Coolant reservoir & cap questions

[318touring]

So I've been to the engine bay (again!), poking around, as you do.

Checking the coolant level, I was somewhat surprised by the dampness around the overflow(?) area under the coolant cap. See picture 1, this is the area I pointed out with the arrow. Is this normal?

I have dried this area to see whether the same will happen again on the next drive. This is a weekend car so doesn't get out that much.

I've heard that the coolant cap might need updating, mine ends with 01.

The reservoir tank doesn;t have the full Max - Min indicators, see picture 2. Based on what's shown in the picture, I'd like to know whether my coolant level is adequate. The current level is indicated by the arrow in the picture.

The car is a UK-spec, 2003 C4.

Thanks for your feedback!

[judgejon]

So I've been to the engine bay (again!), poking around, as you do.

Checking the coolant level, I was somewhat surprised by the dampness around the overflow(?) area under the coolant cap. See picture 1, this is the area I pointed out with the arrow. Is this normal?

I have dried this area to see whether the same will happen again on the next drive. This is a weekend car so doesn't get out that much.

I've heard that the coolant cap might need updating, mine ends with 01.

The reservoir tank doesn;t have the full Max - Min indicators, see picture 2. Based on what's shown in the picture, I'd like to know whether my coolant level is adequate. The current level is indicated by the arrow in the picture.

The car is a UK-spec, 2003 C4.

Thanks for your feedback!

Arrow indicating coolant level seems about right to me. better to be closer to the minimum level, I think, to prevent overflowing. also, I was recently advised to upgrade the coolant cap to the one ending in 04. Cost was about $30 from Sunset Porsche. New cap arrived about 2 days after ordering by phone.

[goldenwarrior1]

I upgraded mine to the new P/N for the same reason. I had both a leaky cap and a cracked tank. Replaced both and have had no issues since replacing around 6 months ago.

[Loren]

I think you have a leaking cap. I would start with a new cap.

[swynn97]

Looks like your min/max indicators have worn off. The Max level is at the line made by the seam between the upper and lower portions of the tank.

That said, level looks fine.

Simon

[318touring]

Hey, thanks a lot for the feedback.

I've asked my parts guy for a quote on a new cap. Unfortunately since I'm in New Zealand i have to go through my 'official' Porsche dealer. Even then they sometimes have to order the parts from Germany since no one would have that specific part in stock.

My wheel brace takes three weeks to get to Auckland, and hopefully will be here, in Wellington, tomorrow. So that I can take off my wheels!!

[Loren]

996.106.447.04 (or 03) Cap -- US MSRP $21.82

[judgejon]

Hey, thanks a lot for the feedback.

I've asked my parts guy for a quote on a new cap. Unfortunately since I'm in New Zealand i have to go through my 'official' Porsche dealer. Even then they sometimes have to order the parts from Germany since no one would have that specific part in stock.

My wheel brace takes three weeks to get to Auckland, and hopefully will be here, in Wellington, tomorrow. So that I can take off my wheels!!

might be worth a call to Jeff or one of the guys at Sunset Porsche in Beaverton, Oregon, USA. Surely quicker delivery than ordering from Germany via dealer. No idea re shipping cost from USA, but likely cheaper as well. worth a phone call to find out...... what's the time difference? about 8 hours or so? actually not too bad for an early morning call from NZ. ("Lots of New Zeal and energy." Leon Uris, Battlecry)

[318touring]

Thanks for the P/N Loren.

judgejon, that's something new I heard about NZ :)

[C4S happy]

Sunset Porsche is First Class all the way. I am a newbie Porsche owner, 2003 C4S, and the Parts Guys were extremely helpful and willing to answer any/all questions posed.

