Doug&Julie

Drove my '88 to work this morning. It's 26 degrees right now (but supposed to get into the 40s) I noticed my oil gauge never got above the red mark. Last time I drove it (two or three weeks ago) it was comfortably in the middle of the gauge. I also noticed the engine temp never really rose above the first white bar.

Now, in general, I know how to read a 911 oil gauge...level ground, engine at idle and at operating temps...but what is considerend operating temps? Could this low reading be due to a cold engine? And would a similar cold engine have an effect on checking the oil at the stick? (Which I'll do when I get home tonight)

Thanks for the input. <img border="0" alt="[byebye]" title="" src="graemlins/wave.gif" />

Bill Gregory

Doug,

The oil temp needs to be in the 180-190 degree range, which is the low end of normal engine temps (normal roughly 180-210), before the oil gauge starts to move up to reflect oil volume. The answer to your two questions is yes, outside air temp can influence the speed of engine and oil warming, and thus gauge reading and oil level on the dip stick.

Dave Thomas

I'm having the same experience with my '88 Carrera. I believe the oil just isn't getting fully warmed up. Just to confirm, I let the car idle until the temp gauge was normal, and the level was perfect. I'd consider this to be normal.

Doug&Julie

Thanks guys, I'll just keep an eye on it. It's due for a change next month anyway!

Cheers....