Engine running too warm? Lots of dust in the engine
bay? Does your 912 have the factory engine compartment seal between the
rear center license plate panel and the chassis?
At the Tustin Thunder historic car races at El
Toro Marine Base a few years ago, Speedster Wolf was in the pits talking
to a racer with an early 911. He looked at the open engine compartment
and pointed out there was a gap between the center rear body panel and
the chassis. Speedster advised that given the shape of that center
panel, heat dissipating under the engine can travel back and up into the
engine compartment through the gap. Quick solution at a race track:
seal the gap with tape.
The Porsche factory designed an elaborate rubber
seal to close that gap. It's designated part number 901.505.497.20, the
"rear bumper seal, center".
Over the years the original seal on your 912 has probably deteriorated.
While you're ordering the center seal, consider the condition of the
outer weather seal and the two bumper guard trim pieces. Also, there
should be two plastic caps that seal dirt and moisture at the top of
each bumper guard (click to enlarge the thumbnails; the photo to the
right shows the bumper guard with the center seal and bumper caps
installed). Water from the engine compartment lid drain holes falls
directly onto the caps.
 Here's
the basic procedure to replace the seal (under best conditions, expect
the unexpected, of course). Installing a new seal requires the center
panel to be removed. Held in place by the bumper guards and a bottom
bolt to each of the side bumpers, slide the center panel directly out
after removing all eight bolts (photo to left is shows this condition).
Unless your 912 is concours condition, be prepared to find grease and
grime accumulated on the engine side of the center panel.
  As
shown on the cross-sectional photo to the left, slide the seal into
place on the "L" shaped top edge of the panel, and test fit the panel
back in position. After factoring in potential shrinkage, trim the
rubber strip as necessary. When ready for final assembly, rubber
adhesive (such as 3M High Tack Trim Adhesive) can help keep the seal in
place. Locking compound on the bolt threads helps keep them free of
corrosion. The photo to the bottom right shows the center panel
reinstalled, with all seals and caps in place.
The Factory doesn't add unnecessary weight and
complexity to their designs. With all the right parts installed, your
engine can run a bit cooler, and the engine compartment can stay
weathertight.
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