Boxster Started Overheating at 40° - Help!

[Rick V]

Originally Posted by blue2000s

I'll chime in also for reassurance that that's perfectly normal. In fact, over the 0 is the only place I've ever seen my needle once warmed up.

Whether it's 40 or 100, the fans come on at the same temperature to keep the coolant at the correct operating temp. There's a warning light that lights up on the dial when you're in the operating temperature danger zone.

By the time the red light comes on, it is almost too late. If you see that light pull over very fast and shut off the car. As a side question do you have a history on the thermostat, and/or waterpump and coolant flush? and lets not forget the obvious...................the coolant lever is correct, right?

I agree on the normal report, but when I changed my bumper cover I was shocked at the debris that had worked their way into the closed chamber Porsche designed.

[rick3000]

I was concerned, because I have never seen it go up so high, but if it is normal, I'll just clean my radiators this weekend, and see what happens.
Thanks everyone!

Originally Posted by rick3000

I was concerned, because I have never seen it go up so high, but if it is normal, I'll just clean my radiators this weekend, and see what happens.
Thanks everyone!

Rick, IMHO, cleaning them correctly means pulling the front cover off, headlights, side markers and some misc hardware is part of the disassembly. An easy task the second or third time but be careful the first time. You have to pull the fender liners, there are reusable plastic fasteners that you need to be delicate with. It also helps to have a friend around to help with the bulky bumper cover, however if you're careful one guy can do it. Once inside you will see that the radiators reside in a sealed chamber so any dirt cannot escape, if you have the Bently book it has excellent instructions and pics, if you need any help from me just PM, I've been inside mine a few times tweaking the spoiler lip and playing with radiator screens...

Rick, if you don't want to pull off the front bumper, you can try doing some cleaning of the radiators by doing it with the leaf blower. Blow out as much as you can when everything is dry. Then wash everything down, and blow them out again.

With all due respect, a vacuum makes more sense although it will never get the packed debris. The radiators are sealed in a closed, briefcase like pocket, a blower wont help at all and may even drive more dirt into the sensitive fins, no dis to B mussanti at all intended..peace boys good luck with the project..

[rick3000]

Thanks for the advice. I have the Bentley manual to guide me. I am going to try using a leaf blower and see if still heats up so much, then I may opt to remove the bumper. I've read about doing it, and I don't have to much else to do this weekend.
Just as long as running the engine above 180, isn't going to hurt anything.