Just came back from work and noticed an oil stain that’s accumulated in the last 10 minutes. (At least I think its oil) it’s a very thin consistency. I have attached a couple of scans to show the leak and where it is on the engine. The RMS was recently changed by the dealer, so I don’t know if that has any relationship. Any input would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance.

 

Seems a little to far back to be RMS or IMS. Could it be coolant instead of oil?
Maybe the water pump or a hose?

 

LL oil but methinks H-B is right. R/I ms usually leaks towards the front of the motor. Someone needs to put it up to better see whats going on.

 

I just sent the photos to the Porsche Service Dept at the Auto Gallery, and they believe its a leaking water pump. The liquid is too thin to be oil, and it is somewhat clear. What was confusing to me was the slippery consistency, which was more like an oil based substance.

 

I just had a cracked coolant tank and the coolant is slick. Not as slick as oil but it's thinner and smells almost sweet.

 

Had something similar happen to me last summer. Mine was a failed water pump. But the leak was more toward the front of the engine.

Could be a coolant tank.

 

Any chance that it could be just a hose? I thought that the water pumps made a noise when they were giving out. If its a coolant tank, that sounds more serious.

 

My water pump made no noticeable sound and the plastic coolant tanks are know to get small cracks.

HB

 

Hi there - You have a coolant leak. The first picture is deceiving because of the color that anything wet does to concrete, however, the reddish color of the fluid drip in the second photo is coolant. Now, as others have said, where is the leak coming from? A coolant hose? The water pump? Hard to say based on the two pics. You'll need to do a further inspection to isolate the offending leak. As I'm sure you know, take care getting the car to the shop because if it's the pump and it lets loose when the engine gets hot, you'll make a big mess, or worse burn up your head gasket if you overheat the engine.

A quick fix - either hoses or pump, a flush of the coolant, and you'll be back in business. Not a big disaster.

PS - I'd also add, that I HIGHLY doubt that a six year old car would have a cracked fluid reservoir. Not impossible, but it would not be my first place to inspect. Water pump - quite possibly. Hoses? Well, yeah, also possible, but I'd start with seal around the pump and go from there.

 

I always grab a paper towel and let it soak the fluid in. 99% of the time, the color of the wet paper towel will tell me if it's water, coolant, or oil. Obviously, i do tend to smell it also; each fluid has its own odor.

Yes, I am a dog...I smell things. Jk!!!

 

It looks like this is the water pump leaking. That spot of the engine is the water pump. You'd have to crawl under to see if the leak is just above the pump and dripping down over the pump itself, but my bet is that you have a small leak at the pump itself.

 

Actually, VERY likely. I just had one on mine. My mechanic said it's a common issue. The constant heating up - cooling down causes a lot of expanding - contracting, which wears out the reservoir tank.

 

Being new to Porsche's I am in no position to disagree with you. However, in the 30+ cars I've owned of a pretty wide variety, when dealing with leaking coolant, I've never had a cracked coolant reservoir in such a late model car. Order of failure: pump, radiator(s), hoses, reservoir.

 

I'm going off of what my mech said -- I was surprised too. The only problem I have had so far with my 997 is the coolant reservoir. I think it's aircooled 911 Gods punishing me for switching to a 997 from a 911

 

The only problem in a 6 year old car is a coolant reservoir, and you think you are being punished? I'd say you have been blessed with a wonderfully reliable ride. And a good looking ride as well! My buddy just bought a POS Chevy Cruze as a beater car to take to and from work. 5,000 miles and it's already left him dead on the road twice.