Not according to my tech and not according to my coolant levels. No loss. It's just vapour. So perhaps you are being a bit over cautious?

 

sdiamond911,

That sounds like an expansion tank or cap problem.

If your vacuum/pressure tests are inconclusive you may want to start with a replacement cap and see if the puddle persists.

Good luck.

 

William, thanks so much for your suggestion, I'll try that straight away. If it persists what would be next to check?

 

The next step would be the tank itself.

After that just follow the flow of coolant from there.

 

i think you may simply have the coolant tank hairline crack that many of us have already had that is common on the OEM tank. it's a common point of failure as the cars age. many of us have already replaced the tank as well as the older coolant cap.

as for me, my pass side rad area has also developed a significant leak ( it drips and the wheel liner's "wet" ) that i certainly hope is just the lines not seating properly due to the colder weather. i will know soon enough if gearheads advice is correct, he has a virtual beer coming.

 

Just to update...

For me - I am 95% sure it wasn't a radiator failure but simply the drastic overnight change in temps and differing expansion/contraction rates of the aluminum vs. the clamps that allowed small amounts of coolant to leak out. I've had no coolant loss since it's been constantly cold here the past 3 months. Problem only cropped up when going from 60-70 degree to 20 degree weather overnight.

Don't know if that makes any sense but it's at least been my experience.

 

those conditions mirror mine. when the ambient temps go from 30 up to 80 daily. in fact, i don't even like to deploy the spoiler when it's cold since that's the only time i've had spoiler failures before. when the temp's swing. but i'm kinda thinkin i've got a bit more coolant loss that just a drip or two. i filled it, then next morning after a few min drive ( since i had not seen drops yet(!?) it was at the "min" line again upon return... and coolant leaks on driveway

were you losing lots of coolant? or just a drip or two?

 

No.... probably a "pool" the size of 2 quarters, maybe 10-15 drops down from the fender liner.

But... I had 3-4 drips from a rear coolant pipe as well at the exact same time. Which leads me to believe it's a temp related thing with the clamp expansion/contraction rates.

Summer - it's rock solid, no drips anywhere. Sitting in the garage all winter with occasional blasts and bi-weekly start ups - rock solid, no drips anywhere. But in the transitional from hot to cold weather seemed to bring about the issues.

 

cool. mine too exactly .hopin i don't need a new rad! i'll re-read the thread...
but did you just redo the clamps?? i've never been under there, so i'm waiting for "help" but your experience gives me hope i can dodge a $1k bullet lol

 

I wish there was aluminum and/or better design radiators available for the 996TT.

 

I had a few drops that I chalked up to expansion rates and quick temp drops, but I noticed it every 8-10 times I drove the car with a slight drip coming down behind the front wheel (similar size to the OPs).

Just for peace of mind, I replaced all (3) radiators and feel pretty good about pushing the car hard again whereas before I was nervous to drive too aggressively for fear of coolant on my front tires...

 

Hi Guys,

Replaced my driver's side radiator yesterday with a Behr unit I bought from one of the online discounters a few months ago. Big mistake! After all the work removing and replacing, on start up, once it got to operating temp, both end tanks leak pretty badly at the crimp section on the core, the lower one in particular. What a PITA. Lesson learned. For engine/drivetrain critical items, no more aftermarket/oem parts for me. Genuine Porsche from now on, there IS a difference. The hassle of a double repair just isn't worth the couple hundred in price difference.

So for those who've done this lately, is Sonnen the Porsche low price leader for these? They currently show $559.xx for the left. Any sooper sekret discounts or name dropping we can ask for?

Cheers
Mikey

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/390179638982...84.m1438.l2649 These are OEM for a great price. What did you pay for your replacements?

 

FCP has Genuine Porsche rads for $363- $379. http://www.fcpeuro.com/Porsche-parts...2004&m=67&e=19

I just bought oil filters and air filters from them and are extremely happy.

Radiator manufacturing is basically the same for a Porsche, a Kia or a Hyundai. Buying the part through a dealer increases the "Porsche Tax" and maybe the warranty from 1 to 2 years. I think your problem was an isolated instance. It's not profitable to sell faulty components and I think all the radiators come out of Germany and may be made my one of two manufacturers. Do what you feel comfortable with.

 

just replaced my pass side rad from a porsche cemetary for 200 plus an hour labor from my indie. the thought of a new one against two ten year old ones bugged me. now they are equally old and working again. as for small regular puddles that are NOT the tank. yes, check the cap!

if your porsche turbo is sitting in your front yard.. up on jacks.. you might just be a redneck