Steaming up gauges
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Instructor
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Yorkshire, England
Steaming up gauges
My gauges have a habit of steaming up inside in damp weather.
They clear after an hour or so of running (with heater on). Is this normal for an SC or do I have a problem?
They clear after an hour or so of running (with heater on). Is this normal for an SC or do I have a problem?
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From: Indianapolis, IN
I had the same problem after I bought my 911 a few years ago. The issue eventually went away. The car is always garaged and out of the rain, so the only moisture it usually gets is from the occassional washing. From what I remember reading after doing a search of the forum a couple of years ago, I don't think the fogging indicates a problem.
Jim
'87 911 Cabrio
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Jim
'87 911 Cabrio
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Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Den Haag, Holland
Hi,
I have the same problem, seems to happen during the winter (my car is kept outside)
Last year I installed a new bulb in the rev counter gauge. Now this winter the rev counter and the one to the left of it (oil) are always steamed up when I first use the car, then it clears (but not always completely)
I think its really annoying if anyone can help I'd appreciate it too. Doesn't look nice either.
I don't think its the rubber surrounds on the dials though. Question is why only 2 are steemed up but not all of them?
Cheers,
Justin
I have the same problem, seems to happen during the winter (my car is kept outside)
Last year I installed a new bulb in the rev counter gauge. Now this winter the rev counter and the one to the left of it (oil) are always steamed up when I first use the car, then it clears (but not always completely)
I think its really annoying if anyone can help I'd appreciate it too. Doesn't look nice either.
I don't think its the rubber surrounds on the dials though. Question is why only 2 are steemed up but not all of them?
Cheers,
Justin
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From: Yorkshire, England
All 5 of mine steam up.....the clock is probably the least affected.
The car does sleep out though and the weather here in the UK at the moment is VERY wet!
Although my front luggage compartment is pretty dry as far as leaks are concerened there is some condensation on the inside of the bonnet (hood).
As there is an opening to the rear of the dashboard from there I think this is probably my most likely cause.
The condensation forms then when there is a temperature differential between the trunk & the car interior.
WOW....I've answerwed my own question!! :-)
But can anyone tell me how to stop it?
The car does sleep out though and the weather here in the UK at the moment is VERY wet!
Although my front luggage compartment is pretty dry as far as leaks are concerened there is some condensation on the inside of the bonnet (hood).
As there is an opening to the rear of the dashboard from there I think this is probably my most likely cause.
The condensation forms then when there is a temperature differential between the trunk & the car interior.
WOW....I've answerwed my own question!! :-)
But can anyone tell me how to stop it?
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Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Vancouver, BC
I park mine in my driveway here in Vancouver BC -it is very wet and damp in the winter here. Since I don't drive it daily I think moisture in the interior builds up causing the problem of fogging. I started running a small heater in the car to keep the interior moisture free and that actually stopped the guages and the immediate fogging of the windows on warm up of the car.
Dan...
Dan...
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From: Den Haag, Holland
Hi,
I can see the area from my trunk through to the rear of the dials.
I don't think this is the problem though. If all the dials were steamed up then maybe. But as only two are I am really confused!
Cheers,
justin
I can see the area from my trunk through to the rear of the dials.
I don't think this is the problem though. If all the dials were steamed up then maybe. But as only two are I am really confused!
Cheers,
justin
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Joined: Nov 2003
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From: HATTIESBURG, MS.
My fuel/oil level gauge fogs up at times. I do not intentionally drive it in the rain, and it sleeps in the garage. Clears up after a little bit. I just thought it was due to the fact that it was the only gauge right in line with trunk and diff. between temps from trunk and cockpit was causing the fogging.
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From: Sussex, England
Hi Doug,
Seems pretty normal for us UK guys. Two left had gauges steam up on mine, although it's normally just the oil pressure that's the worse. your absolutely right on the cause.
I've recently replaced the luggage compartment seal in the vain hope of stopping the problem. It does keep the compartment dry, but I still get condensation on the underside of the bonnet lid.
I think I remember reading an article on curing this (steamy gauges) in 911 & porsche world a couple of years ago. I'll see if I can dig it out and post the response.
atvb
Jon J (in very damp West Sussex)
79 911 SC Targa Sport
Seems pretty normal for us UK guys. Two left had gauges steam up on mine, although it's normally just the oil pressure that's the worse. your absolutely right on the cause.
I've recently replaced the luggage compartment seal in the vain hope of stopping the problem. It does keep the compartment dry, but I still get condensation on the underside of the bonnet lid.
I think I remember reading an article on curing this (steamy gauges) in 911 & porsche world a couple of years ago. I'll see if I can dig it out and post the response.
atvb
Jon J (in very damp West Sussex)
79 911 SC Targa Sport
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Instructor
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From: Den Haag, Holland
No, I am still not convinced with these theorys.
If true, then all the guages in my car would be steamed up.
I have petrol, mph, and clock crystal clear, and oil, revs completely steamed up. There must be something wrong!!!
cheers
Justin
If true, then all the guages in my car would be steamed up.
I have petrol, mph, and clock crystal clear, and oil, revs completely steamed up. There must be something wrong!!!
cheers
Justin
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From: Nor. Cal.
Mine does the same thing, at least the tach does. Maybe some gauges are just less well sealed than others. I was going to get one of the big dessicant packs like they sell for when you put your car away for the winter. Some types of packs are "rechargeable" such that you can put them into the oven to drive the moisture out, then put it back into the car at night to suck the moisture out of the air.
I haven't tried it yet, but it might help.
Tom
I haven't tried it yet, but it might help.
Tom
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From: Hartwell, Ga
I replaced a lot of these gauges under warranty in the mid 80's. It was was
common problem with the left 2 gauges ( coupe, targa - no differnce). After a while Porsche told us that they would no longer replace gauges for fogging. We were to "vent" the gauges by drilling 2 holes in the back of the unit. I'll have to look back thru all of my old Lit. to see what I can find on the subject. I hope that
this helps.
Charlie
common problem with the left 2 gauges ( coupe, targa - no differnce). After a while Porsche told us that they would no longer replace gauges for fogging. We were to "vent" the gauges by drilling 2 holes in the back of the unit. I'll have to look back thru all of my old Lit. to see what I can find on the subject. I hope that
this helps.
Charlie
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From: Linn County, Oregon
Originally posted by Pisco
Hi, I leave the car with the window sligthly open (1") - in a garage - and there is almost no condensation, even in the rainy winter.
Hi, I leave the car with the window sligthly open (1") - in a garage - and there is almost no condensation, even in the rainy winter.
