RG Najarian

I've just started restoring my 1983 911 SC. When I checked the oil I noticed on the dipstick there was a mark about one inch from the end and another three inches or so above that one. The Oil level was barely on the bottom of the dipstick. The car ran and showed pressure and low oil level. I added one quart to put the level above the bottom mark. The car was buring oil so bad it looked like a haloween smoke machine. I drained the oil to below the lower mark and the car did not burn oil.

Any Ideas what is going on?

Thanks

DGaunt

To check the oil in any 911, it MUST be up to operating temp., with the motor idling on a level surface. Anything else (like checking it with the engine cold and not running) will give seriously wrong results. I expect that is what happened to you.

When following the above rules, you want the oil level to be 1/2 way between the two marks you mention. Oil at the top mark can cause oil to be pushed up into the vent tube from the oil tank to the intake plenum, under certain conditions.

Oh, BTW, the dash gauge, while entertaining, should not be depended on as a definitive reading. "For Entertainment Purposes Only..."

RG Najarian

Thank You. I feel a lot better. I'll give it a try this evening. It would be nice if fixing the motor in my 1975 2.7 Targa was as easy.

DGaunt

BTDT too, if you have questions.

And, you're welcome.

green '72 911s

Hi there DGaunt, can you be more specific about the case of: "Oil at the top mark can cause oil to be pushed up into the vent tube from the oil tank to the intake plenum, under certain conditions."

I have just rebuilt my 2.4s motor and have a serious burning oil problem, white smoke immediately from start-up and no solution for the moment.. my oil tank seems full when I drain it - over 4 liters - and I am wondering if this is the cause.

I have had the oil tank rebuilt - there was a leak in it, maybe something could have been dislodged, or modified inside?

Ed Hughes

Who knows if this person is still around- this thread is 5 years old.

The point here is that oil should only be checked the engine fully warmed up, the car sitting level, and the engine running. Then the oil should be between the marks.

If you check the stick with the engine cold, not running and between the marks, you will be OVER-FILLED, and oil will be sucked into the intake, into the engine where it wont burn, and accumulate in the muffler, creating tons of smoke. Very much a mess at that time.

Search "oil check procedure" or refer to a manual.

Ed Hughes

When filling a totally empty motor(tank and case), best to start with 9 qts or so, warm it up, and add from there til the level is between the marks, until you know your engine's needs. I fill with 10, and add another 1/2 qt and check.

PS- if you have a new motor, you will get real good at changing oil-you really need to do that about 4 times in the first few hundred miles.

Arctic1

Following up on this with a question on oil consumption.

Did an oil change about 4000 miles ago. Gauges on the dash indicate that the level is done, but checking it on the dipstick shows that the oil level might have dropped from 1/2 way between the marks to 3/8 of the way between the marks.

I know that the gauages are not always to be trusted, but is this low level of oil consumption considered to be within normal ranges?

jb

Ed Hughes

The dipstick doesn't lie, provided you check it under consistent conditions. I'd not be concerned about "not burning enough oil".

redridge

Porsche states that 1 quart of oil burned in 700 miles is normal... crazy, but they are the experts.

ivangene

that and a set of tires in the same time interval and you are really getting everything out of your Porsche experience

Ed Hughes

That is too alleviate any owners thinking they are burning too much oil. Again, If my usage were minimal, and mine is these days, I don't mind at all. A well built motor with close tolerances shouldn't have to consume oil.

Arctic1

Definitely not concerned with the 'lack of oil usage' - pleasantly surprised. Just questioned since the experts had stated a higher consumption level.

Thanks all

Perhaps this thread will go dormant again.

jb

dshepp806

That's wild, isn't it?

Geeze,..when I change out my BP oil at 3K miles (over 4X the spec), I'm only using (tops) 2/5 of a quart,..and subsequently throw a party to the "oil-consumptions-gods......so far so good!

BEST!

Doyle

dshepp806

I guess the 700 miles spec is a "worst-case" condition? Or the expected usage?

Doyle