thermostat?

LPine · 08-21-2012, 02:29 PM

Maybe some one could give me a little help before I start ripping in to things and buy unnecessary parts. I have an 87 S model N/A and believe my thermostat is stuck open. I believe this because it takes quite a while before the temperature gauge starts to even register on the dash lines. While running it will creep to a low normal level and will quickly cool when I increase my speed. Additionally, the temp seems to move quite rapidly (not erratic) from cool to way too cool. I guess this is better than being stuck closed

So I belive my thermostat is bad and need to change. My question is, do I have the new water pump/thermostat or the old one and how can I tell?

Thanks in advance
Larry

Dane Brown · 08-21-2012, 02:37 PM

Let your car completely cool. Look at the coolant level turn the car on and let it worm up. If your thermostat is closed it will open at a certain temp, when it opens the coolant level should go down significantly that is because your thermostat has opened and water is now running threw it. That's one way to check if its opening and closing. Also when it opens usually the sound of your motor will change I bit.

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Dane Brown · 08-21-2012, 02:38 PM

Sorry I didn't mention that when you start it leave it at idle and watch the coolant level the hole time.

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GreenWater · GreenWater's Garage

You don't need a new water pump to replace the thermostat, but it might be a good idea to get one anyway. I just had a water pump break a few weeks ago. If you don't want to replace the water pump then you can easily replace the thermostat by only removing the one large hose that connects to the WP and the bottom of the radiator. Make sure you install the thermostat in the correct order. Thermostat first, then o-ring, then large snap ring. If you install the o-ring first the thermostat won't work right and your car will run at very high temps.(been there, done that)

LPine · 08-21-2012, 02:52 PM

Dane,
Thanks for the help. I will take a look as soon as I get home. Any idea how I can tell if I have a new version pump or older one without taking things apart?

Dane Brown · 08-21-2012, 03:13 PM

I'm pretty sure you have the newer one. Porsche changed a bunch of stuff after 1986.

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ernie9944 · ernie9944's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by LPine

Dane,
Thanks for the help. I will take a look as soon as I get home. Any idea how I can tell if I have a new version pump or older one without taking things apart?

Your 944S will have the updated (new style water pump) pics # 1 of the old style -#2 new style- & #3 water pump kit.

LPine · 08-21-2012, 06:34 PM

Thank you all for the help. Always very helpful.

Dave Colangelo · Dave Colangelo's Garage

If you plan to replace the thermostat get your self a good set of snap ring pliers if you dont have them. The job would be almost impossible with out them, I tried many pairs of needle nose before just going out and getting the right tool. Dont forget you will have to drain the coolant to do this so have some on hand to refill it with, obvious yes, but I often find i forget the simple things.

Regards
Dave

GreenWater · GreenWater's Garage

+1 for a good pair of needle nose pliers. I was able to get the job done with a very cheap pair, from harbor freight(cheap crappy tools), with the changeable ends. Doable with a cheap pair, and a few cuss words, but would have been easier with a nice pair.