Cooling System: Testing and Inspection
WM 190101 Checking cooling system
Checking cooling system
Checking coolant antifreeze content and fluid level
Information:
The coolant filled in at the factory is intended for lifetime cooling and, thus, need not be changed.
Warning:
Hot pressurized coolant.
Danger of scalding and burning.
- Only work on the coolant system when the engine is "cool".
- Wear protective clothes, gloves and goggles.
Warning:
Coolant is corrosive and hazardous to health.
Risk of skin and eye irritation.
- Wear protective gloves and goggles.
- If you come into contact with coolant, wash off immediately with plenty of warm water.
Caution:
Mixing coolant.
Corrosion of components and flocculation of coolant.
- Do not mix Porsche coolant with other coolants.
- When replacing or topping up coolant, use only original Porsche coolant (see Porsche Parts Catalogue).
1. Check antifreeze content. To do this, open the lid on the coolant reservoir and check the antifreeze content using a commercially available antifreeze tester. If this is below - 35°C, correct the antifreeze content by increasing the proportion of pure coolant as required
Using the antifreeze tester
2. Check engine coolant level and correct it if necessary.
2.1. The engine coolant level must be between the Min and Max markings. If this is not the case, either drain off or top up coolant.
Checking the cooling system for leaks
Warning:
Hot pressurized coolant.
Danger of scalding and burning.
- Only work on the coolant system when the engine is "cool".
- Wear protective clothes, gloves and goggles.
1. Check the cooling system for leaks. To do this, apply a test pressure of 1.8 bar using the cooling system tester (Porsche workshop equipment WE 1069) and check hose connections for leaks.
Cooling system tester WE 1069 connected to coolant reservoir (symbolic representation)
Cleaning the cooling air guides
1. Check cooling air ducts and radiator for foreign bodies, such as leaves. If necessary, clean the cooling air ducts and radiator surfaces through the openings in the front apron using a vacuum cleaner and nozzle, see Vacuum cleaner nozzle, long crevice nozzle, for cleaning cooling air inlet slots NR.160. When using high-pressure steam cleaners, the steam jets can cause additional particles of dirt to attach to the radiator surfaces and the engine can overheat due to reduced cooling performance.
Cooling-air intakes (symbolic representation)
Checking the antifreeze content using a refractometer
Information:
The following diagram shows the scale used by Leitenberger
The scales can vary, depending on the manufacturer, observe the operating instructions
Use the "ETHYLENE" scale for Porsche coolant.
1. The correct antifreeze content is given on the ETHYLENE scale
Display scale refractometer
2. Using a pipette, take a sample from the coolant expansion tank. Trickle a few drops onto the test surface of the refractometer.
Coolant sample on refractometer
3. Close the light-diffusing lens. A closed liquid film must form.
Closed refractometer lens
Information:
The following table specifies how much coolant must be replaced by pure coolant in order to adjust the freezing point to -37°C.
4. Hold the refractometer against a bright light source. A clear light/dark limit emerges. The point of intersection between this line and the display scale marks the freezing point of the coolant. A freezing point that is too low must be adjusted according to the table below
