What is the tempature supposed to be??

Brian 944 · 02-10-2001, 04:01 PM

My temp is running around the 3/4 hash mark...

ive replaced
-radiator
-fan switch
-thermostat

what engine temp does everybody elses car run???what hash mark?

thanks,
Brian

ninefourfour · ninefourfour's Garage

mine is also running at the 3/4 point and sometimes higher. My engine fans don't start up until it passes the 3/4 line. I don't know if its normal but the guy I bought it off of said there is some kind of hot switch that does this? I don't know if he's telling the truth or not.

if you find out what the prob is, let me know

scottewid · 02-11-2001, 11:25 AM

Mine initially was running at 3/4 where the fans would kick in and stay on till 1/2. Suddenly last month, it started running above 3/4 and touching red zone. Wouldn't cool down even at 75mph and fans running. Replaced thermostat with Automotion 160 degree, now runs at 1/4 mark. Weird thing is, I didn't replace the fan switch, but now they kick on at 1/2 and go off when it cools to 1/4.

If your previous fixes didn't help, might be air in the system, water pump, or clogged radiator??

nigel · 02-11-2001, 12:07 PM

This may be of some help to you!! The day after I bought my 944, I was driving home from work, and noticed the temp gauge reading over 3/4. I immediately stopped, and checked things out. I found the centre of the radiator to be cold, and so assumed the thermostat was broken. I replaced it the next day, only to find not a lot of difference!!! Worried was I!!! I phoned a local Porsche dealer, who didn't understand the problem either, but suggested I try a "genuine" Porsche thermostat, rather than the cheaper pattern one I'd fitted. This I did, and the car has run on the halfway mark ever since!! I have since found out that the genuine item is of far higher quality than any cheap copy, as it starts to open much earlier. Try this out, but get ready to curse and swear trying to get the circlip out for the first time!! Oh...and make sure you bleed the system thoroughly.

Leigh 13 · Leigh 13's Garage

Sorry for the late reply to this thread, but I just found it now.

My '83 944 used to run regularly at the 3/4 mark and reach the yellow zone when idling in traffic, at which point the fan would kick in and bring it back below 3/4.

I brought it in to my mechanic, who tried shorting the fan to run constantly, but it didn't make any difference. I then replaced the thermostat with a lower temperature version, and voila, it now runs a cool 1/4 even in stop-and-go traffic.

floridaporsche · 03-02-2001, 11:58 AM

Since I live in FL, I constantly keep a watchful eye on my temp gauge. I just recently had to replace my thermostat b/c it had locked up, not letting coolant reach the engine. Anyway, I replaced the thermostat with the aftermarket cooler one and I also replaced the fan switch with an aftermarket switch that allows the fan to come on sooner(at a lower temp). I also flushed the radiator, which should be done every few years. There is also a product called "Watter Wetter" which I swear by. I have used it for a year now and have noticed cooler temps. You add the liquid into the coolant expansion tank along with coolant and water. Thats it. It is suppossed to run you engine 20 degrees cooler or something. Definately worth the $8.

RaF944 · 03-02-2001, 12:09 PM

I live in Florida and it stays at 1/4 and the most i've seen it was a little over 1/2 mark i dont think i have ever seen mine at 3/4

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85.5 Porsche 944

Lawrence Coppari · 03-02-2001, 02:49 PM

Mine runs below 1/4 unless it is 60 F outside. The gasket behind the thermostat is shot so water flow is not stopped when it should be. Will replace the entire water pump after Road Atlanta next weekend. Will let you know what my gauge says then.

EugeneYu · 03-02-2001, 03:36 PM

Mine is same with Lawrence's. Below 1/4 when I drive. If I let the car idle for a long time, it will reach 1/2, and fan kicks in.
Is 1/4 too cold for engine to run? Should I install a new one? I don't know if the current one is broken or now. How could I know?

Eugene

Goku · Goku's Garage

Mine also stays at 1/4. I've never had it go above that (exept when the water pump leaked and I lost all my coolant). Even in 100°F+ weather with the air fully on in stop and go traffic..it NEVER went above 1/4. I've wondered if the cooling system is good or maybe somthing is wrong. Well anywho...

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Goku Super Sayian MCSE
88' 951
2k VW Golf 1.8L TURBO
Reluctantly crouched at the starting line...

Lawrence Coppari · 03-04-2001, 01:26 PM

Quote:

Is 1/4 too cold for engine to run? Should I install a new one? I don't know if the current one is broken or now. How could I know?

Eugene[/B]

I knew mine was bad because the heater would be just tepid when the temperature was below 20 F. I eventually took the thermostat out and noticed the gasket behind it was shot. I have an aftermarket pump that has a nonstandard gasket behind the thermostat. Since the age of the pump is unknown, I have bought a rebuilt pump and will install it after Road Atlanta next weekend. I drive to events. If the pump goes out on the road, I'll be out a bunch having a shop fix it. Thermostat is ok because I put it in a pot of water with a thermocouple stirring constantly to see when it would open.