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Can you get a wrong reading if checking it after a spirited run?
Most already know this, but in case some don't: once the thermostat opens (when you see the temp needle suddenly drop), this opens up the entire cooling system to the engine. Now is when you get the entire quantity of oil up to temp, and this will be your accurate reading. But spirited driving or not, your oil dipstick tells you where you are so long as the car is idling on level ground. FWIW, I keep the level around halfway or lower on the dipstick to allow for expansion in the tank and a hedge against barfing oil out the filler cap.
Most already know this, but in case some don't: once the thermostat opens (when you see the temp needle suddenly drop), this opens up the entire cooling system to the engine. Now is when you get the entire quantity of oil up to temp, and this will be your accurate reading. But spirited driving or not, your oil dipstick tells you where you are so long as the car is idling on level ground. FWIW, I keep the level around halfway or lower on the dipstick to allow for expansion in the tank and a hedge against barfing oil out the filler cap.
Edward
any good tips on a clean wipe of the dipstick before reinsertion? Microfiber towel, paper towel? Hesitant to just use random anything as we know oil is the lifeline circulating in the 993 system.
any good tips on a clean wipe of the dipstick before reinsertion? Microfiber towel, paper towel? Hesitant to just use random anything as we know oil is the lifeline circulating in the 993 system.
You want advice on what to wipe the dipstick with? Wow. I take care of my cars but this is next level!
Oil expands with temp, without a proper warm up, overfills (1) are easy to do by interpreting the dipstick is reading low on oil that is not yet "hot". Then a spirted drive could uncover an overfill condition.
On my track 993, I have added an oil catch can in place of the oil to intake breather / vent (19). It is insightful how much oil vapor spirted driving will generate or how much a "full" oil tank can puke. I have come to see the purpose for proper dipstick level reading is to prevent overfill from the maintenance cycle variance in oil drain / change / refill (lots of variables), and then use dipstick to monitor oil level for use/loss (hopefully very little). Lubrication is more about pressure, oil quality, and staying above minimal volumes (don't starve pump) (15). Oil tank volume range can vary quite a bit and still achieve sufficient lubrication, the focus on getting the tank level right / sufficient is more about cooling / keeping the oil within its operating temperatures (6 & 7 & 17) (as to not break down chemically prematurely thus losing the lubrication benefits).
Not seen much in the forums on the topic, but an oil catch can "mod" could be added insurance to diminish the effects of / catch an oil change tank over fill, but one more thing to monitor / maintain.
love the cone. Thats contact experience right there aka. Im tired of stabbing my self with this thing when walking by and it right up there with track car tow hooks that always bit the shins.
love the cone. Thats contact experience right there aka. Im tired of stabbing my self with this thing when walking by and it right up there with track car tow hooks that always bit the shins.
