Engine Temperature Question

[doabarrelroll]

Hey all, I've got an 87' 944S and I have been noticing the temperature gauge fluctuating a bit while driving. I'm not sure what the normal temperature needs to be. It is usually at about 8 o'clock and peaks around 9 o'clock.

Any ideas to what the "normal" temperature range might be and/or what are the common problems that lead to higher engine temperatures.

Ideally, I'd like to take this car to the track, but, it worries me when in normal driving it begins to creep up like that.

Thanks!

[Razorback1980]

Mine runs in the 8 to 9 range as well. Air in the cooling system, blown head gasket, cooling fans not working properly are all contributors to this condition.

[flash968]

here is the rule of thumb on engine cooling system temperature:

a cooling system should run about 15 degrees hotter than the thermostat temp or 100 degrees above ambient temp, whichever is HIGHER

a well designed system does not swing more than about 15 degrees between normal running temp and the highest is ever sees

as for the "clock" position, the factory gauge is not all that accurate, and the senders are known to get old and cause it to read wrong - use a thermometer to determine what temp you are running - then you can look into what causes it

tech tip: NEVER use tap water in any radiator - use distilled water only, mixed with whatever coolant the manufacturer specifies, which in the case of porsche, is phosphate free - if for some reason you have to use tap water, take the radiator to a shop as soon as feasible and have it boiled out to remove the mineral deposits left behind by the tap water

[smokin_944]

Excellent info flash.