overheating - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

Vanya · 09-11-2015, 05:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JayG

just to clarify, you can't clean the water pump

IMHO, that's not excessively hot, but does appear to be hotter than normal

Also, the dash temp gauge is not always accurate. get an OBD2 adapter and one of the phone apps and check the actual temp. Generally the needle is in the middle of the 8 on most cars. Mine does go to the middle of the 0 when it's really hot and have been driving hard.

Where in CA are you? If you are in the San Diego area, come down to Qualcomm on Sat 9/12. There is a PCA autocross and I'll be happy to plug in my OBD2 reader and check it for you.

that will be perfect, i am from San Diego!

I'll be there tomorrow!

Jamesp · 09-11-2015, 05:28 PM

I just have to say the car is certainly running hot. If it is due to a failing impeller, meaning vanes are flaking off and it can pump less cooling fluid, driving the car further may cause additional damage. An OBD2 reader, or even a Durametric will only show what the gauge does, the car is running hot. I drive mine in 90-100 degree heat, and I'm not gentle. With clean radiators my car stays in the 185 degree range regardless of outside temp or load on the engine.

JayG · 09-11-2015, 05:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jamesp

I just have to say the car is certainly running hot. If it is due to a failing impeller, meaning vanes are flaking off and it can pump less cooling fluid, driving the car further may cause additional damage. An OBD2 reader, or even a Durametric will only show what the gauge does, the car is running hot. I drive mine in 90-100 degree heat, and I'm not gentle. With clean radiators my car stays in the 185 degree range regardless of outside temp or load on the engine.

James does have a point about possible broken impeller.

I just had a WP failure, but it was a leaking shaft seal, the impeller was whole

It is a reasonable easy DIY to change the WP

78F350 · 09-11-2015, 08:45 PM

It looks like JayG will get you on the right track.

Here's some stuff you may want to look at to help you understand:

A YouTube video showing the radiator cleaning after the front bumper cover has been removed:

The water pump replacement process:

Porsche Boxster Water Pump and Thermostat Replacement - 986 / 987 (1997-08) - Pelican Parts Technical Article

Jamesp · 09-12-2015, 03:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 78F350

It looks like JayG will get you on the right track.

Here's some stuff you may want to look at to help you understand:

The water pump replacement process:

The video suggested pressure washing the radiator and condenser. If you go that route back way off and be careful with the water spray. The high pressure can bend the fins on the radiator and condenser closing the airflow path through them.