What is normal operating temperature? My 00 S runs at 215 - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

ASpec818 · 06-21-2011, 11:12 PM

Is this normal? I'm reading posts where people have their temp gauge at 180. My normal operating temp is about 215 (halfway between 180 and the next tick). Sometimes, it gets really close to the next tick, especially in traffic.

Jaxonalden · 06-22-2011, 05:55 AM

That temp seems to be higher than normal. My temp also sits just above the 180 mark. With yours in the 215 range I would be doing a system check out. Check to see if the coolant temp is true, the fans (both) are coming on when they're suppose to, the water pump is flowing coolant (impellor blade integrity?, if the blades are coming apart...are there pieces plugging water galleries?), thermostat operating properly?

Good luck and let us know what you find.

Overdrive · 06-22-2011, 06:36 AM

The temperature will naturally go up whenever you're in traffic or not crusing at higher speeds, and when you really get on the car and run it hard, but I don't think I've ever seen my temp needle get dangerously close to that tick mark beyond the 180. Now that could of course mean that my gauges or off, or yours could be off, but there's nothing wrong with getting it checked out just to be sure.

As someone mentioned above, check that the fans for both radiators up front are turning on (they should both kick on when you use your AC, if one doesn't then that's a good indicator), but that's a good place to start. They blow hard and plenty of heat comes off of them if you place your hand under the bumper where they exhaust, so there won't be any mistaking whether or not they're on, you'll hear and feel it.

jaykay · 06-22-2011, 06:59 AM

You are running too hot. If there are no other obvious cooling system issues you might want to change your thermostat

Overdrive · 06-22-2011, 07:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaykay

You are running too hot. If there are no other obvious cooling system issues you might want to change your thermostat

If it turns out to be the culprit, that makes for a good excuse to put in a low temp (160) thermostat.

jhandy · 06-22-2011, 07:09 AM

If you hooked up one of those real time DME readers you will be supprised. The actual temp will go to around 235ish, if your fans are on high up front, then you are close, I think they turn on at 210.

Quick cheap thing you can do that works is Redline Water Wetter. 10$ at autoparts store. Worked great for me.
Also if not already done, remove bumper and clean the rads up front, lossen the front ones, and clean inbetween.

You can get a Radiator comb from autoparts store, 5$, it will fix all of the messed up fins that you have.