first 911 SC...couple questions

[rockryno]

yes i did search!

I just got an 81 911 sc last week. Its drives great and I love it. In Denver, its gotten a bit cold and Im noticing a few things Id like to confirm with you guys before I get worried.

During cold starts - low idle sometimes maybe around 5-7 RPMs, then once i start driving it it hovers just under 1k at idle.

Oil gauge (not druck press) - sits low, just above the redline until 10 - 15 min driving time, then can hover in the middle for the rest of the time. I know this reads oil level, and am a little concerned if its so low. After it warms up and im at a light, the gauge will read full, then when I accelerate, it dips to middle or lower.

Temp gauge - always low, no matter how long I drive it. sits right on the top line of the bottom box. Ive seen it rise to just above that box after sitting in traffic for 30 min, but thats the highest Ive seen it go.

Let me know what you guys think.

[rockryno]

while I'm thinking about it, on cold starts, how long is it advised to warm the car up before driving? Are there any indicators to look for? Ive been waiting about 2-5 minutes, or however long it takes to brush my teeth, and seems to be ok.

[kyle242gt]

Congrats on the purchase.

Cold idle - seems low. Mine idles at about 1500 until it warms up a bit, then just a bit under 1000. Haven't played with mine, but there's something called a Warm Up Regulator that may need attention.

Oil level - normal. It only comes up when the oil gets to temp. The gauge should be in the middle at warm idle. Rest of the time it's irrelevant. Most say not to trust it anyway.

Temp gauge - mine does this as well. Finally got out of the lower box during a hard drive in hot weather followed by some idling in traffic. Don't think it's anything to worry about.

Warmup - I start and go, just take it easy the first mile or so.

[schumicat]

you shouldn't let the car idle to warm up. just start driving.

your cold idle is way low. it should be 1500+ with a cold start.

check oil level with dipstick in oil tank with engine idling and car warmed up. ideal is 1/2 way between the marks.

[Jdub]

Everything you have detailed is just fine excepting the 500 to 700 rpm during warmup cycle. Here, the car should idle higher at about 1,500 until it is warm, then settle back to 900 - 1k. That should be investigated.

Would be interested to know if the car idle drops when you remove the oil cap, then increases back to normal (1k) when the cap is tightened back on. Let us know, and post pics at that time please!

[saxen]

i have a 81 911 sc, in denver as well, my car does exactly the same stuff yours does, its runs great and havent had any issues- enjoy it!~!

[saxen]

oh and have you heard about the colorado cars and coffee? or the porsche breakfest club?

[rockryno]

i have heard rumors, but never investigated. Ill look into it! Ill check the oil and let you know what happens. Ill try the get in and go method as well.

Thanks!

[glewis80SC]

Pics !!!!

[rockryno]

I started an intro thread here: My first 911

[OsoMoore]

Originally Posted by glewis80SC

Pics !!!!

Agreed!

With regards to the temperature - in my 79 SC it was recommended to start up and drive away immediately. But don't push the engine over about 3.5K until it is warm. My usual mark is the edge of the box on the temperature gauge. Before that I take it easy, but once I'm out of the box its time to let her ride to high RPMs.

[dshepp806]

NEVER idle that car for warm-up!!!!!!!!! Get in and drive her,..noting to keep the RPMs down until she gets to operating temp. ONLY THEN: have at it!

Idling is bad news,..as is revving her before the oil is toasty.

I can't speak to the temp thing on an SC (I've a Carrera),..and I never see those low temps under any conditions.

The oil level gauge can be a hit or miss,..ALWAYS trust the STICK,.....I've finally installed a new oil level sender in my car that actually matches the stick level....that is, mid level on the stick is NOW mid-level on my gauge,....however, I would never rely on the gauge for absolute measurement,..that gauge is more of a nicety only.

CONGRATS on the new baby!!!!!!!!!!!!


BEST!

Doyle

[F.G.]

all the above, I grew up in Aurora, and now live in Bend Oregon, getting snow as we speak! Mine will come into the middle of the box after about 20 mins of driving. oil level gauge is useless until it's warm anyway and even then use the stick to be sure. (manual says top of box to first line is "warmed up") also in the winter driving section of the drivers Manual it say to get in and drive do not let it idle to warm up so ware a jacket till that exhaust gets going. I know I haven't said anything new... Welcome to the club! BTW the white looks great. and look into getting the H4 headlights. you'll notice a difference :-)

[rockryno]

Ive looked into the H4s, but theyre a bit more expensive than I was hoping. Ill keep an eye out for a used set

[darrin]

you can get h4 headlights that simply replace the sealed bulbs you now have -- our host sells them for $54 each Pelican Parts - Product Information: 70476-M44

be sure to add a relay kit and appropriate bulbs

One of the better "upgrades" i've done

[nineball]

i was always told to let it run for about 20-30 seconds after a cold start, then not above 3k rpm until it has warmed up. been doing it this way for years without problems on all my cars.

[JJ 911SC]

Originally Posted by Jdub

... Would be interested to know if the car idle drops when you remove the oil cap, then increases back to normal (1k) when the cap is tightened back on. Let us know, and post pics at that time please!

If the RPM does does not change its because you got vacuum leak or intake air leak. Easily track down by spraying some Quick Starter around line & intake route down from the air filter. If the rev goes up, you found a leak.

Nice looking.

[rockryno]

I checked the oil while idling today, its between the high and low marks. Yes the RPMs did drop when I opened the cap.

Something odd happened on the way to work today though. Highway speeds, around 3k on the tach in 5th for about 15 min and I felt a weird little surge in the power. I continued, but paid attention, and it happened once or twice more over the next 10 minutes until I got to work. As I arrived and parked, the idle was low, around 500-700 and running rough.
Then as I left work this morning, I got in, started it and tried to go but when I pressed the gas pedal, the car almost died. I waited a few seconds and tried again, and the same thing. I feathered the pedal a few times and finally the RPMs jumped, after that the entire ride home was fine.

It felt like the engine was not getting fuel for some reason. My fuel gauge said just under 2/4, and I reset the trip meter when I filled up and it was at 218 at work. What kind of range do these get on a single tank?

What do you guys think?

[timmy2]

Crappy gas, have you changed the fuel filter yet?

[rockryno]

i have not. what octane do you run?