Easy Answer, How much Oil

[GotaT]

Ive got a 2.4L car and Im not sure if the oil cooler is for the 2.4 eng or the original 2.2 that came in the 71 car. I think its for the 2.4. It has a Metal line that raps around the engine, and is 2 parts from oil tank to engine case.. if that helps.
My question is how much oil is required for this engine. I originally thought 8 quarts, but the 8 quarts only indicate about 5 on the interior guage. Whats the best way for me to ensure I'm running w/ the right amt of oil... Of course I dont want to put Too much.

[Jim Sims]

Do you have an external oil cooler with metal/rubber lines running under the right rocker panel forward to the passenger side front wheel well?

[SP2]

I believe if you are doing an oil change it would be 9.5 quarts. Don't worry about the interior gauge. Just get the car good and hot, leave it idling, then check the dipstick. You want it half way to the maximum line. That's how I do it, at least.

[GotaT]

No external oil cooler. 9.5 ! thats basically what I've been putting but I was concerned it may have been too much. Thanks


Why does the guage read from 5 to 8 if it requires 9.5?

[Eagledriver]

The tank holds about 8 quarts and the sump has the other 1.5 when you change the oil. Since you don't put oil in the sump you put all 9.5 in the tank during an oil change. The excess will end up in the sump either by draining as the car sits or when you start it.

-Andy

[GotaT]

So then is it true that the guage is only reading what is In the Tank?... .. I recently put 9.5 quts and my guage only showed 5, What should I do to "fix" the guage?.. however, sometimes it shows the full 8 quts. Thanks

[javadog]

The gauge may be fine; you just may be misinterpreting it. It only measures the level of the oil in the tank. When the engine is running, obviously not all of the oil is in the tank. Don't worry so much about absolute numbers.

First, check your oil level using the dipstick. This is the only thing that really matters. The engine must be running and at normal operating temperature. If you get the oil level correct in the tank, then take a look at where the guage indicates the oil level to be, with the engine running, at idle, on flat ground and at full operating temperature. Don't worry about what the absolute value is. The gauge just gives you a rough idea of where the oil level is and isn't very useful in actual operation.

Another thing to consider is the oil capacity of a 911 wasn't exactly the same over the years. There were different oil tanks and other things that affect how much oil is replaced when changing the oil. The only number that is important to you is how much yours holds. Also, not everybody keeps their oil level at the same place on the dipstick, so when they tell you how much to put in, it may not be what your car/engine combination needs.

If all else fails, read the owner's manual for your car. If you don't have one, track one down and buy it. There's usually nothing wrong with running the car like it tells you in the manual. Sorry if this sounds a bit obvious but you'd be surprised at how many people never read the manual to learn about their cars.

Hope this was helpful,
JR

[javadog]

Something else I should have emphasized...when driving the car, the oil level shown on the gauge will be lower with increasing engine rpm. It will also be very temperature dependent. The level will rise as the oil gets hotter. The only time you should read the gauge is with the engine running, at idle, on flat ground and at full operating temperature. All other readings are not accurate. This is normal and when you understand how the oil systems works, it will make sense.

JR

[GotaT]

Sounds fine to me and makes complete sense. Thanks for the explanation. .. Just as a devils advocate type questions... Lets say one had a 2.2 motor w/ a 2.4 oil tank and filled the oil to the proper dipstick measurment... would it be possible that this would be Too full for the 2.2 motor? .. And visa versa 2.4 motor w/ 2.2 oil tank - too little... If the tank sizes are the same then the questioning is incorrect, and I already understand the answer. Thanks

[javadog]

Fill the level according to the tank you have. It makes no difference if the engine has been changed.

JR

[GotaT]

Thanks!