((^ Coolant Level Light Flashing

[pdsells123]

I bought the car and never drove it due to severe intermix issue. Pulled engine, had cracked right head repaired and rebuilt the entire motor. The coolant tank was so gummed up that I replaced it with a decent aftermarket one. Installed rebuilt engine, fired it up and all was well Except flashing coolant light. So, I replaced the level sensor and still had same problem. I asked several people and nobody has a clue or advice on how to check circuitry. I thought maybe the ball or whatever moves inside the tank was stuck so I replaced the tank again and re-installed the old sensor. (I got the video from the guy I bought it from that shows car driving and no flashing light). Still same problem, flashing light. Anyone have any ideas??

[JFP in PA]

Mistake #1: "The coolant tank was so gummed up that I replaced it with a decent aftermarket one."
In all the years I have been replacing them, I am yet to see a decent aftermarket tank for these cars.

Here is the long explanation from the service manual on the flashing coolant light.

"Four functions of the coolant warning light:

1. Engine coolant level too low -- light flashes slowly (0.5 Hz)

2. Engine compartment temperature too high -- light flashes slowly (0.5 Hz) (engine compartment blower might be faulty)

3. Engine coolant temperature too high -- light is lit; pointer on the right

4. Temperature sensor at water outlet faulty -- light flashes rapidly (1 Hz) ; pointer on the right

Note: The temperature warning in point three is indicated if the conditions "engine coolant temperature too high" and "engine coolant level too low" are present simultaneously."

[pdsells123]

OK, thank you. I am leaning towards # 2 and will f/up with the results. I agree, OEM is great but an aftermarket tank for $ 170 and factory for $ 500, I have to try the aftermarket. I will f/up and thanks for the info.
This light issue starts immediately upon start up so I do not think it can not be a temp issue but will look into the blower and system

[pdsells123]

I forgot to mention it is a slow flash, not constant light.

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by pdsells123

I agree, OEM is great but an aftermarket tank for $ 170 and factory for $ 500, I have to try the aftermarket.

So many people have tried them and written up why they are a bad idea. Many shops, mine included, will simply not use the aftermarket units because they fail so quickly. If a customer insists on using, I ask them to take the car elsewhere for the install because I don't want my, or my shop's reputation on the line with a product that is well known to be questionable. And I don't know where you buy your Porsche parts, but the dealer we get ours from sell the coolant reservoir at walk up retail for $285, and the list price for the tank is $399.