A few ?'s

911Brian · 911Brian's Garage

Today here in Richmond, VA it was about 80 degrees and my 80 SC's temp went up to about 210 without the ac. Is this ok or a little too warm? The thermostat for the front trombone cooler is working. The lines up front are nice and hot. I jacked up the car and looked at the oil cooler and also took out the fan and check to see if there is any debris on the cylinders from roden'ts/ years of running. All clean.

Also, when I jacked up the car as per instructions in 101 Projects for you Porsche, the engine actually moved around a little bit. Is this also normal or does it indicate worn engine/tranny mounts?

Thanks for your help!

Adam · Adam's Garage

When jacking the car (lifting under the motor) mine only move less than 1/4" before the car starts to lift.

david914 · 04-30-2003, 05:56 PM

Hey Brian!

I'm in Richmond too! Mine was around that same temp today on the way home, but then again, it started running warmer than it used to a couple of years ago (it only became my daily driver this past year after several years of "recreational use only"). I have the same symptoms. I've pretty much decided it's the engine mounted t-stat. As you might guess, it's not something I'm looking forward to replacing. It'll get replaced this summer though, as the temps can get up near the "too damn hot" mark on a real hot day.

To answer your question, 210 is considered to be within the normal operating range. Anything above 220 is starting to get too warm and 250 is "too damn hot".

I'm not sure about how much movement is OK for the motor mounts. You can expect some movement as that's a by-product of using the rubber mounts to help isolate engine/drivetrain noise from the passenger compartment. I replaced mine years ago with the so-called "sport mounts" which are a little stiffer.

911Brian · 911Brian's Garage

Hi David

Nice to meet a fellow Richmonder! I was hoping it is not the tstat. Don't you have to drop the engine to replace it?

As far as the engine movement, it wasn't that much.. I just noticed it and was like.... oh no.. what did I just do to my car! I have only had it for a little under 2 mos.

Are there any events in the Richmond area? I plan on joining the PCA sooner or later

david914 · 04-30-2003, 07:16 PM

Hey Brian,

I've heard/read that it's possible to do it with a "partial engine drop". In any case, it's probably in the most inaccessible spot you could pick on the engine. I've been putting it off for awhile, but like I said before, it's time to fix it now that I'm relying on it for daily transport duties.

The biggest event in central Virginia is coming up June 14-15. It's a PCA event that's hosted by one of our local region past presidents. There's a wash and shine concours, catered lunch, rally, fun drive, autocross (!), and awards dinner. Lots of fun and great people! I would highly recommend joining PCA, especially our Shenandoah region. We are what I'd call a "fairly" active region. Shoot me a PM for more info.