Normal Engine Temperature?

[RSTarga]

That is way too hot. Have you put a front cooler on it yet? I drove mine to Austin last week in 90degree weather A/C on temp stayed at 190. I've got the 28 tube cooler. The ROW 73S's all got the trombone for a reason. Now you can either put a 28tube or preferably a later model radiator type with fan, you won't be able to drive it unless you do.

[kenikh]

Serves me right to check in on this forum for the first time in forever and the first thread I see is...

[edmayo]

You can put a front cooler on (which is a good idea) but if you have a malfunctioning engine thermostat you will still be too hot even with the front cooler. Checking the thermostat should be the first priority.

[merbesfield]

What is the method for checking the thermostat? Kenik suggested I check for gunk on the top of my engine block. From looking through the alternator, I can see some pretty serious gunk build. If the top of the motor is as gunky as the bottom was, I suspect there is a lot of build up over the years. Also, can the oil coolers get gunked up as well? Can the oil cooler be removed with the motor in the car?

[kenikh]

Ed, since you are far more qualified to comment than I, here is the advice I gave Mark offline:

Most problems from a hot engine come from gunked up engine tine, cylinder cooling fins, etc. I’d take the time to do the following:
• Test the external oil cooler/lines, to ensure oil is getting to them; if not, test the external oil thermostat
• Next, test the on engine oil thermostat to ensure it is opening
• Get under the engine and check the on-engine oil cooler fins to ensure they aren’t oil caked
• Remove the MFI
• Remove the fan and shroud – the air channel from fan to oil cooler can get obstructed
• Look down the top of the cylinders to check for obstructions
• Blow out what you can with air
• Blast the rest out with a steam cleaner, oil caked
• Once you can see that all oil gunk and other stuff is clear, reassemble

Make sure that you cover the intake ports and don’t get anything into the engine.

Most of the time, these steps will handle all overheating issues as typical causes are caked and coked oil, leaves, a mouse nest or other obstruction. If none of the above help, send an oil sample out for oil analysis to ensure you don’t have a bearing dragging in the engine. If so, that is worst case and will require a tear down.

[merbesfield]

Thanks Kenik.

[RSTarga]

All of the above suggestions are valid, but a 73S needs a front oil cooler no matter what. When my car was delivered it consistently ran hot until I installed the front trombone, even this was insufficient in the Texas heat until I installed the 28 tube cooler. And he lives in georgia not Vermont!
This is not to say he should not clean up his engine and back cooler.

[kenikh]

I just assumed that it had one, since it was an 'S'. Forgot that it isn't a given. I'd still do all of the above steps, but as a matter of course, would absolutely install and fender mounted cooler, regardless. The impact on reliability and longevity is HUGE. I prefer the later Carrera type with a thermostatically actuated electric fan. That will make sooo much difference during an Atlanta summer. If it were my car, I would likely even go to dual fender mounted cooler, with crossover lines behind the front bumper. You can't get enough heat dissipation capacity for oil when living in the south.

[merbesfield]

Unfortunately, on the 73S the cooler was an option. It should not have been. My old S, 22 years ago, also did not come with a cooler and it was always a challenge keeping it cool, but never like this one. Clearly, there is something making it get hot too quick. So we all agree, a fender mounted oil cooler is on the shopping list, but the question is what should I try first from the above suggestions? How much of a PIA is it to clean the top of the motor with it in the car? Can the oil cooler be removed with the engine in the car? I am sure it is gunked up too. I imagine that when I get to the top of the motor, the oil/gunk is going to be very thick and will require a lot of work to get it off. I am not familiar with the 911 motor, will all the fluids used to clean the grease drain thru the engine or do they have to be flushed over the top? Am I explaining that well enough? What I am trying to understand is can I get into a serious cleaning, degreasing, pressure washing, steam cleaning event with the engine in the car, or will it be a disaster. I am sure it will be messy as hell, but doable? Thanks for the help. Guess I wont be making the R Gruppe meeting tomorrow . At least not in the car.

[kenikh]

This is all easy to do without pulling the motor, although it will be easier to evaluate with the motor out.

The above steps are the right ones. To test the thermostat, there is a good post on Pelican that describes a process of heating motor oil on a stove, using a thermometer to measure temps. You watch the thermostat and temp - when it opens, you know if it is operational or not.