Just got done with a track event over the weekend and had some overheating on two runs with my 996. What engine coolant are you other guys who track running? Anyone use water wetter before? Any other tricks to keep temps down? Any input is appreciated

 

I'm lucky. My car runs cool no matter how hard I've dogged it.

Standard coolant.

Have you checked the usual suspects......coolant tank, tank cap, front radiators for debris...?

Other that that, thermostat and water pump.

Good luck.

 

Yeah and what coolant exactly? Also do I need to take bumper off to check radiators or just looking okay? I'm thinking my coolant might need to be flushed but it looked fine, however it's green, don't porsches normally use something else?

 

Sorry.....it's whatever Porsche dealer put in it when the 30K service was done.

I take my leaf blower and blow mine out regularly thru the grills.

 

I have been using water wetter and it does not seem to hurt anything. I pulled my front bumper off last year and cleaned and combed the radiators and a/c stuff...getting old here and can not remember what to call em. I thought they were in good shape till I pulled them apart and found more junk between the radiator and condensors ( ?). Plan a few hours and take your time. Remember the radiator fluid is not a lifetime fill. I think you are suppose to flush it every 60k or so.

 

Thanks for the help, I took it out today around town and it seemed fine. Towards the end of the day yesterday the temps were in the 90s, the track was blazing, and I was pushing her extremely hard, but I think I will definitely flush it, add water wetter, and check the radiators.

 

Also, what method do you use to clean and comb your radiators?

 

Did you run you A/C when on the track? If not you should. The fans will always run thus keeping the engine cooler. You will not lose any power becuase the engine will kill the A?C when it needs to.

 

When you say overheating, what do you mean? Flashing temperature light?

As others have said, the starting point is to clean the radiators you have. I would bet they are crazy dirty. If you need more cooling, get a third radiator.

-td

 

Interesting, I didn't, i've always been under the impression not to run your A/C, and for more cooling to run the heat at full blast. Have you personally tried this at the track? Were there noticeable differences in your temps?

 

What i meant by overheating is that the temp gauge was in the red once, and then on it's way there on another run right when I decided to pull in

 

Nope but my Texas Mile friends all do it with thier P Cars. I have also talked to a few P car instructors and they have said it is a good thing to do also.

 

To me, this indicates improper air flow over the radiators. Air is restricted from passing over the radiators and down the ports. Also, the fans might not be working.

Let us know when you clean your rads. You might be surprised what you find in there!

As for the AC suggestion - there is a separate condenser that sits right on top of the radiator on the passenger side. If you have restricted airflow there, running the AC isn't going to help. I live in Texas, and have been on the track in 110 degree ambient temps. With the third radiator, I never overheated.

Here is what Porsche's take radiator cleaning: