tt9714

As a relatively new '86 951 owner I became concerned when I noticed that my engine seemed to be consuming large amounts of oil (3 quarts in 2400 miles with Mobil 1 20W-50). There are a few very minor external leaks, so the majority of the oil must be going into the combustion chambers (no smoke from exhaust on acceleration).

I discussed this with my mechanic, and he said that Porsche factory spec. is 1 quart per 600-700 miles even for the new models. This surprised me, but it also suggested that my engine is "normal" at 1 quart/800 miles.

What has been the experience of other 951 owners regarding oil consumption?

John.

That is high.....but consider that synthetics will get burned more easily, especially in an older engine. Also, it is possible you are burning some through the turbocharger (unlikely if you don't see blue smoke). I would switch back to a conventional oil and see if there is a difference. If not, then you probably need new valve stem seals and or rings. If the engine still runs strong and does not smoke, I would run it and live with the oil consumption. $4.00 in oil every month or so isn't that big of a deal.

Dave

IIRC oil consumtion specs refer to how bad it can get before a rebuild, not whats normal. I'm at 1 qt/3000 mi. (Mobil 1 10w30), when I get below 1 qt/1000 mi., I'll start gathering rebuild parts.

nib5

up to 1.5 litres / 1000 km
or for those that don't want to do the math
3.3 US pints per 620 miles

944 owners manual

(it does seem a lot, but it is there in black and white)

TimC

I too have pretty high oil consumption. It slackened during hot Phoenix summer substantially, but is now back. At any rate, shop told me it's likely valve guide seals, but that really the consumption doesn't justify tearing into things to find out. At any rate, approx. 1/4 qt every tank of gas (300 miles the way I drive). The caveat being, the car has just started to register slightly lower oil p (i.e. goes to just below 5 instead of pegging, and drops after warm much sooner than it normally does) - this BETTER not be related. I still need to check archives, but at 60000 miles I am suspecting ground/electrical/gauge/sender problem before rebuild-type issue (esp as coolant temp is also reading slightly lower), at this point. I hope.

T

rangelica

I burn approx 1 quart (Mobil 1) every 800 - 1000 miles, and that seems to be normal.


Rick

'86 951 104,000 miles

Tabor

I have 125,000 miles on my 1987 944 NA. I burn less than 1 quart every 3,500 miles.