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If they are doing a little "science project", they should at least do a little research. WD-40 is a solvent. It has no lubricating properties. What it will do is convert old grease and solidified oil into more of a liquid state, which gives it the appearance of being a lubricant. That engine was doomed as soon as they poured it in.
On a side note, my personal experience is that your 996 will run well on several different viscosities of quality oil. My 996 was run hard as a tire tester for the first 42k miles of its life. It now has 92k miles. Up until it's last oil change, it ALWAYS ran with Mobil1 15W50. This is actually the viscosity for the air cooled cars. I tracked it at Road Atlanta on Wednesday with Driven XP9 10W40. The first time it has not run 15W50. I live in South Carolina where it is hot a lot, so I am more comfortable with running a higher viscosity oil.
There are a bunch of threads on oil. Read some of them and do what makes you comfortable.
For my 996 I only use Porsche approved lubricants.
With 51 modes of failure and growing only a Dealer, certified mechanic and "Factory" fluids are allowed to touch my ride.
The 996 is to delicate to attempt DIY service.
51 modes of failure?lol, Is that the official Raby number? I was thinking it was 31 or something. I'm thinking of starting a list to see may many we can officially come with as a group collectively..