oil level gauge problem

[Kevin4053]

Hello all.While driving today my oil level gauge went to zero.The oil pressure is good and the dip stick is ok.Earlier today everything was fine.Could this be a sender problem? I hope that's all it is. Cheers
Kevin

[livi]

Welcome !

As you know, the oil level gauge is only reliable idling on level ground and full operating temperature. While driving much oil is pumped from the tank into the engine - level gauge often down on red. Unless overfilled from the start of course. Hence, on the move the level will fluctuate a lot depending on acc / brake, turning etc. But usually shows very low readings.

Of course if your gauge 'normally' show a higher reading and just at that described moment suddenly drop it could point to some kind of issue.

[bigchillcar]

instantaneous sure sounds like a sender issue..unless you experienced catastrophic loss of oil, which would have become obvious rather quickly..
ryan

[Wil Ferch]

or....it could be perfectly normal....you say "while driving"...what happens on level ground, at idle , at temp ??

- Wil

[IROC]

This same thing happened to me years ago. Turned out to the be the sending unit.

Mike

[bigchillcar]

mike and i are in agreement here..sure sounds like the sender. how would you respond to wil's questions though?
ryan

[Pingo]

The gauge usually pops right to the top when the sender fails. I've just replaced my defective sender so I know first hand....

[bigchillcar]

kevin..pull the gauge free in the cockpit and check your connections.
ryan

[Wil Ferch]

If it behaves properly during an "idle check...like you do when you check oil level properly...then all is fine...that is why I ask. As soon as you start driving, and RPM's pick up...it all goes into the red zone because of the difference in capacity between the pressure side and scavange side of the pump...

- Wil

[Kevin4053]

Thanks for your answers.To answer Wil's question...at idle on level ground and at operating temp the gauge is around the centre normally.I hope to see my mechanic this morning .As a new Porsche owner it is a little disconcerting so hopefully everything is fine.I will let you know how I get on.Cheers

[bigchillcar]

kevin,
at idle, level, op temp..the gauge should be at the top if it's full..at the middle you're probably running at least a quart low.
ryan

[Wil Ferch]

Sounds perfectly normal if indeed the dip stick matches the mid gauge mark at warm idle....

....no problem.... this is how it works.....

- Wil

[RSBob]

Check the wires connecting to the sender. They are prone to rust since they are exposed to water off the tire. Mine appeared to fail too but it was a rotted wire.

[Early_S_Man]

Brass Faston connectors and tabs are not likely to rust, but corrosion can cause a problem, or a wayward rock can fracture the wire under the insulation.

[Joe Bob]

Disconnect it and you won't have anymore worries. Probably the most worthless piece of equipment ever installed in a Porsche.

[livi]

I would say the brake pad sensors take the prize...

[k9handler]

Originally posted by mikez
Disconnect it and you won't have anymore worries. Probably the most worthless piece of equipment ever installed in a Porsche.

ha ha I have considered this as it's crap...so I just check it at the stick from time to time.

[Won]

Originally posted by bigchillcar
kevin,
at idle, level, op temp..the gauge should be at the top if it's full..at the middle you're probably running at least a quart low.
ryan

The conventional wisdom on this board seems to favor the oil level in the middle of "low" and "high" mark on the dipstick, which should correspond to the "middle" on a properly functioning oil level gauge. That way, should the oil overheat there's no risk of the expanding oil getting into the intake via breather hose and turning the car into a smoke bomb.

Just to clarify, Kevin, you are aware that the oil level gauge will indicate the level in the tank ONLY when the car is at idle, level and up to operating temperature, and it will read zero under any other conditions, correct? And the problem is that the gauge still reads zero even under the proper conditions now?

[Wil Ferch]

Won...exactly..

It seems that is what I was trying to say for a number of times now...

I'm "...swingin' but the wood chips ain't flyn'..." as cartoon character Foghorn Leghorn sez..... ( for you old timers)

PS- there has been no further confirmation that I can see that the gauge is reading incorrectly under any OTHER operating conditions..or did I miss that point ??

PPS- As to the gauge being worthless.. I vehemently disagree...it is telling you EXACTLY what is going on in the oil tank...the comings and goings as the mismatch between the scavenge and pressure pumps continues. You simply have to KNOW that for oil level readings, the car has to be on level ground, at idle RPM ( 800-900) and the oil temp warm ( 190 degF or so...8 o'clock position).

- Wil

[Joe Bob]

Just an opinion Will.....as one who likes accurate assessments of what's going on, the wild fluctuation of the needle is a distraction.

Having made the decision to ignore it and simply check the oil at gasoline fillup time while scanning the "other" accurate gauges....my life is simpler....now, tell me how to handle three pre teen girls and my life would be complete.....