Engine Temp Gauge - Probably a Dumb Question

[gsmiller]

Can someone tell me what the different temperatures are on the temp gauge that are not marked with a temp number (the lines on the gauge that don't have a number)? And... what would be considered too hot for the engine to be running at?

I ask because my 02 Boxster S that I picked up a week ago usually runs with the needle right on top of the "8" but sometimes creeps up a little higher if I'm sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic. I'm pretty sure one of my radiator fans is not working (going to check it out today) and I just want to make sure I'm not running too hot.

Thanks!

[s_wilwerding]

The "normal" temp for most people is on the 8 or 0 in 180 (which is about 200). That is not too hot. If you're normally running hotter than that, you might want to look into it, though until the light goes on, it's probably not hurting anything.

[gsmiller]

Thanks Steve.

[JMatta]

I have the LN low temp t-stat and my temp needle barely moves a hair beyond the 180 degree slash, even in traffic conditions, though my car is not a daily driver. Heat is a killer for these engines; as Steve mentioned, clean your radiators and make sure the fans are working properly. Oil temps are easily above the coolant temp and running something like 0W40 isn't helping either, if that is the case.

[fedekz986]

Hey guys - I just traded my car for a 99 boxster. The temp gauge is in the middle of the 0 in 180. The car has 90k miles, IMS failure probably somewhere around 70k, engine replaced with IMS upgrade, new clutch, and new RMS.

I've read that with the IMS upgrade, the temp runs a bit higher? Can anyone confirm that? And what weight oil do you guys recommend? My biggest fear is it overheating. It's a daily driver, no tracking, and I'm a very easy going driver. I live in New Orleans, so it's pretty humid.

[s_wilwerding]

Middle of the zero is just fine. The IMS upgrade should not cause the engine to run hotter.

I run 0W40 because I sometimes drive in the cool weather up here - a lot of guys in warmer climates run 15W50 without issues. Oil weight shouldn't have any bearing on engine temperature, and since you are within specs for engine temp, the oil should not be overheating.

There is a lot of talk about installing low-temp thermostats to make the engines run cooler. Anecdotal evidence seems to show that this does not cause issues, as long as you change your oil frequently (the cooler temps tend to cause gas, water, etc. not to burn out of the oil as they do when you run warmer). However, when I did my engine upgrade and spent a lot of money on new pieces (new water pump, IMS upgrade, new plugs, etc.), I didn't even consider installing the the low-temp thermostat, as I do not take it as a given that lower engine temperatures are necessarily better.

However, I did install the center radiator, which, with the larger engine in the car, is a must on track days. The center radiator tends to make my temperature run lower than the 8 in 180. However, before I made all the changes, the car would consistently run in the middle of the zero without causing issues.

[fedekz986]

Originally Posted by s_wilwerding

Middle of the zero is just fine. The IMS upgrade should not cause the engine to run hotter.

I run 0W40 because I sometimes drive in the cool weather up here - a lot of guys in warmer climates run 15W50 without issues. Oil weight shouldn't have any bearing on engine temperature, and since you are within specs for engine temp, the oil should not be overheating.

There is a lot of talk about installing low-temp thermostats to make the engines run cooler. Anecdotal evidence seems to show that this does not cause issues, as long as you change your oil frequently (the cooler temps tend to cause gas, water, etc. not to burn out of the oil as they do when you run warmer). However, when I did my engine upgrade and spent a lot of money on new pieces (new water pump, IMS upgrade, new plugs, etc.), I didn't even consider installing the the low-temp thermostat, as I do not take it as a given that lower engine temperatures are necessarily better.

However, I did install the center radiator, which, with the larger engine in the car, is a must on track days. The center radiator tends to make my temperature run lower than the 8 in 180. However, before I made all the changes, the car would consistently run in the middle of the zero without causing issues.

Hmm i must have been mistaken about the ims upgrade then. I wonder what oil my car has in it now ... ill change it pretty soon with 15w50 then thanks for the advice!

Yeah I've been reading up on the lower temp thermostat, when I have to overhaul my coolant system ill be sure to include that.

About the 3rd radiator ... What is the total cost of parts +labor for it?

My plans are to take off my bumper and clear all the crap out, I can see leaves in there ... Hopefully that will do some good. How often do you have to replace the coolant system?

[ronster]

Originally Posted by fedekz986

Hey guys - I just traded my car for a 99 boxster. The temp gauge is in the middle of the 0 in 180. The car has 90k miles, IMS failure probably somewhere around 70k, engine replaced with IMS upgrade, new clutch, and new RMS.

