Smoking and Too Much Oil

[SeaDweller]

Well, my car started smoking terribly after the engine went back in, so naturally I was concerned. I steam cleaned it while it was out of the car, and I was afraid that I had done something devastating, because it didn't smoke when it came out of the car!

Several folks mentioned that the smoking might be caused by too much oil, so I checked the oil level, and it was just under the full mark when the engine was fully warmed up (my mechanic "topped it off"). I dismissed that theory, and feared bad rings, bad valve guides, etc., and even got an estimate to do the top end.

As luck would have it, about 3 days ago, it stopped smoking entirely. I noticed that the oil level is now in the middle of the low and high ranges on the dip stick. I guess this is proof that these engines will burn off the excess oil until they find their own optimum level, and that using the dipstick as a guide is quite inaccurate. I'm going to file a new mark in the dipstick so I know where the new "full" mark is.

I normally don't think this way, but for someone new to 911's, I wonder if they could be talked into valve job by a mechanic who keeps the oil "topped off." I'm beginning to realize that it's quite beneficial to learn as much about these cars as possible, so you can not only do your own work, but troubleshoot them as well!!

One thing's for sure, you never stop learning about the idiosyncracies of these cars!

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Michael
'78 911SC Euro

[stormcrow]

Mike,

My 78 911 SC Targa smokes also when it is first started. I would be careful about making sure you keep the oil level at the correct mark on the dip stick. If you are low on oil, it will show up when you are on the highway doing about 80 or so, the level indicator on the dash will go to the red mark which indicates there is no oil in the tank. This is an indication that you are low on oil.

Steve

[Jamul74]

Mike,
Others here will also tell you that the dipstick is the BEST way to keep track of the oil level as opposed to the fuel level gauge in the car. Make sure the engine is warm, 180 degrees at least, and level. I personally would not mark the stick but its your call..trust the stick.

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Dan S.
1974 911 Targa

[Jdub]

After JohnW finished up my trans rebuild he refilled the car, and commented on how much it smoked on startup. But we both agreed that, since the car never smoked before, it was probably going to find its level.

It has. No smoke, just fine now. Sits at about 3/4 up betwixt the marks on the 'stick, so that is my level. Coincidently, the oil level gauge reads the same. Bliss.

And yes, trust that darn 'stick as your guide.

Jw

[BRAINIAC]

Actually right between the two marks is *exactly* where it should be. You don't want it at the full mark. Secondly, the gauge will always be in the red when driving down the freeway. The only accurate way to read the gauge is idling with a warm engine (170F+) on a flat surface. Should read right in the middle of the range.

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Tyson Schmidt
72 911 Cabriolet
92 C-2 Cabriolet