Fluid leak - Big drive tomorrow - Options? (997TTS)

[Jabbah]

Just noticed I've got a fluid leak at the back of the engine on the near side. Problem is I'm meant to be driving 250 miles tomorrow for a holiday with mates. I've got Porsche Assistance but not sure how that works in this case. Fluid leaking is pink and quite oily, doesn't feel the same as coolant, but does have a slight sweet taste (more similar to Campari - i.e. pretty foul). I've put a piece of cardboard and it's pooled on top, thick viscosity like oil and hasn't soaked into the cardboard much at all.



What's best to do? Drive it anyway and keep an eye on fluid levels, if a warning pops up call Porsche Assistance?

ETA: It's about dessert spoon of fluid on the cardboard in about an hour.

Edited by Jabbah on Saturday 17th February 19:03

[Jim1556]

Google the part number to get a definitive answer on what that is.

If it's coolant related, I wouldn't risk it! A drop when cold could either seal itself when hot, or drop its guts without warning causing an accident or blowing your engine up!

[Pericoloso]

Also being a turbo it gets very hot in there and wrong fluid on exhaust could mean fire.

Park it till fixed I'd say.

[Jabbah]

Looks like it is part of the cooling system. Part number is 9A1 106 111 01 / 9A1 106 111 96 which is the water guide housing and thermostat housing. Probably a seal gone.

Only had the car back 2 weeks after OPC had it for a long time with another issue!

[Jim1556]

bks!

I feel for you, but better to be safe than sorry...

[Jaybmw]

Give them bolts a little squeeze. It won't blow out it looks like the seal has dried up, bring a bottle of coolant and with some regular checks it'll be fine. The only slight worry I'd have is introducing air into the mix but it's unlikely

[Blaster72]

I love that you tasted it, what on earth was that going to tell you?

Most stuff that leaks out of cars really isn't good for you.

Anyway, hope the trip goes well. Enjoy.

[Jabbah]

Blaster72 said:

I love that you tasted it, what on earth was that going to tell you?

It's a good way to tell if it is coolant. Coolant tastes sweet, you get used to doing stuff like that after having a TVR for many years

[Blaster72]

I've worked on cars long enough to know how it tastes, never have I deliberately put some in my mouth though. It's just a weird thing to do

Given your OP it looked like you still didn't know what it was after tasting it.

Anti-freeze is poisonous to humans, brake fluid - poisonous to humans, power steering fluid - poisonous to humans etc, etc....

I know a little bit won't kill you but it's not a smart thing to do at all.