996craig

I changed the oil and filter in my 2001, 3.4L 996. After the change I noticed the pressure is at the 5 on the oil pressure gauge when rpm is at 3k or above. It lowers below 3k and at idle is about 2.5 on the gauge. Is this cause for concern? I have a cartridge filter. Is there a top and bottom. There were no flow arrows or indication of flow on the filter.

Ray S

Sounds about right to me.

What oil did you use.......

Yoops Racing

Sounds about right to me also - but be aware the oil pressure sending unit is problematic on these cars and that drastic oil pressure changes usually are caused by the unit failing. If it is not the unit...you got bigger issues.

996craig

Castrol syntec full synthetic 10w-40

MJBird993

You probably had 5w30 or even (ick) 0-30 in there before, so the pressure is showing a bit higher with the thicker oil. I think you'll be fine.

Michael

Ray S

That oil is not on Porsche's approved oil list.

There has been a ton (do a search) of discussion on the topic of oil. In my opinion, I have never seen a convincing argument for using an oil outside of Porsches recommendations. However, I have seen several articles in "Excellence" and other publications that offer strong reasons for using a Porsche Approved Oil.

Other opinions can (and do) vary.

Good luck.

PS: I predict at least 5 pages.

redridge

oh no... not another oil thread.

juankimalo

As Ray told you , better to go for an approved oil, but best thing you can do is to do a search.

I tried to learn as much as possible from an expert in lubricants (Chemistry engineer) and he advise to use Mobil 1 0W40 and (better than Castrol Edge 0W40) if the engine is new, and after 25.000 miles use Mobil 1 5W50 according to my climate conditions.
I live in Madrid (Spain)


The high viscosity 50 of the Mobil 1 is the only you can find in the Posche approved list. This is the oil I use, and I change it every 10.000 km


I'm sure that other Chemistry Engineer would advise a different oil... this is a very subjective discussion and a neverending story....


If you are bored here you can learn a bit

http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/

Michael-Dallas

Yep, BITOG is an excellent resource.

Also keep in mind that although you need some oil pressure for oil flow, too much oil pressure is resistance (for lack of better term) to oil flow. Dr. A.E. Haas, an oil hobbyist, has written great articles on this, although he is of the camp of thinner oils vs thicker oils.

Lastly, I know the BITOG guys are not impressed w/ one of the Mobil-1 flavors... I think it's the 0W-40 because it shears down to a 30 weight at relatively short mileage. They tend to recommend the Mobil-1 5W-40 Turbo Diesel Truck weight for those that want/need a 40 weight and long oil intervals.

///Michael

GMS

Make sure you install the oil filter element onto the engine, then install the housing.
If you place the element into the housing and then screw it onto the engine, the filter element can distort.

Use Mobil-1 0/40

Guybrush Wilkinson

Some time ago I notised a quiet ticking sound when starting a cold engine. Some people on the forum advised that the sound is caused by hydraulic valve lifters when the oil pressure has not come up yet. I added about 0,5 litre oil to my engine and the ticking almost went away. Judging by this, the advice I was given was correct.

Like said, I added only 0,5 litres of oil but the oil level display on the dash board went up by 2 to 3 bars (marks?). Also, my oil pressure gauge started showing a lot higher numbers, just like you noticed after your oil change.

There is quite a high volume of oil in these engines, right? It is a bit odd that such a small amount of oil added has so much effect on how the engine works.

juankimalo

Have you seen the dipstick?
I prefer to give a look to the dipstick in cold conditions

vove

You're car is behaving normal. Try to use the proper oil and filter next time. Mobil one and Mahle oil filter is the way to go.

1999Porsche911

You never want an idle oil pressure of less that 1.5 bar (2 bar is better) at any time. You should have 4+ bar at engine speeds above 2500. Mobil 0W40 will not give you proper pressure when hot so it should be avoided. Remember that a contibuter to engine oil pressure drop when engine gets hot is the increase in engine component clearances, removing restriction for flow.

As a note: increased oil pressure does not, in any way, reflect what actual oil flow is. Lower oil pressure does not mean more flow and higher pressure does not mean less flow.

ivangene

I took my car in for change at about 10k km (6000 miles) and the shop told me to wait. Said that synthetic oils worked better with some age. They suggested that way too many people dont let the oil run long enough to do its job. They also suggested Shell Helix Ultra 5/40 for the PNW.

another oil thread
Who wants to go for beers!