86 911 trans oil check

[marc gifford]

I have a 1985 carrerra with 5 speed transmission. It is not shifting well and I have been told to check the oil level and even perhaps change the oil. How do I check the oil and what are your thoughts on changing the oil? There is 54k on the car.

Marc Gifford

[Scott R]

You should get Wayne's book 101 projects it's project #36. That being said you just need to jack the car up front and back, make sure it's level and then remove the fill plug. If it's full a little gear should come out when you remove the plug. The oil level should be at the same level as the fill plug.

Start with the fill plug then remove the drain if you're going to replace the oil. I can't tell how much changing it will help since my 915 shifts fine as it is, I did however drain and replace with Swepco for piece of mind.

My biggest shifting improvements came from replacing the shift coupler and all of the shifter bushings, along with adjusting the clutch, again per Waynes book.

[GrantG]

When the car is level, you should be able to open the fill plug (on the side of the gearbox - probably a female hex (allen) head. Fluid should be right up to the level of the hole or very slightly below (should get your finger wet if you insert it in the hole and point down).

Your 915 gearbox should be using Swepco (it's bright blue). If the current fluid is not blue, I'd drain and replace with Swepco.

[tonythetarga]

The fill level plug on the side of the tranny can be VERY difficult to remove. Just search this forum and you will see how many have had trouble getting this off. It takes a large allen head socket tool, 17mm, I think and enough room to get a good pull on the handle. Make sure the car is solidly on jack stands and made safe before you start reefing on it for all you're worth.