Coolant leak, help!!!

[pearljaman31]

I noticed driving home that my car was starting to overheat. The temp gauge increased all the way. I wasnt running any ac. The temp would decrease a bit and increase back and forth but i made it home quick. I figured my coolant level was low so i added some water. I looked underneath on the ground and saw almost as much water leaving as entering the coolant tank. There was a big puddle of water under the car. There is obviously a large leak somewhere that must have just recently began. Its pitch black out now so i have to wait until the morning. I don't even know where to start. Any help? Should i try and take off the expansion tank and look for cracked hoses? I need my car fixed quick for school starting up wed and work. Please help me.

I figure i have a total of 10 hoses that could be possibly cracked, or i need a new expansion tank.

[GostRidr]

When was the last time your hoses were changed? You should be able to use your hand and squeeze the hoses. Too soft, crunchy or leaking will give it away. Check in the day light after the temp runs up in your driveway and see if you can spot it. Best to use distilled water NOT tap for less reaction and sediment potential.

good luck,
peter

[Panzer909]

Sounds like its a simple hose leak somewhere. I had more than one crumble while squeeze testing them - they just fall apart after being subject to so many years of engine bay heat & the rest.

Just hope its not that fitting near the firewall. I have a slight leak there and it looks like it will be a b**ch to change.

[924Sman]

Also be good idea to spin the impeller shaft on the WP to confirm it did not overheat the bearing.

Dal

[pearljaman31]

I found a large hole in the hose from the rad to the expansion tank. I was wondering if it would be possible to go to autozone and get a generic similar size rubber hose and put it on instead of paying $20 plus shipping, plus waiting on a new porsche hose.

[Razorback1980]

As long as you don't crimp it anywhere....a hose is a hose. The preformed hose will fit better and bend in the right places, but it's not a necessity.

[GostRidr]

Dont rule out a local dealer too. I've found their prices to be better and you get a PCA discount if you're a member. Pelican has this part listed for $13 so it can't be too bad if they have it in stock.

[pearljaman31]

Well for now i used some strong tape a lot like grip tape on a tennis racquet. It seems i turned a huge leak into a tiny one. It was just for a couple days until i can get everything apart and fixed. Im wondering though if i have more than one leak. I don't see it pouring or dripping out but every so often when i look at the expansion tank, less and less water is in there.

[Razorback1980]

It's possible, but no way to tell for sure if you used tape to fix the problem. I would get either a temporary hose from the FLAPS or cut the hose where the leak is and put some sort of splice in there with good secure clamps. Overheating an engine causes some really serious damage.

[Paul Glasson]

I know it is a bit like asking how long a piece of string is,but what would be considered normal water usage in these 20 year old cars? In an ideal situation there should be hardly any loss, but I have found (before the oil cooler was removed/modified recently) every 600Miles (1000Km) level would drop to below half way between max and minimum mark on expansion bottle, and I have not seen water leakage.

[924Sman]

May want to check the radiator. The sides are prone for leaks and small ones at that. Also water evaporates and a small leak may not be visible. Also the coolant is under a bit of pressure so most small leaks will cease once pressure has dropped. May leak for a short time and by the time it cools down the leak is gone and the coolant has evaporated.

Bottom line you just may not see the leak and evidence of one.

Dal

[pearljaman31]

It seems that my leak is still pretty big though, not huge like it was, but still dangerous. Looking at the expansion overflow tank it dropped from max to min in about 15 min i'd say. That should be pretty noticeable, but i dont see dripping or water stains on the ground.

[Razorback1980]

What is your oil level?

[pearljaman31]

Allright, today i added water (about 50oz) and put it up to the max level. I did this at noon, and went back 20 min later. It hasn't decreased at all...maybe this is good. Im going to continue to watch it periodically. Im going to get that new hose anyway for $13 plus shipping. That tape won't last forever. Ill throw in an air and fuel filter and maybe my car will love me.

[pearljaman31]

Oil level..i added some recently, i'd say its about midway to the full mark on the dipstick. I need an oil change very soon.

[pearljaman31]

Well the level stayed the same for a good 50 min. I took it for a drive around my neighborhood to warm it up and see what would happen. A couple minutes later my battery light was blinking and belts were squealing.......water was leaking onto them, leaking very fast. You could see the trail of water as i drove. That tape is no good. I have to get a new hose. That seems to be the only leak that i can tell.

[924Sman]

Not seeing wet spots and dropping level suggests to me to look at the WP. Leak there could dissapate rapidly on a hot engine so you would not see any drips. Once the pressure drops it quits seeping.

I think what Tom is trying to get at is the oil being mixed with coolant in the case of a HG gone bad. Oil level can read high with the addition of coolant.

Anything or all could happen once the engine overheats, burn a gap in a gasket or fry the WP bearing or overheat the radiator and blow a pin size hole in the seams of the sides.

Dal

[Razorback1980]

If water is disappearing and you don't see where it's going, always a good idea to make sure it isn't in the oil. Sounds like yours is ok if the oil level isn't rising. I would go to the parts store a spend three bucks to get a new hose on a temporary basis until the right one comes in. It may save an engine. After that, then you can watch the level and see what happens.

[pearljaman31]

The new hose came, the old one came off pretty easy and i installed it pretty fast in the pouring rain. I took it for a test drive, so far no problems, and no loss of coolant. Ill keep you posted. Now it seems the only problem is me getting into my car through the passenger side since my sis banged up the drivers side door pretty bad. That shift lever almost hit me in the wrong spot.

[Razorback1980]

Check these places out and see if you (I mean your sister) can buy you another door. ...or, PM chitown, he may have a door to sell you if it's not his bent one.

Here are some in your area for sale:

1988
Front Door
Porsche 944 -LH,P/T,P/Mr(DkBlu]D kBlu,944s 200833 $150 M and M Service and Salvage Yard Inc. USA-VA(Ruckersville) 1-800-533-4099
1984
Front Door
Porsche 944 PW,ML,MM,BLK,2-84,NI CE SHELL 4L6803 $150 Eastside Auto Salvage USA-NC(Midway-Park) 1-800-435-2886
1987
Front Door
Porsche 924 -LH,SILV,BLK,PW,ML 010608 $150 Atlantic Auto Parts USA-NC(Newport) 1-800-950-9443
1987
Front Door
Porsche 944 BLK,2DR 027464 $150 J and B Used Auto Parts, Inc. USA-FL(Orlando) 1-800-432-2952
1987
Front Door
Porsche 924 #K10986 $150 Ingram Auto Mall USA-VA(Norfolk) 1-800-573-3531
1985
Front Door
Porsche 944 AZ $150 Midway Auto Salvage USA-FL(Lakeland) 1-863-665-5101
1984
Front Door
Porsche 944 GOOD 000 A
0 K20281 $100
undmg A and B Auto Salvage USA-GA(Griffin) 1-800-726-1570
1987
Front Door
Porsche 924 silver,2 DR,RWD,PM,Tint,Black,MW,PL, 1C0040 $100 AAA Parts Plus USA-GA(Columbus) 1-877-324-3777

Easily worth a 150 dollars so you can have kids later in life.