Tom Lawson

I have a 87 951 with 50,000 miles and just checked the dipstick which registered just above the minimal acceptance level. I had read that excessive oil level is not good so I decided to wait and while driving right after checking the dipstick the light came on. I immediately put a quart in and the dipstick rose to almost full and the light has not come back on. ? what is acutally being measured when the light comes on the oil pressure or oil level in a 87 T.

Also is it true that a level above the max on the dipstick is harmful?

Best Wishes

951and944S

The level and pressure are two different measurements, the level is measured by a sensor on the passenger side of the pan.
Measures actual oil level, make sure you're on level ground, if the light warns you of low level, by all means check it manually at the dipstick..!

Cheers

Renn 951

Better to be slightly overfull vs. not having enough oil. If you drive the car hard (like at track events) and the car is anywhere below the full mark you may be putting your #2 rod bearing at risk.

If you are overfull (and you probably have to be well overfull) you risk some damage to the catalytic converter. If you are underfull you risk serious damage to your engine. A new cat is a lot cheaper than a new engine!
<img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />

87951CJN

Being overfull can also blow out your crank main seals. So be careful.