I've read that with the IMS upgrade, the temp runs a bit higher? Can anyone confirm that? And what weight oil do you guys recommend? My biggest fear is it overheating. It's a daily driver, no tracking, and I'm a very easy going driver. I live in New Orleans, so it's pretty humid.

I'm curious where you read the temps run hotter with IMS upgrade because since I had the LN ceramic IMS installed the temp has gone up 5-9 deg. I thought it was coincidence but after a new water pump and fresh coolant, the upgraded coolant cap, radiator cleaning and screens on the air intakes to keep out debris the temp has stayed 5-9 deg. hotter. Do you have a source for where you read/heard that?

[fedekz986]

Originally Posted by ronster

I'm curious where you read the temps run hotter with IMS upgrade because since I had the LN ceramic IMS installed the temp has gone up 5-9 deg. I thought it was coincidence but after a new water pump and fresh coolant, the upgraded coolant cap, radiator cleaning and screens on the air intakes to keep out debris the temp has stayed 5-9 deg. hotter. Do you have a source for where you read/heard that?

I know I read it on either 986 forum, 6speed, or here... I've been looking for the article myself, because I wanted to read up more on it. I'll keep looking for it, but no promises

[ASD]

With The ac on in 90.degree temps how hot is acceptable? 210? 220? I am.in georgia where 90rules for a few months. No.light on but temps have risen a bit.


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[Pedro '84 Coupe]

I drove my wife's Boxster yesterday and it was in the high 90s. Even at idle the needle didn't go too far right of the 180 degree mark. You may want to check that your radiators aren't obstructed. You have to remove the bumper cover but it's not too bad of a job.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jyYgpYwJtq8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ef1uGZrnfs0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7J4bhz9brg

[ASD]

seems i am running about 210.especially in standing traffic when its over 90.
i hear all 3 fans running strong.Tough for me to get on the ground and pull the bumper
but ny son might do this for me.coolant level is ok, no leaks.I will need to get the water pump looked at likely, I just turned 70,000 miles on my 2000 Scared of heat damage. lol

[tonythetarga]

As stated above, these engines can be easily damaged by overheating. Cylinder heads crack and result in an oil/coolant mix. Thermostats can't compensate for volume. In other words, if your temps are marginal in a hot environment, then adding the center radiator is a no-brainer. I did that with my '99 and tracked the car with a rock-steady temperature. Visit Pedro's Garage for an easy DIY fix. I found a used center rad for $100 and bought some coolant hose and fittings from a regular auto parts store.
Cleaning the debris and sand from between the A/C condenser and the rad is the most important thing you can do. It's not the debris you can see by looking in through the bumper, its once you remove the cover, the rubber ducting and then separate the a/c condenser. That's where the real debris is. I took out a ton of sand, fluff and even cigarette butts from there. How the heck it gets in there is a mystery but it's there. Reverse flush with a jet spray from your hose too. I pulled back the fan from the inner wheel well to do the back wash.

[ASD]

My 986 is an S so it has the middle radiator.When i.look through the front grills i see the left side radiator.i think.
Dont see any crap.there. i could hose it out.cant get on the floor to work much, stroke survivor. would adding lucas super cool.help? Its good stuff for lowering temps.

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[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by ASD

My 986 is an S so it has the middle radiator.When i.look through the front grills i see the left side radiator.i think.
Dont see any crap.there. i could hose it out.cant get on the floor to work much, stroke survivor. would adding lucas super cool.help? Its good stuff for lowering temps.

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The junk is usually between the AC heat exchangers and the main radiators, and usually cannot even be seen from the outside.



Adding band aid chemicals is not the answer; the bumper needs to come off and everything cleaned out properly. If you are unable to do it yourself, take it to someone that can.

[ASD]

Originally Posted by JFP in PA

The junk is usually between the AC heat exchangers and the main radiators, and usually cannot even be seen from the outside.



Adding band aid chemicals is not the answer; the bumper needs to come off and everything cleaned out properly. If you are unable to do it yourself, take it to someone that can.

Thanks sucks but I will get it done

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[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by ASD

Thanks sucks but I will get it done

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I would also suggest you install grill screens in the bumper to prevent it reoccurring in the future. I have Zunsport inserts in my personal car, years old and still look brand new, and have never had to clean out the radiators again. Once and done..............

[ASD]

Great thanks cwill get a pair

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[ASD]

Today its 87 here ran with no /ac on it was at 195 or so.

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[tonythetarga]

Your water pump may need to be replaced. The plastic fins break over time and then can't move the coolant volume.