987.2 Checking the Coolant Level

[michael.williams1]

Having looked at the Owner's Manual - if I understand things correctly - the only way to visually check the coolant level is to remove the engine cover and look at the reservoir. Is that correct and does anyone bother to make the effort of doing that regularly as you would in other cars? Or, do we trust the temperature gauge and the coolant level warning light, and not bother to check unless there are any signs of overheating / coolant leaks from under the car? My car seems to be absolutely fine as I had the cross over pipes done before a recent purchase and there are no signs of any leaks in a system which is supposed to have a "lifetime" coolant in it ...

 

[Motorhead]

You need to read your 987.2 Driver’s Manual more carefully Michael! Just to check the coolant level, open the service flap in the rear boot and the [yellow] expansion tank cap is under that … see page 163? There is another tank under the engine cover but there’s no need to access that just to check the coolant level.

Jeff

 

[911hillclimber]

As above really, the same on my 987.2 Box.
There are two positions visible, MAX and MIN but I find a sharp torch is good (essential?) to see if the coolant is below or above the MIN plastic marker in the tube. The MAX position is easily seen.
I try to get mine between the two.
Fill to max and let the system settle and you can 'measure' any losses after a few weeks etc. if you have had any repairs done (like I have just had).
I check my level engine off and cold every month or so unless temps rise on the gauge!

 

[michael.williams1]

Thanks guys. I checked mine this morning for the first time since I bought the car 2 months ago. The coolant cross over pipes had just been replaced by the OPC before I bought the car so I wasn't expecting any issues. The coolant was between Min and Max. I was parked on a slight up hill slope so I'm not sure how much difference that made. I will check it again when it's parked on the flat and cool enough to remove the cap safely.

Thought I'd put this picture up to help anyone else in future.

 

[malarcy]

Max is a limit not a target - aim for for half to two thirds (same as oil level)

Also. Check your coolant cap for signs of “crusty deposits”. They do build up over time and when you remove cap to check you disturb the deposits and it can cause sealing problems. A replacement genuine cap from Porsche is less than 20 quid. I swapped mine and put the old one in the front as a “field expedient replacement”