Jump to content

Welcome to RennTech.org Community, Guest

There are many great features available to you once you register at RennTech.org
You are free to view posts here, but you must log in to reply to existing posts, or to start your own new topic. Like most online communities, there are costs involved to maintain a site like this - so we encourage our members to donate. All donations go to the costs operating and maintaining this site. We prefer that guests take part in our community and we offer a lot in return to those willing to join our corner of the Porsche world. This site is 99 percent member supported (less than 1 percent comes from advertising) - so please consider an annual donation to keep this site running.

Here are some of the features available - once you register at RennTech.org

  • View Classified Ads
  • DIY Tutorials
  • Porsche TSB Listings (limited)
  • VIN Decoder
  • Special Offers
  • OBD II P-Codes
  • Paint Codes
  • Registry
  • Videos System
  • View Reviews
  • and get rid of this welcome message

It takes just a few minutes to register, and it's FREE

Contributing Members also get these additional benefits:
(you become a Contributing Member by donating money to the operation of this site)

  • No ads - advertisements are removed
  • Access the Contributors Only Forum
  • Contributing Members Only Downloads
  • Send attachments with PMs
  • All image/file storage limits are substantially increased for all Contributing Members
  • Option Codes Lookup
  • VIN Option Lookups (limited)

Smoke after track session


Recommended Posts

Took my 07 manual 987S around (UK) Castle Combe circuit for fifteen minutes. It would be fair to say I hammered the car: the rev-limiter and ABS earned their wages. It was fantastic. The car performed way above my expectations. The only two slight disappointments were that I felt the suspension was a little on the sift side and I couldn't get much grip out of the OEM tyres. Slicks next time.

Well, I say next time. I'm not too sure though. After the session, had half an hour at the trackside cafe. Getting back into the car, turned the ignition on and the fans were still on! Ah well. Presumably it was still a little hot under there. Turned the key, the engine fired right away but horror of horrors, the most almighty plume of smoke out of the rear of the car. Enough that everyone in the pits turned to see what it was. Drove away sheepishly and the smoke cleared quite quickly. No sign of trouble on the gauges, the engine sound or any other malfunction.

Ten minutes down the road, stopped again for about two hours. Wandering around a beautiful village in the Cotswolds. Back to the car, ignition on and...

...

... oh bugger. Fans still on. STILL ON!!! Hmmm, clearly a problem. Perhaps a connector melted and shorted the wires? Don't know. Start the engine and...

...

... oh bugger. Another enormous plume of smoke. Ooooops. We've cracked a cylinder or burst a seal. Again though, no sign of any malfunction. Drove away even more sheepishly, the smoke cleared.

Stopped once on the way home for another coffee and to fill up with petrol. Half an hour later, ignition on and...

...

... silence. No fans. Start the engine and...

...

... the engine started. No smoke, nothing.

Drove home.

Not one single problem or suggestion that there might be further damage since. Nearly a month now.

Good cars these Boxsters.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I have heard that after a particularly hot track session, if the engine is turned off immdiately while still very warm (fans still on), that this will happen.

You did mention in each of the first 2 cases the fan was still running when you got to the car...

Have you asked the dealer?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I think both are right. If I had my time again, I'd definitely use at least two slowing down laps. It might be simply impractical to wait for the fans to shut off. It's very very confined under there and I'd imagine it would take a long time for things to cool down properly.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

What color was the smoke -- white/grey = coolant, blue = oil, black = unburned fuel -- this would help determine if there is anything to be concerned about.

If it was blue or black, I wouldn't worry. If it was white, I would watch things closely... that could indicate a failing head gasket or cracked water jacket.

As a general rule, always let your engine idle until temps drop to normal before shutting down. I drove an air-cooled 911 on track many days over the course of several years and was always careful to ensure it was cooled before shutdown. Those motors cool very quickly, so it wasn't much of a hassle. For our Boxsters, more time is needed to cool them. You may need to let it sit and idle with the fans roaring for 5 or 10 minutes after you return to the paddock even after a couple of cool down laps. Your engine will thank you.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.