Odd oil tank?

Vincent 911 · 08-22-2007, 11:09 AM

Here is the 'story'.

I recently bought my first 911 (78 SC european model). I am currently working on it: basic maintenance + 100% dansk exhaust, bilstein sports, brakes, interior...

Few days ago, I wanted to start the engine. I filled my tank with new oil because I have a leaky oil drain plug... I knew I had to check the level when engine is hot & running.
Therefore I add some (a lot, at least 8 qrts) of fresh oil to have the oil level reaches the min mark on my deep stick. I had double checked the level and start the engine. Everything was OK during 5 minutes but the engine started to smoke a lot (white smoke). I shut it off and checked the air intake box: there was plenty of oil in it!!
Thus, I assume I had put too much in the tank.

What can it be? I tried my deep stick in an other SC engine and it was OK. Can my oil tank be stoppered? Other issue?

Thanks.

BURN-BROS · 08-22-2007, 11:28 AM

You over filled it... drain some out .

Vincent 911 · 08-22-2007, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BURN-BROS

You over filled it... drain some out .

I agree. But what did I do wrong?
How do you know the correct level before starting the engine right after an oil change?

Thanks.

BURN-BROS · 08-22-2007, 12:11 PM

You dont really know. If you are unsure ,drain all the contents out of the tank and refill with around 6 quarts or so. remember that a great deal of the oil will settle in the case so checking the tank while the engine is off or cold will give you an improper reading.
Welcome to the board BTW!

Eagledriver · 08-22-2007, 12:21 PM

Your old oil drained into the engine so when you filled the tank you effectively doubled the oil in your system. You have to drain both the engine and the tank then add the correct amount (about 9 quarts) then run the car until fully warm (180 degrees) then check the level like has been described on here several thousand times.

-Andy

Vincent 911 · 08-22-2007, 12:31 PM

All right, thanks.

911SCfanatic · 911SCfanatic's Garage

Vincent, where do you live? I'm probably 10 miles from you.

tom1394racing · 08-22-2007, 01:24 PM

Vincent

If you top the oil tank off to the dipstick level with the engine not running you will overfill every time.

The tank needs to be topped off with the car sitting level and the engine warmed up and running.

cstreit · cstreit's Garage

Vincent,

You mentioned yourself you have to check the oil while the engine is running, yet you checked it while the engine was off first? See your mistake?

Much of the oil in the tank drains into the engine while you let it sit, 8 quarts worth in your case. So while I understand that you wanted to be sure you were at a safe level before starting to warm it up, 8 quarts was excessive. Next time add as much as you think you lost, then start it and check...

Now drain out at least that much and check it while the engine is running... You've probably dumped a ton of that extra oil into your intake and you'll need to burn it out. Expect your engine to smoke for at least 30 minutes.