1972 911 No oil in oil tank

[okie9elf]

After changing oil engine was at warmed to operating temperature. Checked oil with engine running on level surface. Dip stick showed over full after checking several times. Decided to drain some oil out of the tank.

Ended up waiting several months before draining oil. Car was parked on lift so I raised it up and removed the drain plug. Only a small amount oil drained from the tank. Car hasn't leaked any so all oil must be in the engine sump. Is this normal?

[PeteKz]

After sitting long enough, the oil slowly drains into the engine sump. Use a big drain pan when you open the engine drain plug.

How many miles on the engine?

[stownsen914]

Especially when sitting for longer periods, oil can migrate from the tank to the engine by seeping past the oil pump. Basically the oil level in the tank equalizes with that in the engine. It’s pretty normal, and should rectify shortly after starting. If you’re concerned it’s too low, you could crank a few times to prime the emptying process. And just verify normal oil pressure on startup.

[rowingone]

Oil will drain to the sump if the car is sitting a while . . but shouldn't empty the oil tank . . I have a one way check valve near my oil tank so it won't drain while sitting. I suspect you drained too much out and were low and then what was left drained into the sump. No worries . . get the right amount of oil in there this time . . my tank splashes too much to get an accurate reading so I shut off the motor after getting to temp and quickly check the level then. Always measure the amount you put in to keep it close to correct. If the car sits for more than a few weeks at a time I would get a check valve for your oil tank line.

[stownsen914]

If you decide to fire it up, make sure to put some oil in the tank first, as that’s the main supply to the engine. You’ll probably need to adjust the level again after it equilibrates

[Bobboloo]

If your car still has the MFI then smell the drained oil. If it has a strong fuel odor then the injection pump is diluting the oil with gas. This will cause premature engine wear and needs to be addressed. It will also cause you to go through oil very quickly and risk running low.