SC Using too much oil

[KingSalmon]

I just bought a 78 SC Targa for my first ever Porsche. This car runs great, looks great, and it is a blast learning how to drive it. It is stock except the Carrara Valve covers. 147000 miles. My biggest problem at the moment is it uses a lot of oil. Approximately 1 qt every 350 miles. It leaks a little and does not smoke at all. I do smell burnt oil in the garage after a drive or when I turn on the heater.
What it is leaking on the ground might add up to 1/2 qt in a 1000 miles.

Any ideas where the oil is going ? Could it be leaking onto a hot manafold and burning without hitting the ground ? I don't notice smoke coming out of the motor compartment.

The PO told me to put Valvoline 20/50 in it. I've been reading on this web site a lot and I think my car is the only one in the world using Valvoline.

I am due to change the oil pretty soon. Using this much I don't really want to use expensive oil. What do you guys recommend I use.

Thanks

[Rot 911]

You need to do a leak down and compression test. I suspect your valve guides, in particular your exhaust valve guides, are shot and the oil is getting sucked into the exhaust without burning, hence no smoke.

[nostatic]

Originally posted by KingSalmon

The PO told me to put Valvoline 20/50 in it. I've been reading on this web site a lot and I think my car is the only one in the world using Valvoline.

I am due to change the oil pretty soon. Using this much I don't really want to use expensive oil. What do you guys recommend I use.

I use Valvoline. No worries there. As for "expensive", considering the other costs associated with owning/running an old 911, a quart of oil every week/month is the least of your worries...

[juanbenae]

people who know use valvoline, and i know.....

[Paulporsche]

How is your oil pressure?

It is possible you are leaking some. Check under the engine. Look at the oil cooler and the oil return tubes. Check the oil temp sender unit; they often leak. It's possible oil is leaking down onto your heat exchangers and smoking.

I see you are new to 911s. Do you know the correct way to read the oil level?

More important than the brand of oil is the weight. I think your mech was telling you to use the thicker oil so the engine wouldn't be so prone to leaking. Also, in your case, I think sticking to dino oil is best. I use synthetic 20W50 in my '80 engine, but I don't have leaks.

[KobaltBlau]

Originally posted by KingSalmon
The PO told me to put Valvoline 20/50 in it. I've been reading on this web site a lot and I think my car is the only one in the world using Valvoline.

I use valvoline VR-1 Racing 20W-50. I think it's a really good Dino.

[vash]

fairfield? hey you are relatively close.

i bet you are leaking more than you think. i dont smell oil when i am done driving. get under there and take a peek. tell us what you see. if it is clean, do what kurt says.

[KingSalmon]

I changed the tranny fluid the other day to Swepco. What a difference in shifting, very good. I got that info from here.

I did not notice much oil under the motor. It will put down about 6 drops in 6 different locations on the floor in the garage after a run. Doesn't seem to be a lot.

I read the owners manual and check the oil with those instructions. Warm Idle with the gauge or the dip stick. The oil pressure reads 5 when I'm up on RPM's but stays around 4 during normal cruise.

I found a Porsche mechanic in Crockett, Ca.
PBR Restorations anyone of you guys from California heard of them.

Keep the comments coming. This web site is great and I think I'm falling in love with a car.

[Wil Ferch]

Do a search on a post or two I made on this subject. You (maybe) might still be suffering from "apparent" high oil consumption if you're procedure is to fill to the "full" mark on the stick. This can contribute to that problem. If you're filling to the mid level ( preferred)...then you have more "real" things to chase down.
---Wil

[cyprusx]

Make sure it is HOT not just warm. Get it hot enough so that the thermostat opens up and the oil is circulating though the system. Starting it up and running it for a couple minutes will not get it HOT enough to check the oil level. Just an FYI.