somethin' weird going on

janus911 · 05-12-2002, 06:45 PM

Well I attempted to change my oil and something is definitely fishy. Can someone advise me on this issue?

I drained my oil and a lot came out of course. I thought I got all of the oil out of my car as it was dripping every 5 seconds or so.

Anyways I plugged her back up and changed the oil filter. I then proceeded to put in about 6 to 7 quarts and it started to OVERFILL!! What the f***? My car should be holding 13 quarts?

So I freaked out and drained her out. It's been about 2 hours and she's still dripping. I turned on the auxillary power to see where my oil gauge was sitting at and it was sitting in the middle!
I checked my dipstick and the oil is right in the middle (between the max and min) What is going on?

Is this normal?

tight as a bull's ass · tight as a bull's ass's Garage

do you know that you have 2 drain plugs?

One from the engine case and one from the oil tank.

Refill volume should then be around 10.3 qts (at least that's what my 83 SC takes)

Replace plugs before filling her back up and only take reading level at engine operating temps. good luck

janus911 · 05-12-2002, 06:59 PM

Okay, so I'm green.

I didn't know there were 2 drain plugs... durr.... geez I feel silly.

So where is the plug for the oil tank?

I only removed the one from the circular piece of metal at the bottom of my engine.

Help is much appreciated.

Rot 911 · 05-12-2002, 07:01 PM

the oil tank is under the right rear fender. oil plug is on the bottom of that

janus911 · 05-12-2002, 07:05 PM

Thanks a lot you guys.

You guys saved me a huge headache.

Thanks again...

Moses · 05-12-2002, 07:15 PM

Funny, oil change was my first Porsche maintainance chore. I made EXACTLY the same mistake and was similarly bailed out by the kind folks on this board. I wouldn't even attempt to work on my car without this board. The people here have been FANTASTIC.

(Now don't embarass yourself by dropping your dipstick into the oil tank.)

tight as a bull's ass · tight as a bull's ass's Garage

Might want to consider wearing gloves for that oil tank drain plug.

The previous owner may have over-tightened and applying a lot of force to unscrew it may injure your hands. Ask me how I know.

Wayne 962 · Wayne 962's Garage

We all need to start somewhere, but you should definitely get this book:

http://www.101projects.com

Changing your oil is project #1...

-Wayne

Argo · 05-12-2002, 08:39 PM

Don't forget fresh crush washers for each plug ( or it's gonna drip). Also, next time you drain it, punching a small hole in the oil filter with an awl will let the oil in the filter drain out the bottom instead of on the engine when you remove it. Oh yeah, the oil tank will dump a LOT more oil than the sump - the amount usually surprises people the first time they do it. Use a BIG drain pan or you'll be spreading kitty litter on the ground. Do a search here for other tips and funny stories about first oil changes. We've all been there.

Argo
88 Targa

Joeaksa · 05-12-2002, 09:03 PM

Janus,

Since you are starting over, pls do not make the same mistake that many of us (I can look in the mirror and see one right away) have made by using a drain pan that is too small.

The oil tank will fill a normal oil drain pan easily and then proceed to make sure that nothing in your garage rusts for a long time by covering it with the rest of the oil as it flows over the pan! Get a large drain pan, enough to hold 8-10 quarts of oil, then pull the plug on the oil tank!

Joe

john70t · 05-12-2002, 11:33 PM

Has anyone used a petcock with a removable hose or know where to get them?

john70t · 05-12-2002, 11:37 PM

janus911, remember to check your oil hot, on level ground and running at idle.
On mine the level has changed dramatically under different conditions. Don't drop the dipstick also.

Jdub · 05-13-2002, 06:33 AM

A drain pan of the correct size can quickly be made from one of those five-gallon detergent tubs you get from your local MegaMart. Cut the item in half (or thereabouts) using a hacksaw so that the container just clears the bottom of your car, rear end. You'll find that you can squeeze the sides together as you drain the contents so that a nice stream can be created that doesn't slop everywhere.

However, I must recommend a stainless steel pan, the kind you can get at any restaraunt supply warehouse. Hospital supply houses have some nice solutions as well. Put a magnet at the bottom of the clean pan and let the oil sit for a while, letting the metal particulates find their way to the magnet and then your evaluation can begin.

John

janus911 · 05-13-2002, 08:23 AM

Thanks a bunch guys. I have to say that you all have been a tremendous help. All is well with my 911 now thanks to you guys! This board is the best thing since sliced bread.

And yes Wayne I'll be buying that book!

I did get a 15 quart oil pan for my oil change. As for changing the crush washers... is that every time I do an oil change?

Moses, thanks for making me feel at home. I felt a little stupid posting on here about my dillema. It's nice to know that I'm not the first virgin to be confused about this awesome car.

makaio · 05-13-2002, 08:59 AM

Janus, did you get the pm I sent you on changing your oil?

pwd72s · 05-13-2002, 09:29 AM

If you don't mind paying shipping, I'd send you 2 1/2 gallons or so of Mobile one 15-50 for free. It's now in gallon containers in my garage. Slightly used, only 5,000 miles or so, drained out of RoninLB's '77 a couple of days go...

Seriously,all of the above advice is good. Enjoy your car...and silly as it sounds making little goof like this is part of the enjoyment

janus911 · 05-13-2002, 12:52 PM

pwd72s,

Thanks for the offer on your Mobil 1. But I'll stick with running dino oil (valvoline racing) 20w50 for now.

Matt,

I never got the pm that you sent me for changing the oil. No worries though, cuz I'm going down to Pelican Parts next week and picking up the book 101 projects!

Just find it ridiculous the prices local mechanics charge for maintenance on our machines.

I will be looking for a reputable shop that doesn't charge "hidden charges" when I need a valve adjustment soon. Any recommendations in the Los Angeles/ Glendale area would be welcome.

I don't mind tackling light projects but I want to find a shop that won't mind just charging me for labor if I supply the parts myself (Pelican has great prices!) i.e. brakes and shocks

howie944 · 05-13-2002, 10:58 PM

Heed carefully the words about putting in about 11 Qts of oil and then bring up to operating temp before you add more oil. I'm sure you know to check oil level when at operating temp and running...I didn't and overfilled (newbie and checked oil like on water cooled.. when cold)..Looked like we had elected a new pope! "Experience..What ya get right after ya need it"!