What is normal engine temperature in winter time

[Classic 911]

What is the normal engine temperature for a 3.0SC and 3.2 Carrera engine during winter time. Thinking of a temperature range between 14 and 50 F.
My engine struggles to reach 185-190 F and only gets up to 158-167 F. with ambient temperatures between 32-41 F.

Engine thermostat is ok. Wheel well thermostat does not open so that confirms that oil does not reach 185 F. Engine is run with DRIVEN DT50. That’s a 15W-50 grade oil designed for aircooled Porsche engines.

Don’t feel comfortable revving the engine above 4500-5000 unless engine temp is up to 185-190 F.

Any thoughts?

Cheers


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[Tommy Z]

I have a similar issue and I’m curious about how safe it is to wind out if the engine temp never really gets warm even after an hour of driving in colder weather.

[manbridge 74]

Really, those operating temps shouldn’t be an issue. I’m in these cars (2.0-3.6L) every day in Colorado and it hasn’t been an issue with 20W50 or 10W60 oils.

[Duc Hunter]

My only concern with colder oil temps is not getting al the moisture out of them through evaporation. I like to have mine 180 or above to make that happen.

Are you sure the thermostats are ok? My car will sit just below the white line for about 90C/194F. At most it's 1 needle width below that no matter the outside temp is. It seems to me that, if the thermostats are working right, the engine thermostat should be partially open to hold temp in the engine. This gives you an idea of where on the gauge it sits, from another Pelican post.

[David Inc.]

When I've driven in those temperatures I'll only get to full operating temp if I start opening up the throttle at mid-range rpms. If you're just cruising down the highway you'll never open up the radiators.

[FA-18C]

FWIW - '88 3.2 - newly acquired in January after largely stored for over a decade. Slowly addressing various needs, but runs solid, and with temps between 30 and 80F in past two months, only once when pushing did the temp get to 194 - the first line. Typically during 30 minute drive at or above the speed limit (let's just call it 80ish), stays at least a needle width below the 194deg line. I'd call that 180ish...

Sounds to me under light driving, your numbers are not abnormal.

[TeeJayHoward]

This looks like a good temp to me...

(Actually, throughout winter, my '81 SC's needle typically rests JUST above the white square box at the bottom of the gauge once the car is warmed up.)

[Duc Hunter]

TeeJay.....side note, what Tach is that?

[RNajarian]

Originally Posted by Duc Hunter

TeeJay.....side note, what Tach is that?

Interesting. . . the font of the numbers does appear to be a little different.

What are those warning (idiot) lights indicating?

[Bill Douglas]

Originally Posted by TeeJayHoward

This looks like a good temp to me...

(Actually, throughout winter, my '81 SC's needle typically rests JUST above the white square box at the bottom of the gauge once the car is warmed up.)

The oil pressure is at zero, and the rev's are 2,000rpm, not a good sign.

[boyt911sc]

Originally Posted by Bill Douglas

The oil pressure is at zero, and the rev's are 2,000rpm, not a good sign.

And temperature is overheating.........

Tony

[MrBonus]

Originally Posted by Bill Douglas

The oil pressure is at zero, and the rev's are 2,000rpm, not a good sign.

It looks like it's slightly past 0, so he's got that going for him, which is nice.

[icarp]

Originally Posted by Duc Hunter View Post
TeeJay.....side note, what Tach is that?

the tach is from Speed Hut

I use them in my Lotus Elan , great gauges, they use a stepper motor , this tach may have a hold last rev engaugd
I do not think this engine is running
I do agree with Tony. that temp reading is way too high 248*
Ian
My SC runs just at the top of the lower white box 180*, perfect oil temp

[MrBonus]

My '89 ran a hair under 180 when cold and a hair over when it's hot. My current 2.7 the same. The front oil cooler loop doesn't ever open unless it's hot hot out.

I would have concerns if it were running much colder.

[GH85Carrera]

The first project I ever did for my 911 was to change the oil temp gauge with a numbered one.

I have driven my 911 in cold temps. Below freezing and down to zero degrees outside. The engine will never get up 180, no matter how far you drive, at least mine didn't. The good news is the heater kicks butt, and pumps out lots of cold air to keep the passenger compartment warm.

In zero degree or -1 it hardly gets off the 120 mark. I had the car in my garage, so it was 45 degrees at the start, but the temp gauge really never moves. I just kept the RPMs less than 4,000 and all was fine.

In 20 degree weather after a two hour drive the temps might be 170, but never quite reach 180.

I had my tach modified long ago as well to have a voltage meter right in front of my face.

[T77911S]

i would suggest only one thread on the same issue.

verify the temp gauge is working.
how did you verify the engine oil Tstat is good. it could be stuck wide open.

[FA-18C]

[Duc Hunter]

Keep in mind too these cars are old. The ground to the engine could be not great, and that could effect the oil temp and pressure sensors. Same for the grounds behind the dash for the gauges. Lastly, only of my cars read like it was way off (can’t remember if it was to high or too low) for a long time. Turns out the wrong sensor was in the engine, changed that and it read fine.

[Superman]

Find something else to worry about. Porsche recommends against sustained driving above 5000 rpm while the engine is cold. Sustained.

The internals of your engine are sufficiently up to temperature after about 20 minutes of operation. The oil cooler and oil tank may be cooler, but your main and rod bearings are up to temp.

[Superman]

Originally Posted by TeeJayHoward

This looks like a good temp to me...

(Actually, throughout winter, my '81 SC's needle typically rests JUST above the white square box at the bottom of the gauge once the car is warmed up.)

I think the OP should stop worrying about this, but I think TeeJayHoward has some stuff to think about. That is not enough oil pressure. I hope your oil pressure gauge is lying, and I wonder what it says at 5000 rpm.