Coolant leak - wet feet

[James_G]

While on a "spirited" drive today I noticed that there was something dripping into the footwell and on to my feet. Initially I thought it was to do with the clutch, but no the fluid is pink, which is my coolant. A quick look under the dash shows that it's coming from up there somewhere.

The two main coolant pipes coming into the cabin are dry, but I can't tell from looking at the PET what else is inside the cabin and what isn't. I'm going to continue to investigate, but any tips or knowledge of areas "that always do that, sir"?

I would just say that the old S2 is really testing my patience at the moment. Not content with being pampered by having new shocks and brakes, it's now p*ssed out power steering fluid, coolant and petrol within the last week. Stupid bloody thing.

 

[petrolhead944]

hi james it sounds like the heater matrix as gone mate...what a bummer..

 

[sawood12]

Hang in there James. That's the difference with a 944. It's a living breathing animal and sometimes bleeds, sweats and P's itself. Patience is the key I think. Sounds like you've been unlucky recently, but once you've fixed these issues you'll probably have many years of trouble free motoring!! It is sometimes easy to forget that these things are getting on a bit now.

This is where I think a continual programme of preventative maintenance is beneficial. I try to do something minor every month or so, and when she goes into the garage for something more major i'll renew other things while i'm in there. It can be a PITA, but this way you minimise the disappointment of the failures in the first place.

As for your leak - could it be leaking in the scuttle area say from the heater matrix, and finding it's way into the car from there, rather than coming from a leak within the cabin?

 

[Elliot]

Massive sympathy as i have just got a three owner 32K 944S cleaned up and MOTed and then the other morning got in it and water beneath the accellerator pedal. On pressing accellerator pedal there was a gurgling and on checking level in the header tank it was low.

Topped it up and left it. Then got in next day and it was dry, no gurgling and no evidence of leaking. Checked level later that day and yes it had dropped and pretty sure water beneath car (gravel driveway). I suspect this is matrix and i have several spares but i really dont want to take the dash out. Will look tomorrow at the pipes in the engine bay and the plate that goes through the firewall but strongly suggests matrix.

One a brighter note while you have the dash out clean all the contacts and add LEDs to the instrument cluster as i have done on my cars.

 

[James_G]

Thanks for the encouraging words guys, it's just sometimes I wish it would just give me a break for a while. Anyway, it's definitely the heater matrix as today I spotted that it had leaked into the passenger footwell too. Here's a picture showing the wet pipework (covers removed) and having a good look up there, you can see the edge of the matrix and with it lots of copper corrosion corrosion.

So before I commit to buying a new one from the OPC, has anybody got a spare leak free heater matrix for an oval dash car?

Thanks

James

 

[sawood12]

James, can't see if that pipework is wet due to a leak from it or above it. Are you saying it is coming from both sides of the matrix?

Had a chuckle to myself today thinking of this post because I pulled my car out of the garage today to find a wet patch of fluid under the front drivers corner. I identified the fluid as being power steering fluid, so looks like i've sprung a leak around the power steering cooler or associate pipework. Oh well, can't complain really, i've had about 18months and 10k ish miles of completely trouble free motoring apart from a failed indicator relay and a dicky sunroof switch. I guess she's complaining that i've not spent enough money on her recently. A bit like my wife in that respect!!

 

[James_G]

Scott,

I also have a leak from my power steering fluid pipes so I'd be interested to hear how you got on. I haven't priced up the part from my OPC, but based on that depends on how I'll tackle it.

Meanwhile to those interested, and those reading this in the future, I have continued this whole "coolant leak - wet feet" business in a new and more accurately titled thread here:

http://www.porscheclubgbforum.com/tm.asp?m=454178

Cheers

James