Coolant leak... some questions...

[cwiert]

Hi.
I've purchased a 1988 Porsche 944 a week ago and just discovered a bit of coolant on my garage floor yesterday. Not much, maybe a half once or so. I checked the coolant level and it was still good, so I went for a 15 minute ride, and then this morning I discovered a bit more coolant on the floor....maybe an ounce, but probably not even that much. So my questions are this...
1) Are there any known problem areas with the 944 coolant system that I should check first? I'm not sure where it's leaking from.
2) The coolant is green. I have no idea what kind the previous owner used, but I did read on this board people talking about red coolant.
3) Are there any "quick fix" methods to stop a slow leak, or am I looking at replacing the radiator, etc.
I'm very much a newb, don't know much about these cars (but I'm learning), and could use all the help and insight I can get. Thanks in advance.

[zedsn]

Hopefully the previous owner didn't dump the car because of a water pump seal leak or a warped head with a headgasket leak as these are expensive jobs to repair. Check all your hose connections first and then look below the radiator on either side where the plastic tanks would be and see if it is a little wet on either side and go from there. Hopefully your hoses just need tightened a little bit or worse your radiator might be seaping at the plastic tank seams. If it is your radiator you could take a gamble with a used one from ebay but that might be a crap shoot. You would be wasting your money with any stop leak product in my opinion. Good luck

[John_AZ]

Originally Posted by cwiert

Hi.
I've purchased a 1988 Porsche 944 a week ago and just discovered a bit of coolant on my garage floor yesterday. Not much, maybe a half once or so. I checked the coolant level and it was still good, so I went for a 15 minute ride, and then this morning I discovered a bit more coolant on the floor....maybe an ounce, but probably not even that much. So my questions are this...
1) Are there any known problem areas with the 944 coolant system that I should check first? I'm not sure where it's leaking from.
2) The coolant is green. I have no idea what kind the previous owner used, but I did read on this board people talking about red coolant.
3) Are there any "quick fix" methods to stop a slow leak, or am I looking at replacing the radiator, etc.
I'm very much a newb, don't know much about these cars (but I'm learning), and could use all the help and insight I can get. Thanks in advance.

Number 3. NEVER use ANY stop leak. Throw the jar of "Bars Leak" away and don't do the fabled "I stopped my leak with black pepper"!!!
Number 2. ANY jug that says "PhosPhate Free". (or usually long life DEX-COOL stuff)
Number 1. Rent/deposit at your local parts house a "Coolant Pressure tester".
Only pump about 10 pounds of pressure or so in and search for leaks
Number 0. No Heavy Duty HD Flush if you decide to change your fluid. Causes more leaks.
Number -1. Check your heater control valve for white deposit and replace. It will drip on your clutch and cause more problems.

GL
John_AZ
1988 924S 58.7K + 1987 924S 112.6K DD

[cwiert]

Hmmm...
I don't think its a water pump seal leak or the head gasket thing because the leak is under the radiator on the driver's side. I've attached a pic (not sure if this will help). The fluid is dripping off a small metal lip just to the right of the plastic blue screw. I don't know where above its originating from, though. I guess I'll have to try that pressure tester thing.
Oh, and about the "Heater Control Valve." Where is that? and what does it look like? Man, I hate being stupid about all this stuff.

[theykallmekem]

my 944 leaks coolant as well. but i know why it does (because of leaky radiator)

it is actually leaking on or around that "lip" you are describing. you probably have a leaky radiator. i would fix mine but i dont have the extra $$$$ lying around so i just fill up with coolant QUITE often. and it will only get worst, the drips were like yours, small at first. then, more and more will come out.

[John_AZ]

Originally Posted by cwiert

Hmmm...
I don't think its a water pump seal leak or the head gasket thing because the leak is under the radiator on the driver's side. I've attached a pic (not sure if this will help). The fluid is dripping off a small metal lip just to the right of the plastic blue screw. I don't know where above its originating from, though. I guess I'll have to try that pressure tester thing.
Oh, and about the "Heater Control Valve." Where is that? and what does it look like? Man, I hate being stupid about all this stuff.

If it is leaking above the blue drain plug it may be the "HIDDEN" small hose above the thermofan switch at the top. You have to remove the fans to access-easy 6 screws. If you are lucky, it could just need the hose clamp tightened. If not so lucky, then the gasket or a dried out fitting-cheap.

If the leak seems to be coming from the seam between the black plastic and metal fins of the radiator, difficult decision time.
Take it to a quality shop and they might repair it or as suggested, replace with new or hope for a good one on EBay. Try the shop first.

The heater control valve is by the drivers side in the back of the engine under a hose and wires. You will see the heater hoses go in n out.

GL
John_AZ

[Arizona_928]

check the drain screw for tightness, and if the washer is still their.

[pauloregon]

I agree with AZ_porschekid, this could be as simple as a leaking drain plug. I had the same leak problem with my 85.5 944. Too much torque on the plug or a worn out seal will cause small leaks. Just get another one and do a "quick swap before too much coolant comes out of the radiator" procedure. Use eye protection too since the stuff splashes all over the place.