Gus

Is it possible to gut the oil thermostat so that the temperature pressure control valve is no longer operational and oil free flows to the front cooler under all situations. I have looked at the diagrams and can not determine if the compression spring and thermostat insert is critical to maintaining the seal on the "O" ring, washer, and "C" clip.
Has anyone made this mod or installed a bypass system?

abarthguy

Yea, everybody does this because Porsche engineers don't know what they are doing.....
Just joking !
Why would you need to do this ?

Gus

First because I was wondering if it could be done. 2nd - If the thermostat malfunctions and doesn't let the oil flow to the cooler you have an issue until you can get it repaired. 3rd - Doing this would allow the engine to run at a cooler temp, but warm up slower. 4th - It would remove one more part that can malfunction. And 5th - I might be able to sell the parts on ebay and go buy lunch at Mickey "D's". Or order a shot of Balblair 1997 - while you ponder the thought of why an engineer would put something in the way of the oil flowing to your engine.
Now for the next questions -
Do you still have your brake PV in or have you changed or removed it ?-
But, more importantly -
Will the internal thermostat control from a 993 fit into the thermostat housing on a 964??

crg53

Have you ever thought that those incapable Porsche engineers designed the oil thermostat to help maintain optimum engine temp, just like a water cooled engines thermostat does. If you have trouble with your oil temp, fix the faulty parts and get on with it.

Ducks964

I am interested in knowing whether this is possible. Not that I plan on doing it, but would be nice to know. Just like a lot of us have a high speed oil cooling fan switch even though that was not a Porsche design.

robt964

I'm pretty certain that removing the guts from the stat would result in NO flow through the cooling circuit. In essence you would be left with a void in which all four ports meet. The flow would then take the path of least resistance - which would not be the cooling circuit.

Gus

Robt964
Thanks, had not considered that possibility. So if you pull the externals out they would need to be replaced with something configured to represent an open position. Need to look at internal workings to determine what position/ configuration constitutes open.

tbennett017

+1 @crg53, I would think that the car might run 'cool' if it were 'failed open'.

Also, IMHO, a lot of the systems in the 964 are designed to fail in the right direction... meaning the failure mode of many things tends to end up where it's easy to spot, and it fails INTO doing it's function... IE.. the front cooling fans run in an on/off cycle on HIGH by default when the resistor breaks, and other similar things. I have faith that the oil thermostat would fail into the OPEN position....

9six4

This didn't happen on my car. It ran extremely hot indicating that the thermostat was not allowing oil flow to the cooler. It was easy to spot as the oil light started to flash at idle. It would make sense to fault open.

greg1990964

I kept the oil thermostat from my wreck just for this issue if and when it fails. In fact just put it up in my garage attic a hour ago. Still have greasy hands to prove it. I know, who cares. Ha.

robt964

>I have faith that the oil thermostat would fail into the OPEN position

Sorry to disappoint but that's not possible when you take a look at the construction.

toma8344

I believe there is an oil thermostat rebuild kit. I posted a new discussion to get some more info. If I find the old post and the number I will add it to that post. I do remember the original temp spring was not opening properly or opening too warm. I believe the fix was new internal for the thermostat like a new spring and new piston.

BHCfarkas

Interesting read, guys