Running Temperature

[Nuvalari]

Hi, I have a '99, 2.7 Boxster and was wondering what the normal running temp should be. When on the motorway the needle is just past the 0 of 80, but goes higher when in traffic, not by much but if this is to high then what would be the possible issues?
Many thanks

 

[Ivor]

That sounds normal to me - my 2.7 has always been in that range since new. If it gets too hot then the radiator fans at the front will cut in.

 

[Nuvalari]

Thanks Ivor, have seen a few comments on the net, but most seem to be from the US.

 

[Motorhead]

How long have you had the car Mike? If the temp has always been around that mark, I wouldn't worry too much - more of a concern if it's started heading upwards more recently in the warmer weather we've been having. As Ivor has said, you should hear the fans cutting in - particularly in traffic - if things are getting too hot.

I'd keep an eye on the coolant level for a week or so. Always check when cold - it should remain between the Max and Min levels.

BTW the needle always sits between the 8 and 0 on my Cayman.

Jeff

 

[Nuvalari]

Motorhead, thanks for the reply.
I have had the car for just over a month, I have been keeping an eye on the gauge and it does seem to be stable when on the motorway but has started going higher when in traffic, like you say maybe the weather....will keep an eye on the coolant level, also have seen some comments about the rads getting clogged, is this a big issue?
Cant say I have heard the fans kicking in can you hear this inside the car or should I stand upfront and listen when stationary?

 

[Motorhead]

You should certainly be able to hear the fans kicking in when stationary, particularly if you're standing outside the car or if you have the window open. If not, check the fuse(s) first and also check that both fans are operating.

I guess that yours is a fairly high mileage car, so its possible that the thermostat isn't opening fully, the water pump is on its way out (a fairly common fault) or that there's a blockage somewhere in the coolant system, most likely in the radiators.

Jeff

 

[Nuvalari]

Thanks Jeff, the car has done 86k miles, I purchased from an independent Porsche dealer and have 3 months warranty so will check, where would the needle be on the gauge when the fans kick in?

 

[Motorhead]

The fans have a low and high speed setting Mike, which it seems should cut in at about 100 degC and 110 degC (have a look at this: http://986forum.com/forums/performance-technical-chat/51542-cooling-fans.html ).

You'll get a high coolant temp light/warning if the fans haven't cut in.

Jeff

 

[Nuvalari]

Thanks Jeff, much appreciated
Mike

 

[lindsay39]

My 986 boxster S starting overheating last month due to a radiator breaking. First signs are the warning light starts to flash as the temperature rises. If I had not shut the engine down in quick time the car would have overheated and that's not good for a Boxster's engine.