Rookie first time oil change question

[DossMan]

First time doing the oil change on 88 Carrera, checked the threads and read Wayne's 101 Projects book, but cannot find the bolt on the bottom of the engine to drain the oil. I found the bolt at the bottom of the oil tank behind rs wheel, but cannot find/determine the appropriate bolt at bottom of the engine to drain the oil.

Thanks.

[efhughes3]

Your bolt will come out toward the LH side, horizontally, just past the seam of the case, approximately centered front-rear. The head will be of the same size as your oil tank.

[p911sc]

The drain plug is located on the oil sump cover which is located on the bottom of the engine. It is centered on the case seam and is about midway front to back of the engine. As Ed says, it is the same size as the drain in the oil tank. Make sure you have a large pan to catch the oil. You are talking about 13.7 quarts if memory serves. Check this link for a picture.
Rick

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/911_engine_drop/picture_set2/pic15.JPG&imgrefurl=http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/911_engine_drop/911_engine_drop-1.htm&usg=__2oZhJS-xbo_E-yuLH_DMHauKbR4=&h=480&w=640&sz=54&hl=en&start=9&um=1&tbnid=zWMZcr7b1368tM:&tbnh=103&tbnw=137&prev=/images%3Fq%3Doil%2Bsump%2Bplate%26ndsp%3D18%26hl%3 Den%26rlz%3D1T4TSHB_enUS288US288%26sa%3DN%26um%3D1

[efhughes3]

No it won't look like that. It will be as I described on his Carrera. It threads into the case horizontally, and will come out toward the LH side of the car.

[flatsixjunky]

+1 with efhughes3

[efhughes3]

Also, a typical oil change will take 10.5 qts. If you get 12 qts, you'll have plenty and a qt and a half left over for top ups.

[john walker's workshop]

replace the filter using a mahle if possible, then add 10 qts. warm up to about 8 o'clock on the temp gauge and the level should be in the half way between the marks range on the dipstick. that's where we like it. fold a shop rag in half and lay i under the filter to catch oil when the filter is removed.

[Canada Kev]

And if you take your car into a 'reputable' shop because you need an out of province inspection, and get them to do the valve adjustment after recent top end work for valve guides and such, and then give them a full case of Brad Penn, be sure to specify that they NOT PUT THE WHOLE DAMN CASE OF OIL IN. Idiots...

BTW John, what's a rough time estimate for a valve adjustment?

Sorry for the highjack. Just venting after having to drain a bunch of oil this past weekend.

[Jack Olsen]

Measure the oil that comes out for a very accurate idea of how much to add back in.

[DossMan]

and what grade is best to use on an 88 3.2L with 165K miles on it, street use only (for now)?
Thanks again!

[RWebb]

FWIW - the sump plat comment above is accurate for an earlier car; the poster was talking about a 1984-on 3.2L motor.

You want the oil to wind up about 1/2 way between the lines on the dipstick.

Be sure to check the oil with the motor idling; on a level spot; & engine warmed up.

Enjoy your new car!

[javadog]

Originally Posted by DossMan

and what grade is best to use on an 88 3.2L with 165K miles on it, street use only (for now)?
Thanks again!

Look in your owner's manual for the chart of oil grades. Use the grade that is suited to the low and high temperatures you'll have in your area between now and the next oil change.

As for the brand of oil, my favorite is Swepco 306. You'll have to order it,as it most likely will be difficult to find. There is a lengthy thread on oil on this forum that explains why certain oils are good and others are bad for your engine.

JR

[msterling]

Did anyone mention that the oil will come out REALLY FAST! When you pull the plug on the oil tank; watch out! I had one of those plastic drain pans that looks like a giant hockey puck. It has a hole in the middle of the dished top with four small holes. Even with the vent open the lid overflowed and I was powerless to stop the flood. I tripled the size of the holes and had better luck next time. Also, either use a funnel to channel the flow or maintain a short drop to the pan or the splashing action WILL be spectacular.

Yes, the engine drain plug is horizontal on an '88 3.2L. If you know what oil the PO used you might consider using the same; especially if it was a synthetic. I think the 88's were factory filled with Mobil 1.

[javadog]

Originally Posted by msterling

If you know what oil the PO used you might consider using the same; especially if it was a synthetic. I think the 88's were factory filled with Mobil 1.

The trouble with this is that the oils' formulations have changed in recent years, due to stupid governmental meddling. What was good a few years ago isn't necessarily the best thing for these types of engines now.

JR

[efhughes3]

Originally Posted by RWebb

FWIW - the sump plat comment above is accurate for an earlier car; the poster was talking about a 1984-on 3.2L motor.

Of course that is the sump from an earlier car-but that is the point, we're talking 3.2.

[Mattcamp]

[QUOTE=msterling;4665093]Did anyone mention that the oil will come out REALLY FAST! When you pull the plug on the oil tank; watch out! I had one of those plastic drain pans that looks like a giant hockey puck. It has a hole in the middle of the dished top with four small holes. Even with the vent open the lid overflowed and I was powerless to stop the flood.

You mean like this.


Mine didn't flow over the top but the hot oil melted a hole in the bottom. Check it out!

[Netspeed]

Originally Posted by msterling

Did anyone mention that the oil will come out REALLY FAST! When you pull the plug on the oil tank; watch out! I had one of those plastic drain pans that looks like a giant hockey puck. It has a hole in the middle of the dished top with four small holes. Even with the vent open the lid overflowed and I was powerless to stop the flood. I tripled the size of the holes and had better luck next time. Also, either use a funnel to channel the flow or maintain a short drop to the pan or the splashing action WILL be spectacular.

Yes, the engine drain plug is horizontal on an '88 3.2L. If you know what oil the PO used you might consider using the same; especially if it was a synthetic. I think the 88's were factory filled with Mobil 1.

+1 on the oil coming out fast! It's such a large hole that the majority of it comes out in a manner of seconds.

[Cooper911SC]

Hi DossMan, Might be too late here, but I found Castrol GTX HIGH MILEAGE 20W-50 oil on sale at Walmart yesterday. $12 for a 5qt jug.

The High Mileage formula is supposed to be ok for our engines. It has a higher concentration of ZDP to help the valve train out.

Do a search for the ultimate motor oil thread for the full story/saga on this.

Cooper

[dshepp806]

It melted the frikin thing? Are you serious?

Doyle

[teenerted1]

i use an old plastic wash basin to catch the oil in the tank first. then put in the giant hockey puck thing. then do the case drainage. afterward its off to the FLAPS to dispose of the oil since the bucket is full.

oil just needs to be warm not HOT to flow better. you could always change in the dead of winter outside if you want it to come out slooooower