Question re: oil temperature

[mocohead]

I have a question about oil temperatures. My car seems to run a bit warm (225 during slow, normal driving).  what controls the oil temperature? Is it possible that the aftermarket gt3-style spoiler on my car is restricting air flow to the engine compartment?

 

Thanks in advance!

[Loren]

98% of all engine cooling comes from your from radiators not the engine cover vent.

Check your front radiators for debris - that is the number one cause of cooling issues.

[mocohead]

Thank you! I did check the radiators and they are clear.  I'm wondering if the sending unit might be off. 

 

On a related note when I pull into the garage with the oil warm the car smells slightly sulphur like. Might I have a clogged cat? The car has 53k miles on the chassis (unknown miles on the engine as it is a replacement motor installed by a prior owner).

[Mijostyn]

Hi, I'm no expert on this but maybe the Thermostat is bad. It is easy to replace. It is right in front of the water pump.

[dphatch]

225 is not out of spec for a 997 oil temp so nothing likely is wrong with oil temp gauge. Coolant is cooled  by front radiators. Same coolant is used to reduce oil temp through a heat exchanger located on the top of the engine. Not the ideal method of cooling oil but it's plays a roll in keeping engine up to optimal temp for emission control.  Adding the 3rd radiator can assist in keeping temp down a bit. My cars oil runs at around 215 but can hit 225 on hot days in normal or slow traffic. 3rd  radiator greatly improve oil temp recovery time  back to my normal 215.  Prior to installing,  temp would be slow to come down, if at all,  once it reached that 225 temp. 

Edited December 27, 2018 by dphatch