How many quarts of oil?

Argeo · 07-27-2005, 03:03 AM

How many quarts of oil should I be using on my 77 3.0. I added 11 quarts when I did the change. I took the car out for it's first semi long run (Approx 15 miles) and when I got back I checked the oil. Didn't even register on the stick. I am wondering if it had to do with the stock oil cooler I have in the front fender. It has always been there but the lines going to it before were crushed so don't know much actually got there. I added a quart this morning with the car cold and checked cold (which I know isn't right) and it still didn't register. The temps were 80c on a 95 degree day so that was good, no noticable smoking, no puddles under the car since I out back together.

Any ideas?

Thanks,

David

livi · 07-27-2005, 03:44 AM

My newbie comment:

My 85 Carrera took a little more than 10 litres to make it mid point on the stick.
I did notice, however, what everybody say that its paramount that the engine is fully warmed up before taking measure. In may car usually takes more than 15 miles and the difference between fully and allmost fully warmed up is incredible on the stick (and the gauge).

But let the people in know have there saying before listen to me..

KCPSG · KCPSG's Garage

I just changed my oil yesterday and it took 10 qts, it measures a little low @ around 140* and just a bit over half way on the dip stick when fully warm (around 190*) I would think the amount of oil would be nearly the same between our cars. JMO

Ron.G · 04:17 AM

My 80 sc takes 12 twelve quarts to bring it to a little more than half way on the stick.

KCPSG · KCPSG's Garage

yup....you definitely need to have the car running

Ron.G · 07-27-2005, 04:19 AM

I changed my post cause I saw he was a senior member. Figured he must no that and didn't want to insult anyone.

But ya, check your oil with the engine running and up to temp.

Argeo · 07-27-2005, 04:36 AM

Well, being a senior member the correct answer is 12 quarts.

I have done this 4 times now in 4 years and I thought I always have added 11 but as I mentioned not sure if oil was flowing to the front cooler. I did check at operating last night (as I always do) with engine running. Stick was dry. This morning's try was just an attempt to see if it was even close to showing any signs of oil.

I guess I will have to add more oil and run and look for a significant leak. Maybe under load it is squirting out someplace not by chance not pointing towards anything hot that would smoke.

This whole thing has been insane. I am not sure what I did to upset the Porsche gods, but they obviously don't want me driving.
Maybe tapping a non metric bolt onto the car upset someone.

David

Paulporsche · 07-27-2005, 06:20 AM

Once the engine is warmed up, did you check (carefully) for heat coming off the cooler? If it is hot, then you have oil there. Get the engine up to 180, check the level, turn it off if low, put in 1 qt and check again w/ engine running. Remember the marks on the stick are 2 qt apart.

Argeo · 07-27-2005, 06:33 AM

Thanks Paul, I didn't know the 2 quart rule.

Take care.

Argeo · 07-28-2005, 02:50 AM

And the new correct answer is 14 quarts (maybe 15) with a bone dry system. I took my lines and oil cooler off and drained them also. I don't think they drain during a regular oil change so that is a bit more oil that needs to be added.

David

BReyes · BReyes's Garage

It is important to take your reading with the engine at normal operating temperatures, and on a level surface. The gauge helps but, you must check the stick to be certain. That is the only way to get an accurate reading.

I use 11 or 12 qts normally on an oil change, and do it so that I can add more after checking it, so as to not over fill it. I added 17 qts to my dry system on my last rebuild.

Good luck.

Regards,

Argeo · 07-28-2005, 10:44 AM

I got the oil up to the stick last night cold. I didn't run because it was late and the car is loud. From what I was told, the car should be around the mimimum line when cold. When the car warms up, the level should go to normal. I do know to check when warm, that is how I noticed the problem to begin with. My hours are such that sometimes I can't start up for days for repair work.

David

Paulporsche · 07-28-2005, 11:21 AM

David, It doesn't even matter what the level is when cold. When you can, drive the car (below 4000rpm) until about 180F. Then stop on level ground and check the dipstick w/ the engine idling. Your revs may drop when you remove the oil cap, which is OK.

Argeo · 07-28-2005, 11:25 AM

I was just using it as a guide. I will check when warm.

Paulporsche · 07-28-2005, 11:36 AM

You want to be about half way between the marks.

Bill Verburg · Bill Verburg's Garage

My '76 C3 always took 12qts. when it was stock