oil level

joeybscarface · 02-13-2009, 10:59 AM

I have a 1971 911 with original 2.2 engine. The problem/question I have is that I can’t seem to know where the oil level is. I know to check on level ground when car is warm.

After a hard run last night, I checked the oil and I still don’t know where the level is. The oil gauge shows 7 but I know not to trust it. I pull the short oil stick several times, with deferent levels every time. Also, when the car has sat for a day or so, there is absently no oil on the stick.

The last oil change was done 800 miles ago.

Any thoughts would be great. Thank you

E Sully · E Sully's Garage

You say you are checking the oil level when the engine is warm. Are you checking the level with the engine warm and running? If the engine is shut off you will not get an accurate reading, the oil will settle into the sump. It must be idling steady for about a minute or so. The reading should be halfway between the marks, if it is near the top mark it is a bit high.
Ed

joeybscarface · 02-13-2009, 03:37 PM

Thank you Ed. Yes the car is warm/hot and idiling for about a minute. As for the marks on the dipstick...there is no marks. The dipstick is short with no markings. Nevertheless the oil is at the lower end of the stick, but how do i now if I should add more oil?

E Sully · E Sully's Garage

My 1973.5 is marked min and max. I believe yours might only have 2 notches. Basicaly the bottom of the dipstick is the low level. You should find some kind of mark a couple of inches above that. Our host has a reproduction dipstick and if you click more info and images there is a picture of one with notches in it.

joeybscarface · 02-17-2009, 09:24 AM

Thank you E.

JFairman · 02-17-2009, 10:00 AM

You're saying the oil is "warm"?
Oil expands with heat and should be at operating temp, or as hot as it's going to get when you check it. That usually takes around 20 minutes of driving.
Make sure the external thermostat has opened and the front oil cooler is hot if your car has one.

E Sully · E Sully's Garage

Your welcome Joe. This is a pic of mine. The min dot is 1cm from the bottom, and the max is 7.4cm from the bottom. The span is about 2.5 inches. Never fill to the max.
Good luck, Ed