Engine Temperature Indicator

[silbord]

Just got my first 99 Boxster with 75K plus mileage. It ran very well. I noticed the engine temperature indicator showed above 180 mark. It was more like 205-215.
Is it normal for a Boxster after 15 minute cruising? Any comment and info is greatly appreciated.

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by silbord

Just got my first 99 Boxster with 75K plus mileage. It ran very well. I noticed the engine temperature indicator showed above 180 mark. It was more like 205-215.
Is it normal for a Boxster after 15 minute cruising? Any comment and info is greatly appreciated.

No, you have a problem some where......................

[Boxtaboy]

That is not normal. After warm up, my car's temp gauge points exactly between the 8 and 0 at 180, and hardly ever moves from there, even after hard driving. Something is amiss in your cooling system, and I'd look into it.

[jmatta]

Wow, if the gauge is showing 210*, I wonder what the real temp is?

We all know how "accurate" the factory gauge is, afterall.

Definitely get your car looked at before it melts down.

[silbord]

Originally Posted by JFP in PA

No, you have a problem some where......................

Since the engine temp gauge above 180 is not normal on a Boxster, what do you think the causes of this? I read some of your posts regarding T-stat 180LN vs 160LN. Should I change T-stat 180 LN to 160 LN in order to lower the engine temp?

[Oaktown 986]

Originally Posted by silbord

Since the engine temp gauge above 180 is not normal on a Boxster, what do you think the causes of this? I read some of your posts regarding T-stat 180LN vs 160LN. Should I change T-stat 180 LN to 160 LN in order to lower the engine temp?

Often it's something simple when the temp is just a bit above where it should be. A stuck thermostat has always been culprit #1 with my cars. # 2 is a blocked radiator or disabled electric fan....

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by silbord

Since the engine temp gauge above 180 is not normal on a Boxster, what do you think the causes of this? I read some of your posts regarding T-stat 180LN vs 160LN. Should I change T-stat 180 LN to 160 LN in order to lower the engine temp?

The very first thing you should be doing is get the car to someone with an OBD II scanner capable of real time data capture (PID); have them check what your water temp really is at before you puke something major.

You could have a bad dash gauge, temp sending sensor, water pump, externally blocked radiators, or dead thermostat; you need to start eliminating items one at a time rather than just swapping out parts……………

[silbord]

Originally Posted by JFP in PA

The very first thing you should be doing is get the car to someone with an OBD II scanner capable of real time data capture (PID); have them check what your water temp really is at before you puke something major.

You could have a bad dash gauge, temp sending sensor, water pump, externally blocked radiators, or dead thermostat; you need to start eliminating items one at a time rather than just swapping out parts……………

JFP - Thanks for your suggestions. I reviewed the previous owner 's service records and found both the water pump & thermostat was replaced last year. I would think that they should not go bad already.

Where can I buy the OBD II scanner w/ PID?

Thanks

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by silbord

JFP - Thanks for your suggestions. I reviewed the previous owner 's service records and found both the water pump & thermostat was replaced last year. I would think that they should not go bad already.

Where can I buy the OBD II scanner w/ PID?

Thanks

A lot of people make them: Snap-On Modis, Actron, Vertronix, and the Porsche specific Durametric can all do it………..check the model features, the better units usually have it.