavity properly cleaned out of all leaves & debris, then fit grilles to stop any more crud getting in & protect your 4 new rads / condensors
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