Quote:
	
	
		
			
				
					Originally Posted by  bigbuber
					 
				 
				Interesting development in the comments above lol  
Anyway, thanks everyone for the help. I am replacing the pump, thermostat, and tank. 
If this helps anyone, here are the links (delete the spaces) for all of the OEM cooling system related stuff and where I found it cheapest with shipping:
 
Reservoir: ht   tps://porsche.oempartsonline.com/oem-parts/porsche-reservoir-99610614708 
Cap: ht   tps://www.fcpeuro.com/products/porsche-radiator-cap-911-boxster-cayman-por-99610644704#fitment 
Pump: ht    tps://www.fcpeuro.com/products/porsche-engine-water-pump-911-boxster-11243008314#fitment 
Low temp thermostat: htt      ps://www.fcpeuro.com/products/porsche-thermostat-wahler-99610601359#fitment 
Drive belt: ht    tps://www.pelicanparts.com/More_Info/99610215168.htm?pn=996-102-151-68-M216&bc=c&SVSVSI=0785#kitsComAnc
 
Should save you a few hour of googling    
			
		 | 
	
	
 
At equilibrium with the thermostat wide open, the engine should run at the same temperature regardless of low or high temperature thermostat because the thermostat does not continuously cycle open and closed.  However, cylinder 6 is the furthest away in the circuit so runs the hottest compared to cylinder 1 in general.  The engine oil cooler is also at the same furthest point just above cylinder 6.  During warmup, the engine is developing hot spots.  The low temperature thermostat helps limit any overheat scenario during warmup.
When the thermostat doesn’t open completely or correctly because of failure, you will get an overheat condition same as when there is a water pump failure.  The engine develops relative hot and cold spots with hot spots being dangerous for engine component wear.