Sunset Porsche Parts link

[britdave]

996.106.447.04 (or 03) Cap -- US MSRP $21.82

Hi Loren,

should I update my reservoir cap as well ? I have a 2002 911/996 C2 with a 'Blue cap' part # 996.106 447.00 on the inside of the cap there is another # PA6.6 GF 30 anyone know if I should change it, and why ? Also posted else where on this site,how about coolant type,does it "have to be Porsche original OEM type, or I was told "Advance auto parts coolant" with the "orange colored top" is ok to use and the same as the Porsche stuff ? I have the original factory fill I believe, (I bought it with 12000 miles on the clock, and even now 8 years later it only has 22500 on it. This original stuff, is colored yellow,but when I called my Porsche dealer in orlando the guy says it's now pink ,but it's ok to mix it ? Anything on that info , anyone , this coolant topic is confusing ,and it's suppose to be "lifetime" ?

[Loren]

996.106.447.04 (or 03) Cap -- US MSRP $21.82

Hi Loren,

should I update my reservoir cap as well ? I have a 2002 911/996 C2 with a 'Blue cap' part # 996.106 447.00 on the inside of the cap there is another # PA6.6 GF 30 anyone know if I should change it, and why ? Also posted else where on this site,how about coolant type,does it "have to be Porsche original OEM type, or I was told "Advance auto parts coolant" with the "orange colored top" is ok to use and the same as the Porsche stuff ? I have the original factory fill I believe, (I bought it with 12000 miles on the clock, and even now 8 years later it only has 22500 on it. This original stuff, is colored yellow,but when I called my Porsche dealer in orlando the guy says it's now pink ,but it's ok to mix it ? Anything on that info , anyone , this coolant topic is confusing ,and it's suppose to be "lifetime" ?

For sure replace the "00" cap. Those are known to leak. Get the latest version your dealer/OPC has.

I would use only Porsche coolant as mixing the wrong kind can have a disastrous effect.

[britdave]

Thanks a lot Loren,your the man as always

996.106.447.04 (or 03) Cap -- US MSRP $21.82

Hi Loren,

should I update my reservoir cap as well ? I have a 2002 911/996 C2 with a 'Blue cap' part # 996.106 447.00 on the inside of the cap there is another # PA6.6 GF 30 anyone know if I should change it, and why ? Also posted else where on this site,how about coolant type,does it "have to be Porsche original OEM type, or I was told "Advance auto parts coolant" with the "orange colored top" is ok to use and the same as the Porsche stuff ? I have the original factory fill I believe, (I bought it with 12000 miles on the clock, and even now 8 years later it only has 22500 on it. This original stuff, is colored yellow,but when I called my Porsche dealer in orlando the guy says it's now pink ,but it's ok to mix it ? Anything on that info , anyone , this coolant topic is confusing ,and it's suppose to be "lifetime" ?

For sure replace the "00" cap. Those are known to leak. Get the latest version your dealer/OPC has.

I would use only Porsche coolant as mixing the wrong kind can have a disastrous effect.

[dporsche74]

Was going to order a new cap for a 1999 C2 will the "04 cap" work for a MY99 also

[Loren]

Was going to order a new cap for a 1999 C2 will the "04 cap" work for a MY99 also

Yes. -04 is the latest.

[Orient Express]

One other issue on the coolant tank cap.

1. make sure that it is not cross threaded on the tank.

2. make sure that it is fully seated. The cruciform top of the cap should be straight and level in relationship to the ground. There is a slight "click" feel to the cap when it is fully seated. Because of the compression of the cap gasket, it is sometimes difficult to get the cap fuly seated.

Here is a cap that is not fully seated:

And here is one correctly seated:

Your picture seems to indicate that your cap is not fully seated.

[ekam]

996.106.447.04 (or 03) Cap -- US MSRP $21.82

Hate to bump any old thread, any idea what is the difference between the 03 and 04 cap? I have mine replaced with an 03 about 2-3 years ago but not sure if I should buy the 04. Thank you!

[Loren]

Sometimes a part number change is just a vendor change. As long as it is not a 00 cap you should be ok.

Of course if you see weeping or a leak get the cap tested.