new purchase
 

Okay, so I just got myself a 356!

I have owned a 911SC and a 993 but never a 356. My first question is - do I check the oil the same way as I did with the other two?? Temp needs to be warm and dipstick checked with engine running?

Second, what about gas? Super?

I am sure I will have many more questions... thanks in advance.

I check my oil about 20 minutes after shutting down. You want it to have time to drip down into the sump.

For gas, use whatever you like, as long as it doesn't ping. Harry Pellow, (considered to be a 356 god) liked whatever Chevron was passing off as "gas" in California.

You may also want to subscribe ot the 356 Registry's (www.356registry.org) listserv 356Talk.

So you check the oil with the engine off??

I guess 356's do not have dry sump lubrication (oil tank) like 911's, which would mean you need to let the oil collect before checking it. Is that correct?

Oh, Congrats, pictures.

that is correct...912's are the same way. check the oil level cold. I check mine before taking it out every time.

sjd

I'm also new to the 356 world. Can somebody explain the function of the oil breather and the hoses coming out of it?

To let water vapor evaporate while the oil is hot...

356 Porsche factory manuals:
 

You may find some of the following of interest for your new
356:

356 PORSCHE FACTORY TECHNICAL INFORMATION AVAILABLE:
See samples of these items at the following website:

http://members.aol.com/_ht_a/DerWhite/Derwhites356LiteraturePage.htm

(A) 356 PORSCHE EXPLODED-VIEW PART DIAGRAM SETS:
Exploded-view part diagrams are the line drawings from the original factory parts books. They show all parts/all models in exploded-view format so you can see how parts go together. Great visual aid for restoration, assembly and
disassembly. Set comes in 3-ring binder. Sets are the line drawings only.
(1) 356-Pre-A Porsches (1950-1955), 51 pages-$14.
(2) 356-A Porsches (1956-1959), 74 pages-$17. (3)** 356-B T-5 Porsches (1960-1961), 72 pages-$17.
(4)** 356-B T-6 Porsches (Supplement to 356-B set)(1962-1963) 46 pages-$14.
(5)** 356-C Porsches (Supplement to 356-B set)(1964-1965) 42 pages-$14.
(6) COMPLETE SET, all years/models 1950-1965, 285 pages-$60.
**3 & 4 or 3 & 5 together in one binder-$25.

(B) 356 FACTORY WORKSHOP MANUALS:
These are "copies" of original factory workshop manuals, presented in 3-ring binders.
(1) Pre-A factory workshop manual, Pre-A cars 1950-1955, (copy) 350+ pages-$45.
(2) 356-A factory workshop manual, 356-A cars 1956-1959, (copy) 500+ pages-$65.
(3) 356-B/C factory workshop manual, 356 B T-5 cars 1960-1961, 356-B T-6 cars 1962-1963, & 356-C cars 1964-1965, (copy) 900+ pages-$85.

(C) COMPLETE 356 PORSCHE FACTORY PARTS BOOKS:
Complete parts books include exploded-view diagrams, part numbers and complete part descriptions, each presented in 3-ring binder.
(1) Complete "copy" 1953 Pre-A Porsche factory parts book-160+ pages-$35.
(2) Complete "copy" 1955 Pre-A Porsche factory parts book-350+ pages-$45.
(3) Complete "copy" 1956 356-A Porsche factory parts book-COMING SOON!
(4) Complete "copy" 1959 356-B Porsche factory parts book-1,016+ pages-$75.
(5) Complete "copy" 1962 356-B T-6 Supplements to the 356-B Parts Book-400+ pages-$45.
(6) Complete "copy" 1963 356-C Supplements to 356-B Parts book-300+ pages-$40.

(D) 356 PORSCHE COLOR-CODED WIRING DIAGRAM:
11" X 17" color reproduction of an original factory poster showing the color coded wiring diagram for a 356 B T-5 Porsche. Diagram is generally applicable to all 356 Porsches with minor variations-$7.

See additional items of 356 Porsche Technical information at:

http://members.aol.com/derwhite/356OddsEnds.html

Add $3.00 postage any oder in USA. Inquire about out-of-USA postage cost. All books in 3-ring binders. Your satisfaction guaranteed, or your money back. Call or email for additional information. To order, send note listing items wanted, personal checks welcome.

Charlie White
8639 E. Via de los Libros
Scottsdale, Arizona 85258 USA
Phone: 480-367-8097
Email: derwhite@aol.com