'03 Low Coolant / Temp light Flashing?

[bobswei]

I'm looking at purchasing a '03 Boxster w/ 120K. After a test drive for about 20 minutes, pulled to a stop and the dash gave a "low coolant" indicator message. The same time the temp gauge light started flashing about once or twice per second. Coolant temp showed normal. Heater blew warm air with no sweet smell. I slowly removed the coolant tank cap, with the engine running, (which was boiling) and the coolant was slowly overflowing with bubbles in it. Could this be a bleeding problem? I though, head gasket or cracked cylinder but the car ran fantastic. It got a new water pump but not sure how recent.
Any ideas of the severity of these symptoms?
Thanks

[bobswei]

Just additional info: After the car being off for 5 to 10 minutes and restarting, Low Coolant indicator and light are both off now.
Thanks

[Dmitry at Pelican Parts]

Any leaks after the park was parked?

[bobswei]

I don't believe so. Opening the the tank cap, let coolant to the ground but I don't think there was any before that. Also, my research says that the head gaskets are pretty stout and don't fail? If it had a cracked cylinder, wouldn't it run rough or smoke, some kind of sign?
Thanks!

[tonythetarga]

The low coolant warning (flashing light) needs attention. These cars do not like to overheat and the heads will crack. You’ll end up with an oil and coolant mix and the engine is toast. If you’re looking at buying this car, the wise advice anyone would give is have the car PPI’d and focus on cooling system as well. The procedure isn’t exactly the same as a Buick. Air gets easily trapped in the lengthy system.

[Brian in Tucson]

Check with Pelican parts department to see that you have the most current version of the coolant cap. They have changed over the years. Also wouldn't be a bad idea to get a new coolant level sensor--it's in the bottom of the reservoir and they do need replacement from time to time.

I agree with Tony, the best money you can spend right now is on a pre purchase inspection. At either an indie Porsche shop or at a dealer. If it's not leaking coolant into the trunk or out on the ground, and not overheating it's probably nothing.

[mikefocke]

There are hundreds for sale, find another car. Why take the risk of it being a simple fix versus something much more serious? A PPI isn't for fixing or exhaustive diagnosis, just telling you what needs to be fixed. (My PPI told me to spend $3k in the next 2 months but they were all routine items like plugs and coils and brakes and tires and alignment. Anything like you are seeing and I would have walked away and told the seller to get it fixed and call me. Or discount it $5k.))

[bobswei]

Yea, I have a feeling it's something minor, since all else was positive. I feel, it maybe air in the system bubbling out. And, does the "low coolant" signal come from a different area on the system than the temp. gauge? Temp was fine but if the sensor for the level was in an air pocket??? Anyway, I did find another car. Boxster S this time but thinking of getting a cheap project car if the issue was not major.
Thanks for all the input. Helps on the decisions.

[stealthn]

Was the coolant recently changed? Sounds more like it wasn’t bled and burped properly

[bobswei]

PO has had the approx 6 months and water pump change prior. Unsure when. But, PO seems to only driven car locally. If I can get a "no lose" deal, I may take a chance.
A few years ago, I got a free '98 Boxster engine (W/cracked cylinder) and 95% of it's still in my garage. Need parts anyone?
Thanks, Bob