^ Bingo, previous owner overfilled and AOS let go on our Boxster. Serious smoke show on the Gardiner! I looked for every possible way to add a dipstick but no luck.

 

Yup. That's why checking right after you filled up with gas, always shows the oil level lower than it actually is. As I previously wrote, wait about 1/2 hour after your last drive and then use the electronic gauge and you will get a more accurate reading...as long as you're parked on a level surface.

 

for the most accurate way to track oil usage keep your measuring conditions consistent to minimize the variables. I check the gauge before the first start of the day and show 3 bars down.

 

how can you check before the first start? you have to wait till warmed up . I look forward to adding the gt3 dipstick when my engine comes out...not looking forward to the engine out thought

 

For my car 3 bars low cold is the same as 1 low hot. I have compared them enough that I'm comfortable with the conversion.
As long as the morning check is consistent day to day I'm happy, I'll worry when the readings are out of norm.
I use the dipstick weekly come to think of it I also use a tire pressure gauge, old habits die hard I guess.

 

This is the key , understanding what your car is telling you ..

Just like they say on air cooled must be checked at above 170 deg Fahrenheit ..

Imagine trying to get your car to 170 deg Fahrenheit in an air cooled car in February in Canada. you have to know what it is at say 130 and do the conversion. Otherwise you would not be able to check your oil in 3 months.

 

This is true on ANY vehicle.

In a dry sump it is even less important. The level can vary much more with less problems.

 

So do dipsticks rule? lol

 

I hae a client with a 996.2, AO/S let go at a track day.. He brought it in and I changed it. A few days later he went to another shop where they over filled it and guess what happened on the track? Smoke show out the tail pipes...

Worst I've seen was a Pennzoil type place that poured in 10L of oil on a 996T and not draining the tank, only the crank case.

Yes and they always will.

 

Hey Rob,
Mobil 1 and I would say 1/2 litre every 1,000 km. My understanding is it is the turbos that burn a little off.