Classic1
05-18-2009, 05:41 PM
We own a lightly used '99 Porche Boxster, which we've had a few years. We rarely use it for more than light duty, city driving.
Issue #1: Coolant & temp. gauge issues! It seems to have temperature gauge issues and coolant level issues in the warmer months where we live in Dallas, TX. We noticed the temperature gauge flashing, even though the needle is straight up in the middle, so my husband added coolant to the maximum level - about a gallon. The temperature gauge continued to flash, so I took it into a certified Porsche mechanic. The coolant is leaking, according to our mechanic, though it doesn't show up when they do a "stress (or pressure?) test"; instead, it leaks from the overflow valve when the car is "hot". So there's no leaking pipes according to them; instead, they observed this leaking action while the car was hot. They said both the fans are working, and they don't understand why the car is leaking coolant. The mechanic did not charge us for the diagnostic, but said we'd have to take it to the dealer. I am reluctant to take it to the dealer, or at least would like to have an idea of what we're in for. Right now the smell of coolant seems to permeate the inside of the car when the AC is on... I feel like if it were any stronger,it would make me nauseous! Today it was 75 F. outside, and in about 3 miles of travel under 35mph, the car temp was getting scarily near the 250 /red line and again...yep, the flashing temp. gauge, this time with steaming coolant fumes from the reservoir cap!!! Scary!
#2: Water Trapped after a monsoon like storm of a few days, there was water clearly trapped in the chassis (?) which was audibly sloshing around while driving, especially coming to stops. It actually permeated the floor carpet on the passenger side of the car! If there are blocked drainage holes, where are these located and what do I use to unblock the line/s: a pipe cleaner? Help - I don't want rust to develop or mildewing carpet - yuck!
Issue #1: Coolant & temp. gauge issues! It seems to have temperature gauge issues and coolant level issues in the warmer months where we live in Dallas, TX. We noticed the temperature gauge flashing, even though the needle is straight up in the middle, so my husband added coolant to the maximum level - about a gallon. The temperature gauge continued to flash, so I took it into a certified Porsche mechanic. The coolant is leaking, according to our mechanic, though it doesn't show up when they do a "stress (or pressure?) test"; instead, it leaks from the overflow valve when the car is "hot". So there's no leaking pipes according to them; instead, they observed this leaking action while the car was hot. They said both the fans are working, and they don't understand why the car is leaking coolant. The mechanic did not charge us for the diagnostic, but said we'd have to take it to the dealer. I am reluctant to take it to the dealer, or at least would like to have an idea of what we're in for. Right now the smell of coolant seems to permeate the inside of the car when the AC is on... I feel like if it were any stronger,it would make me nauseous! Today it was 75 F. outside, and in about 3 miles of travel under 35mph, the car temp was getting scarily near the 250 /red line and again...yep, the flashing temp. gauge, this time with steaming coolant fumes from the reservoir cap!!! Scary!
#2: Water Trapped after a monsoon like storm of a few days, there was water clearly trapped in the chassis (?) which was audibly sloshing around while driving, especially coming to stops. It actually permeated the floor carpet on the passenger side of the car! If there are blocked drainage holes, where are these located and what do I use to unblock the line/s: a pipe cleaner? Help - I don't want rust to develop or mildewing carpet - yuck!