Mechanic underfilled oil
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 30
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From: Fife, UK and Bangkok, Thailand
Mechanic underfilled oil
Hi guys,
Recently acquired 981 Cayman S and already feeling quite nervous about recent oil service at a specialist where mechanic put in roughly 5.5litres of mobil1 before starting the car and letting it idle to warm up (for a while must I say) in order to check oil level.
no test drive was performed but it was left sat idling for 15-20 minutes.
The screen then indicated Min. Level reached with 5 empty bars and yellow oil symbol lit.
Mechanic then topped oil to 4/5 of indicates bars.
Could they have damaged the engine in the long run?
thanks
Recently acquired 981 Cayman S and already feeling quite nervous about recent oil service at a specialist where mechanic put in roughly 5.5litres of mobil1 before starting the car and letting it idle to warm up (for a while must I say) in order to check oil level.
no test drive was performed but it was left sat idling for 15-20 minutes.
The screen then indicated Min. Level reached with 5 empty bars and yellow oil symbol lit.
Mechanic then topped oil to 4/5 of indicates bars.
Could they have damaged the engine in the long run?
thanks
Last edited by V987S; Sep 6, 2020 at 09:02 AM.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 201
Likes: 11
From: Carol Stream, IL
I'm no engine expert, but I don't see how the scenario you describe could have damaged the engine. If there was so little oil that the oil pressure warning light came on, then I would be a little more concerned.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From: Fife, UK and Bangkok, Thailand
Thanks guys
very comforting to know!
The mechanic was initially hesitant when asked about the exact number of litres he had put in.
He initially said he had put in 6 to 6.5 litres (6.3-6.8 quarts).
But I was present when the car was idling with the Min. Reached and oil light lit, so he said there was around 2 to 2.5 liters (2.1-2.6 quarts) left in the second 4-litre Mobil 1 bottle.
so logically I hope he did put in at least 5.2 quarts in the first fill then top up the remaining after idling the car.
very comforting to know!
The mechanic was initially hesitant when asked about the exact number of litres he had put in.
He initially said he had put in 6 to 6.5 litres (6.3-6.8 quarts).
But I was present when the car was idling with the Min. Reached and oil light lit, so he said there was around 2 to 2.5 liters (2.1-2.6 quarts) left in the second 4-litre Mobil 1 bottle.
so logically I hope he did put in at least 5.2 quarts in the first fill then top up the remaining after idling the car.
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Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Temecula, CA
Agreed, that’s what my porsche tech does too, it insures that you don’t overfill which can cause issues. Although typically he’s only off by a quart
Last edited by Marine Blue; Sep 6, 2020 at 12:49 PM.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From: Fife, UK and Bangkok, Thailand
Thanks again, guys
I think it was off by a little more than 2 quarts
car was started and left to idle for 20 minutes, then oil was topped off
now I think I can sleep well!
I think it was off by a little more than 2 quarts
car was started and left to idle for 20 minutes, then oil was topped off
now I think I can sleep well!
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Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,994
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From: Edwardsville, IL
Agree with above.
Hardest part is backing the car on ramps.
Oil changes are otherwise not bad at all.
Rennlist can always help with any small detail if there is a problem.
Welcome!
Hardest part is backing the car on ramps.
Oil changes are otherwise not bad at all.
Rennlist can always help with any small detail if there is a problem.
Welcome!
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From: Fife, UK and Bangkok, Thailand
would underfilling by 2.5 quarts reduce oil pressure?
Last edited by V987S; Sep 6, 2020 at 02:46 PM.
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From: Charlotte, NC
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From: Fife, UK and Bangkok, Thailand
I hope I am not being hypersensitive but have noticed cold starts are pretty loud (ticking noise sounds much louder than my old 987.1S)
is this normal for cold starts? Car does this almost every cold start now.
is this normal for cold starts? Car does this almost every cold start now.
