Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview
WM 190101 Checking cooling system
Tools and materials
Tools and materials
Tools
A - Cooling system leak tester (pump), see Cooling system tester WE 1069
B - Hose extension FZ 100
C - K22 cap adapter (for sports cars)
D - K60 cap adapter (included in scope of delivery Filling device 9696 )
Antifreeze tester - Antifreeze and battery acid tester FT 2030 WE 1037 or Antifreeze and battery acid tester SUN-Duo-Check WE 1036
Checking cooling system
Coolant: Checking the level and antifreeze content
Caution:
Danger of poisoning!
Coolant additives and cleaning liquids are toxic.
- Swallowing coolant additives and cleaning liquids must be urgently avoided.
- Do not consume any food or drink while working (danger of accidental mixing).
- If swallowed, observe the warning information on the containers and contact a doctor. If necessary, show the doctor the warning information on the packaging.
Danger:
The vehicle fans can continue running or start up automatically.
Injuries which can lead to the loss of body parts.
- The power supply to the fans must be disconnected before starting work on the radiator, radiator fans or belt drive. Disconnect the fuse carrier or battery.
- Allow engine to cool down.
Caution:
Risk of damaging the cooling system!
- Do not relieve the system pressure of the cooling system and then run the engine.
- Relieving the system pressure and subsequently starting the engine can cause severe damage to components in the cooling system. If the cooling system must be opened when it is hot, allow the cooling system to cool down before starting the engine again.
Information:
The coolant filled in at the factory is intended to suffice for the entire service life. As long as the coolant is not contaminated by foreign bodies or other fluids it need not be changed.
Different coolant additives must not be mixed and doing so may damage the cooling system. Only use original Porsche coolant additives.
The coolant must be set to antifreeze protection of -37°C. This corresponds to a mixing ratio of 50 : 50 (coolant additive : water). This mixing ratio provides optimum corrosion and antifreeze protection.
Coolant additives, coolants and cleaning agents must be disposed of according to the respective, applicable national laws.
Seals in the cooling system must be replaced by new ones following disassembly.
1. Open maintenance cover.
Maintenance cover
Caution:
Danger of scalding with hot coolant!
- Never open the cooling system when it is hot. Emerging coolant may be very hot and can cause scalding.
- The cooling system must be depressurized before being opened.
- Allow engine to cool down.
2. Carefully open the cap on the coolant reservoir. Unscrew the cap in an anti-clockwise direction.
Cap on coolant reservoir
3. Check antifreeze content with a commercially available antifreeze tester. If it is lower than -37°C, it must be adjusted accordingly. The coolant level must not drop below the minimum mark.
Checking antifreeze content
Information:
The following table specifies how much coolant must be replaced by pure antifreeze in order to adjust the freezing point to -37°C.
Checking engine coolant level
Information:
Test conditions for checking engine coolant level -
Engine cold
Vehicle parked horizontally on level ground
4. Remove maintenance flap over the coolant reservoir.
- Maintenance cover
Maintenance cover
5. Unscrew the cap on the coolant reservoir.
Cap on coolant reservoir
6. Check the engine coolant level. A graduated disc with a "Min" and "Max" marking is located in the opening of the reservoir. The coolant must be above the "Min" level. If the coolant is below the "Min" level, top up with approved antifreeze. If there is considerable coolant loss, the cause must be investigated.
Graduated disc in opening of reservoir
7. Screw cap back on the coolant reservoir.
Cap on coolant reservoir
8. Close the maintenance flap.
Checking the antifreeze content of the coolant using a refractometer
Information:
The following diagram shows the scale used by Leitenberger. Antifreeze and battery acid tester FT 2030 WE 1037
The scale can vary slightly, depending on the manufacturer.
The ETHYLENE scale must be used for Porsche antifreeze.
Other commercially available testers can also be used provided correct results are guaranteed.
Refractometer
1. Using a pipette, take a sample from the coolant reservoir.
Pipette
2. Deposit a few drops on the test surface.
Depositing drops on the test surface
3. Close the light-diffusing lens. A closed film must form.
Closing the light-diffusing lens
4. Using the refractometer, view against a very bright light source. A very clear light/dark limit emerges. The point of intersection between this line and the display scale marks the freezing point of the coolant.
5. A freezing point that is too low must be adjusted accordingly.
Information:
The following table specifies how much coolant must be replaced by pure antifreeze in order to adjust the freezing point to -37°C.
Checking the cooling system for leaks
1. Check the cooling system for leaks. To do this, apply a test pressure of approx. 1.5 bar using the cooling system test device and check hose connections for leakage. The pressure must not drop.
Cooling system test device
2. Check the coolant level. A graduated disc with a "min" and "max" marking is located in the opening of the reservoir. The "min" level must be covered with coolant.
Graduated disc in the opening of the reservoir
3. Screw on the cap of the coolant reservoir again until it locks with an audible click.
Cap on coolant reservoir
4. Close the maintenance flap.
5. Check radiator for external dirt. The radiators should not be excessively dirty. If necessary, they can be cleaned using a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment.