I have a used 2000 911 c4 w/ 45k km mileage. A year ago when i was driving to work, i was told my car rear side was smoking a bit leaking liquid... later i took it to outside dealer and found the coolant resoviour has a crack so it was replaced.

During last 2 months i was too lazy to drive and it was sitting in the garage. Battery was dead and i changed it (walmart Maxx-94r) myself thx to the info posted by this forum. Car can be started and i took it out for a spin... i heard some cranking sound from engine.... i say about 10 mins i tried to drive it back to garage and noticed lot of lot of smokes coming out from rear.... I also see a long wet line on the road.... obviously the coolant was leaking all the way. After i parked i opened the back the whole engine was smoking and wet I assume it was all covered with coolant. I smelled it and they are stink...

My question is.... is it normal that the coolant resoiuver crack periodically and easily? i noticed there is nothing covered from the bottom of the engine so if i drive it during winter time all plastic components are exposed outside and easy to break due to weather condition? I live in canada and we can be -30C. Do any of you guys have similar issues?

Thanks.

 

You should not continue to drive with any kind of abnormal engine sounds, You just changed the expansion tank. Correct? Those usually crack due to age and engine heat. If the fluid is coolant and not oil, I would guess the water pump gave out. If oil, probably more serious. Get it checked out. I hope it's relatively minor.

 

thx for the reply. I think they are coolant because as soon as i parked, i see the coolant warning light come on (flashing). You suspect it is something to do with the coolant pump? I do see coolant all over the engine.... basically when i open the back, i see the whole things is wet. I had to leave my garage open for a good 30 mins....

 

you could have burst a hose, but because of the "clanking", I'm guessing the water pump. I've heard water pump bearing/bushing make a racket when they go. Good luck!

 

knowing coolant are low... you think i can still drive to a shop.... about 7 mins away. Or can i add some water or something... or do i need to tow it?

 

It sounds like the water pump to me too. I wouldn't drive it, I'd have it towed.