Alternatives to checking oil w/out engine running?

liberty43 · liberty43's Garage

Every time I attempt to check the oil on my recently purchased 81' 911 SC the vacuum leak from removing the oil filler cap is so bad that my engine shuts off. Any suggestions as to checking the oil level with the engine off?

john walker's workshop · 02:20 PM

no alternatives. you never do that. get the proper restrictor for the vacuum hose on the filler neck and it won't die. 930 107 289 00

liberty43 · liberty43's Garage

Thanks, I realize that. However until I can obtain the proper restrictor and get it installed how can I determine how much oil's in the car?

tcar · 03-01-2010, 02:23 PM

Inexpensive, less that $20 I think. ...couple years ago.

You'll have to rely on the gauge on the dash in the meantime, but that's not the best. If it shows you're OK, you probably are within safety concerns.

pozee · 03-01-2010, 02:26 PM

While you wait to install the correct restrictor, you can use something to crimp the top hose off the oil tank to simulate the restriction and try it that way. Vice grips may work.

Keep clothing/body away from MOVING PARTS, FAN ETC.

liberty43 · liberty43's Garage

Will give that a shot... much thanks.

Superman · 03-01-2010, 02:40 PM

When you shut the engine off then quickly check the oil level......you will get the same reading as if the engine were still running.

liberty43 · liberty43's Garage

That's more along the lines of what I was hopping to hear. Ordered the restrictor just now, but have to take a short drive today. Thanks.

fireant911 · 03-01-2010, 02:49 PM

liberty43,
I recently went to Lowe's and purchased a copper plumbing end cap. In the garage, I fired up the ole' propane torch and put a little heat to the cap to anneal the part. I flared the end of the cap with a tapered socket so that the cap fit snuggly in the rubber line. I used the spherical end of a screwdriver to form the face of the cap. I then placed it in a drill press to drilled a hole into the newly rounded face of the cap the same size as the original. I re-inserted the now finished part into the line. Total cost ~ $1.00 / total fab time about 7 minutes. It worked great in my case.

James Brown · James Brown's Garage

You can also hold the throttle open a little before you take the cap off and check the oil with your other hand while maintaining 900 rpm. easer than it sounds to do. Then fix the vaccum leaks!