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oil overfill and white smoke

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Old 07-04-2009 | 10:10 PM
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hepw
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Default oil overfill and white smoke

I changed oil and filter on my 1986 carrera. The manual said it holds 10.5 quarts and that is what I filled in. The engine was not hot at the time I changed oil and I read later that teh engine should be hot for an oil change
I started the motor after the oil change and a lot of white smoke came out of the exhaust. I heard before that overfill happens a lot with porsche and the white smoke could be a sign of it. Checked the stick and it showed oil about two inch above the high mark. I drained about 4 quarts of oil after that. I asked a chevy car mechanic and he said a head gasket could be blown and thats where the white smoke comes from.
What to do now to keep the motor from blowing white smoke?
Old 07-04-2009 | 10:23 PM
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old man neri
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The chevy mechanic is assuming that you have a water cooled car. You don't. You over filled it with oil. Now you have to do some clean up. Then intake is probably soaked. Also, just so you know, there is only one way to check the oil level in that car and that is : 1) engine at proper operating temperature, 2) car on level ground, 3) Car running and have been idling for at least 30 seconds.
Old 07-04-2009 | 11:06 PM
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hep you REALLY need to get a manual or at least do some searches here ....
this has been discussed quite few times but here we go .. did you know you have 2 oil drain plugs ? one in the oil tank and one in the crankcase.

after draining and replacing your filter , put about 7 or so back in , go for a drive , get it thoroghly warmed up and while idling check your oil level on level ground.
then top off as needed
as far as the clean up goes listen to MAt . i have an SC so mine is different. I imagine you need some kind of throtle body cleaner now , and your plugs will most likely be fouled. You can certainly dump some techron in the tank to clean things up.
look at the bight side you probably killed every mosquito for about a hundred miles

welcome aboard and post pics
Old 07-05-2009 | 12:24 AM
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Originally Posted by theiceman
hep you REALLY need to get a manual or at least do some searches here ....
this has been discussed quite few times but here we go .. did you know you have 2 oil drain plugs ? one in the oil tank and one in the crankcase.
My thoughts exactly, that's the only way he could have that much oil showing on the 'stick, after putting in 10 1/2.

The manual suggestion is key. Try the Bentley for starters. You're not playing with a Chevy here, if you screw something up or make a big error, they can get real expensive fast.

Oh, and don't talk to that mechanic about your 911 any more.
Old 07-05-2009 | 03:28 AM
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Best of luck learning the tricks of the 911. One should ALWAYS read the owners' manual first. It discusses much of this. Along with the manual, and the very good Bentley manual, get together with the Porsche Club of America (PCA) and go talk to the old timers with these cars.

The 911 is a very simple car, really. Even if you overfill it a bit, it will sort itself out in time, but learn how to do your own changes so that you avoid this mess in the future.

What I recommend is to go find yourself a nice light colored 5-gallon paint container (the plastic variety) and then measure underneath your car how much of the top of that container you will need to cut off to make it fit under the engine and the reservoir for oil drainage. (The height of the thing should be about 7-5/8 inches). Inscribe on the inside of it a line at every two quarts. Then you'll know what you drain out of that engine each time.

First, empty the oil reservoir,--it comes out fast! Then without emptying the container, take out the engine plug. You'll get nearly 11 quarts. Put your plugs back in, and refill it with the same quantity, as long as it was about right before. I used to change my oil when I was down a quart or two myself, using that as an excuse to change the oil. Follow the manual as far as the engine temperature, car's position (level) and when idling, check that oil level on the stick.

These engines DO produce white smoke at times when they have been allowed to sit for awhile. (Much oil collects in places where when it starts it burns that stuff off).

Even if your area hasn't got an active PCA club, you can always post questions on the national site and get answers very quickly.
Old 07-05-2009 | 02:50 PM
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Every poster above has added an element that completes the answer to your question. Nice job Rennlisters!

You now have what you need, so buy those books and check out the DIY portion of this site. Unless I am mistaken, you need to be a member to use search and get access to DIY - correct? If so, it is worth the price of entry IMHO... I spent YEARS on Rennlist doing searches and not posting. It was and still is my #1 technical reference for DIY.

These are fun cars, but there are some "tricks" to learn about maintenance...

Good luck, and post some pics!

- B
Old 07-05-2009 | 05:57 PM
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Spend the time to clean the mess that's happened up top with the filter, AFM, etc. She needs no oil coatings up there!!

You'll get it......no worries...it's been done before,.....

Get those manuals in hand.....many here to help you.

Best,

Doyle
Old 03-04-2011 | 11:26 AM
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Do you really have to drain the extra oil or can you let the Porsche run for a while to burn off the extra?

I overfilled my 911 with oil. I get a lot of white smoke for about a minute then everything is fine. Is my 911 in danger?
Old 03-04-2011 | 11:52 AM
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you MUST remove the oil

your motor does not want extra oil and it "can" cause major problems depending on how much extra is in there....you can suck the oil out... no need to drain it ALL out...get a little pump for ~$10

looks like once every couple years someone does this....that OP makes me think he only dropped one plug....I hope he didnt blow the head gasket and suck water out of the radiators
Old 03-04-2011 | 12:27 PM
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What kind of pump do I need? and where would I get one?
Old 03-04-2011 | 12:28 PM
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dropped one plug? did I blow a head gasket? please elaborate...
Old 03-04-2011 | 12:43 PM
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I was thinking something like this available at any autoparts store.. you can put a hose on the pickup end too



as for the "dropped one plug" comment... he said (the OP) that he overfilled at 10.5 qts... there are (2) drain plugs... my guess was he only drained one....that would be a LOT of oil left!!!

there are no head gaskets - or water / radiators.. the "chevy guy" suggested a blown head gasket...its like saying your ABS need bleeding....you dont have one

ala me be a smart a$$
Old 03-04-2011 | 12:52 PM
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will it hurt the 911 is I drive to the autoparts store to pick up the pump and return home to do the pumping? or should I leave the car where it is and take a different vehicle as not to put anymore stress on my 911?
Old 03-04-2011 | 12:55 PM
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i hate it when all that oil gets into your cylinder and you try to compress it with a piston .. can really ruin your day ..PUMP IT OUT ..
Old 03-04-2011 | 01:04 PM
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another question, how much oil can I over fill it. The oil pressure was extremely low. I added 5.25 quarts. I know a 911 usually takes 10+ quarts. Is it possible the place that holds the oil, let me put in more than 10 quarts? Did that make sense?


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