Oil bonaza

dynevahn · 05-08-2006, 03:38 PM

Ok guys Im so confused. I got my 930 a few days ago, I put 9 qts of oil in the engine and ran it today, the oil guage showed it was on empty, I checked the dipstick and it showed it was about empty. I know that 9 qts of oil didnt dissapear, it didn't leak out. I just put 2 qts in and the dipstick showed its between min and max. Does it register as being empty if your 2 qts low?

DG624 · 05-08-2006, 03:47 PM

Do you have any leaks...or do you have any smoke? If you changed your oil and filter you should have to put in around 10 quarts. If you measured the oil before it warmed up or when the engine was off you will not have an accurate reading. Also measure on level ground.

The oil gauge is not very accurate if not on level ground. I would check the level (when running and warm) after a few days. There may be some lost if you fill it to the top so be happy with a level below full.

Jim Sims · 05-08-2006, 03:59 PM

You really need to obtain and read the owner's manual and some other references before you do much more work on your car - air cooled Porsche cars have some significant differences from other cars.

The oil level dash gage is unreliable; use the dipstick to check the oil level with the engine warmed up, idling and parked on the level. The oil level should be about half-way between the marks under these conditions. Typically 9 or 10 quarts of oil is added after an oil change where one has drained both the oil tank and the engine sump. Then when the engine is warmed the level is checked and then additional oil is added to get mid-way between the marks. 11 total quarts may be too much by about 1/2 a quart. If you changed the oil filter hopefully you installed a new Mahle or Porsche oil filter with the appropriate internal features.

dynevahn · 05-08-2006, 04:22 PM

yes its a mahle oil filter. When I stopped at the gas station after driving it for 30 minutes I checked the dipstick and there was nothing on it. I knew if I drove that car 30 minutes without oil it would have blown up.

plymouthcolt · plymouthcolt's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by Jim Sims
You really need to obtain and read the owner's manual and some other references before you do much more work on your car - air cooled Porsche cars have some significant differences from other cars.

The oil level dash gage is unreliable; use the dipstick to check the oil level with the engine warmed up, idling and parked on the level. The oil level should be about half-way between the marks under these conditions. Typically 9 or 10 quarts of oil is added after an oil change where one has drained both the oil tank and the engine sump. Then when the engine is warmed the level is checked and then additional oil is added to get mid-way between the marks. 11 total quarts may be too much by about 1/2 a quart. If you changed the oil filter hopefully you installed a new Mahle or Porsche oil filter with the appropriate internal features.

I second this...and please read your owners manual. Unlike other cars the 911 manual does actually contain important information.

911 in SC · 05-08-2006, 04:45 PM

Since I'm a newbie myself, I felt it may be important to remind you that you should check your oil level while the car is running and up to normal operating temperature. Please disregard if you already knew this...

Eagledriver · 05-08-2006, 07:57 PM

The answer to you question is no you're not out of oil if the dipstick is dry. The dipstick only reads the top 2 or 3 quarts. If you have oil pressure then you have oil in the tank. Running below the marks on the dipstick is dangerous because you could run the tank dry under certain conditions and then you'd lose pressure and destroy the engine.

-Andy

dynevahn · 05-08-2006, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Eagledriver
The answer to you question is no you're not out of oil if the dipstick is dry. The dipstick only reads the top 2 or 3 quarts. If you have oil pressure then you have oil in the tank. Running below the marks on the dipstick is dangerous because you could run the tank dry under certain conditions and then you'd lose pressure and destroy the engine.

-Andy

you answered my question exactly. thank you

Wil Ferch · 05-09-2006, 05:21 AM

*Required* reading for 911/oil newbies -->

Oil guage goes into the RED!!

Oil Gage Reading

Suddenly getting low oil level???

Oil/Fuel in Airbox on 911 SC please HELP

- Wil

wholberg · wholberg's Garage

The owner's manual on my Carrera says that the difference between the high and low mark on the dipstick is about 1.8 US quarts. This it the top two quarts out of more that 12 quart capacity. My typical oil change requires 10-10.5 quarts, if I change the oil filter (which I always do). It sounds to me like your 930 was just about out of oil. Maybe the PO took it to Jiffy Lube and they only added 5 quarts.

Incidentally, my oil level guage seems to be the exception in that it show the dipstick level almost exactly.

Check the oil every gas tank full until you get a feeling for how much oil your car burns. My Carrera burns 1 qt every 600 miles or so. Most of the old 911's burn a little oil.

Wil Ferch · 05-09-2006, 07:39 AM

I've noted it before...the gauge/ dipstick should match...the gauge is not "inaccurate". It is actually very accurate and protrays the comings-'n-goings within the oil tank. The level does indeed bounce around as you get on/off the gas and you get to/from idle RPM's......

- Wil

911 in SC · 05-09-2006, 03:18 PM

I have to agree. My oil gauge and dipstick are pretty close. I'd say 'perfect', but we all know nothings' perfect...