Coolant flush required?

[zroadhouse]

I brought my recently purchased '02 C4S Coupe by our indy here in Austin to introduce myself and have the car looked at. One of the techs there was examining the engine compartment and mentioned that my coolant was a little orange and that I should consider a coolant flush. I've done a little searching and found that muddy coolant would be extremely bad news, but I don't think that's the case here (at least I hope not). It also seems that this isn't a very common operation. The car has 40k miles on it, with most of those driven by it's first owner (I'm the third owner). I believe from looking through the second owner's maintenance records that he took good care of the car, and I don't recall seeing anything about coolant in there.

Just double checking with the community here for a little advice for a new P-car owner.

Edited February 9, 2009 by zroadhouse

[Loren]

You should verify if someone just mixed the wrong coolant in with the factory fill or if there is actually oil in the coolant.

Yes, oil in the coolant is a bad sign.

[zroadhouse]

How would I distinguish a good coolant color from bad? I've been meaning to open the coolant tank to check, but I always remember after I've been out driving the car. From my searches, it sounds like there is green and pink OEM coolant. Perhaps the system has non-OEM coolant in it?

[zroadhouse]

I have asked the PO about the coolant. Nothing came up about the coolant during the PPI, so I'm really hoping it's not a big deal.

[Loren]

You can test the coolant with a commercial tester - just few dollars at your local auto parts store.

As long as the coolant is watery (not thick) and has no oil in it - and it's ok then it is very likely ok to run it as is.

[zroadhouse]

Thanks! I'll pick one up on my way home today and check the coolant tonight.

[zroadhouse]

I opened up the coolant cap and looked in. The coolant is a clear orange and when the car is cold it is between min and max levels - no sign of muddiness. The coolant tester I got came with instructions to remove the cap and then run the engine to normal temperature before testing -- is this proper procedure for a 996? "996 Essentials" just mentions a color check and a level check. This is probably very elementary, so I appreciate your response.

[Loren]

I was talking about measuring the coolants effective antifreeze/cooling properties.

[zroadhouse]

I got something similar (made by Victor) -- I guess I am asking if it is safe to run the engine with the coolant cap off, and then to test the coolant, and finally put the cap back on (which is what the instructions say). I guess the coolant needs to be warm for the test to work.

[Loren]

Test with the engine/coolant warm. Do not take the cap off with the engine running - you will have coolant everywhere.

Test with the engine stopped.

[zroadhouse]

Thank you! So with the engine warm, I should be able to loosen the coolant cap slowly with a rag to avoid temperature/pressure burns? Is there a recommended period to let the car cool after running before attempting this?

[larez2]

Thank you! So with the engine warm, I should be able to loosen the coolant cap slowly with a rag to avoid temperature/pressure burns? Is there a recommended period to let the car cool after running before attempting this?

Yes, just make sure to turn off the car first. You don't have to let the car cool, you can take the coolant cap off as soon as you turn off the car. Turn the cap slowly, you will hear the pressure release, once the pressure has released, take the cap off the rest of the way. You should wear gloves and safety glasses/goggles as a precaution.

Good luck!

PS. Congrats on your purchase!!!!

Edited February 12, 2009 by larez2

[SH-GT3]

When was the last time it was replaced? If you can't be sure, I'd go ahead and have it done since you already have it in the shop. Money well spent IMO

Loren, I don't see a factory interval for coolant service for USA cars, major or minor services. Any pointers?

[Benjamin Choi]

When was the last time it was replaced? If you can't be sure, I'd go ahead and have it done since you already have it in the shop. Money well spent IMO

Loren, I don't see a factory interval for coolant service for USA cars, major or minor services. Any pointers?

i believe the coolant is lifetime.

[Loren]

When was the last time it was replaced? If you can't be sure, I'd go ahead and have it done since you already have it in the shop. Money well spent IMO

Loren, I don't see a factory interval for coolant service for USA cars, major or minor services. Any pointers?

Factory coolant is considered "Lifetime" as long as it is not contaminated.

[zroadhouse]

I had the coolant flushed today while the car was in for suspension adjustment. I think the orange tint make actually be from the coolant tank. The tech said that if I used the tester (which I still haven't) that the coolant would probably appear to be the green kind. Since it was only 2 gallons of coolant and a little bit of shop time, I went ahead and had the work done. Car is all good to go now (picking it up in the morning) - no mention of any coolant problems.

larez2 -- thanks for the info. That's exactly what they said at the indy this morning. The directions on my tester kit were clearly incorrect for a 996.

[KevinMac]

When changing out my coolant tank, I used Porsche coolant from a dealer, it's a light pinkish color.