more newbie ?'s

Just got my car back from a valve adjustment and engine/transmission oil change.

First thing I noticed was that the oil level when properly checked (engine warm flat level surface) is right at the upper mark on the dipstick and when driving the car the oil level gauge is pegged at the top until I'm driving at which point it drops down about a 1/3 of the way. Does this sound like there may be too much oil in the car? I noticed on my reciept I paid for 12 quarts and there is 3/4 of one in the trunk - so I am assuming roughly 10-11 quarts went in giving room for spillage.

Second thing, mechanic says first gear syncro is a little warm (87 targa w/76k) and may need to be replaced eventually. How can you tell that the 1st gear syncro is worn. I notice no problems engaging or disengaging the clutch except that in first gear, it seems like the clutch does not fully engage until it's almost all the way out (is that it!).

Thanks,
micheal

If 1st gear grinds on downshift, syncro is worn. Mine is really worn, double clutching until I can rebuild. It's better when fully warm and if I ease it into 1st, but I can't slam it around.

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Robert Stoll
83 SC
83 944

Robert is right. Worn synchros make shifting difficult. You learn to live with it, to a point. Then you rebuild the tranny. Worn synchros are VERY common.

Your tank has too much oil. My car, without exception, takes exactly 10 quarts during oil and filter change. I do not drain the front oil cooler system, but I drain everywhere else. Eleven quarts would fillit just as you say, and this is too full. You will make smoke if you do not drain some out.

Your clutch actuation sounds normal too.

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'83 SC

When full you should be registering oil halfway between the marks on your dipstick.

Kurt V
72 911E

Thanks for the input guys. Sounds like my clutch is ok for now. I drove it this morning and after warming up it seemed normal. I found by trying to shift well (at the right point) that it is actually very smooth shifting.

I have not drained oil from the car yet. Do you suggest doing this from the drain plug under the sump or is there another place? I have the bentley and I assume that is the best way - but I imagine it will be messy starting then stopping the flow!

Thanks,
Michael

Michael,
Get a suction gun (looks like a big hypodermic; available from any good auto supply) to suck out the excess oil from the oil tank. If you try to drain some from the tank drain, you'll have a mess on your hands.
You can also use the suction gun to fill your transaxle with new lube. BTW, keep your oil level between the two marks on the dipstick with the motor at operating temperature.

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Doug
'81 SC Coupe (aka: "Blue Bomber")
Canada West Region PCA
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