Oil change - now temp only goes to 94?

[Swimfinz]

DJMC said:

From my recent enforced online research it seems that whilst "pootling around" in Normal mode it's better to have the oil hotter to remove water in it which has been produced by the combustion cycle. This means staying in Normal mode whilst driving normally.

When you press Sport, the car knows you're intention is to press on and so lowers the oil temp so as to offset the higher temperatures anticipated.

I'm no expert, but logic suggests that driving normally with Sport pressed isn't what the designers had in mind. I think they assume that if you press Sport you ARE going to be driving sportily.

I've also read somewhere that the extra oil cooler which opens up when in Sport mode will also open when you reach a certain RPM in Normal mode so as to once again cool the oil some more when driving sportily but choosing not to (or forgetting to) press the Sport button. I've yet to have this confirmed by Porsche.

Lower temperatures always sound like a good idea but engines run better when hot, within reason and designed limits.

Cheers DJMC....!! A considered, and educated reply as always... Such a shame that we’re forced to resort to “Google Search” for answers to these questions, when a presumably well qualified Porsche Technician should have the answers at his fingertips....!!

I guess ultimately I’d like to know at what oil temperature the engine is running at its “smoothest”, without any issues of oil degradation.... Hotter does generally seem to be “better”, but my oil temp (in “normal” mode) sometimes hits 110 on long motorway runs, which makes me wonder whether I should just let it cool a bit with judicious use of the “sport” button.... But without a mechanical engineering degree, I don’t think I’ll ever really know the answer....!! My OPC certainly doesn’t...!!

[DJMC]

I followed up the previous posts with another question to PGB:

"The car seems to be running fine, I just have a couple more questions...

1/ Are you able to confirm the water temp rises to 90C and stays at that figure even though a wide range of acceptable water temperatures may be occurring? In other words it acts like a "green light" rather than indicating the actual fluctuating water temp?

2/ I've read somewhere that the oil cooler which comes into play when pressing the Sport button is also opened when in Normal mode but using higher revs. Is this the case? It would make sense for the system to operate the same as in Sport mode where the driver chooses not to (or has forgotten to) press the Sport button.

Many thanks for your answers to these."


The answer I have received:

"Thank you for your email addressed to Rob which has been redirected to myself in his absence.

I have addressed your questions with our Technical Support department and they have advised of the below:

1. The water temperature has a range of parameters around 90 degrees. Warning lights would appear when the temperatures become critical above 123 degrees.

2. Your theory is correct but it is not the oil cooler which is actioned when pressing the sport button, it is the water cooling system that opens valves for additional cooling. The water temperature will drop to initiate a sportier manner. The water temperature helps to cool the engine oil.

I hope that the above answers your questions and I will inform Rob of your contact on his return.

Have a good Easter.

Kind regards,
Lee Brown
Personal Case Manager
Porsche Customer Assistance Centre"


I can't replay the dash cam video at the OPC due to permissions being needed from those filmed, but one of the technicians explains to the driver about the oil cooler opening and the gearbox cooler opening the oil cooler. So I'm still confused but might send the video to PGB to see what their technical people think of the OPC technician's views.