Should I switch to a heavier oil?

[rockyraccoon]

88 Carrera. The previous owner told me he used Mobile 1 5W-30 fully synthetic (in San Francisco) which seems a little light.

I've only driven the car for a few days. I saw the oil level was a little low on both the gauge and dipstick so I added a couple of quarts. I think I may have over filled it a bit because it reads close to the second line on the dipstick but not over. Will this cause any harm?

The car seems to run very well and the PPI showed no oil leaks.

[Tippy]

Gawd I hate hearing PO's using 5W-30. Clearly they haven't a clue how to maintain one of the cars.....

[dan88911]

There is a lot of information on forum with regards to oil.
That being said check oil level with your engine running and at operating temp.
Level on dip stick half between the two marks is preferred.
Many here like Brad Pen 20w-50. I am running Swepco presently.
Oil weight may also depend on your location...

[dan88911]

Here is one, Which Oil... thread?

[rockyraccoon]

Thanks. In the mean time should I be losing sleep over the 5W-30 and slight over fill?

[Joe Bob]

You could try reading your owners manual....

[Bob Kontak]

Originally Posted by rockyraccoon

I think I may have over filled it a bit because it reads close to the second line on the dipstick but not over. Will this cause any harm?

You are fine.

Ditch the lighter oil and go with the Brad Penn or the like (heavier). Summit Racing and others can ship it if you are in a remote location.

I have used Castrol GTX 20W-30 oil for 15 years. I have Brad Penn in it now. It's still spinning.

Like Dan says there is lots of info on oil. Just do some searches using the advanced search function.

[rockyraccoon]

Originally Posted by Joe Bob

You could try reading your owners manual....

Thanks. I guess what I meant was if the PO has been running this weight for some time and there are no leaks and the pressure is fine should I stay with it or not. So far it seems like the answer is to switch.

[Joe Bob]

Well, I run a Valvoline 20/50 VR1 Racing oil. I have a small leak which is typical on 964 engines at the crank housing......doesn't bother me. I wait for the sale at Kragen/O'Reilly's each year. I buy 2 cases. Usually around $4.00 a quart.

I don't like synthetic oil....

The 2 cases VR1, lasts me the year for two oil changes. I don't burn anything and I keep it at just under the 1/2 mark.

[rockyraccoon]

Originally Posted by Joe Bob

Well, I run a Valvoline 20/50 VR1 Racing oil. I have a small leak which is typical on 964 engines at the crank housing......doesn't bother me. I wait for the sale at Kragen/O'Reilly's each year. I buy 2 cases. Usually around $4.00 a quart.

I don't like synthetic oil....

The 2 cases VR1, lasts me the year for two oil changes. I don't burn anything and I keep it at just under the 1/2 mark.

Thanks. If I were to switch from synthetic to conventional is there anything special I should do or just change it as normal?

[tonythetarga]

Originally Posted by rockyraccoon

Thanks. If I were to switch from synthetic to conventional is there anything special I should do or just change it as normal?

Change as normal. Search for LN Engineering or Flat6 Innovations websites and read up a bit on oil for the 'flat tappet' air cooled engines. Brad Penn is recommended (among a very few others) for their ingredients that prevent wear.

Best advice is to really warm up the engine and, while running and on level ground, check the oil level on the dipstick again. For normal driving anything between half way between the hash marks and close to the top line are OK. If you overfilled, just drain a bit out carefully.

[Bob Kontak]

Originally Posted by tonythetarga

Brad Penn is recommended (among a very few others) for their ingredients that prevent wear.

+1

When folks that beat on engines for a living recommend a specific brand of oil, it's hard to argue the logic. Brad Penn is price-wise within spitting distance of the Castrol GTX I have used. Like a dollar a quart more, maybe. Why work it any harder?

The thin full synthetics are for newer 911 engines. Not ours.

Also, Just change the oil out and don't worry about the extra two quarts or so in the front oil cooler.

[Hydrocket]

Per Porsche, they recommend 5W40 for all engines...even our old air cooled ones.

[db_cooper]

Yep..Rotella T6 5w40 year round..oil pressure good..engine nice and silent as a sewing machine..valve adjustments are fractional...low consumption and no leaks..strong ZDDP..whats not to like?

[Rodsrsr]

Originally Posted by Joe Bob

Well, I run a Valvoline 20/50 VR1 Racing oil. I have a small leak which is typical on 964 engines at the crank housing......doesn't bother me. I wait for the sale at Kragen/O'Reilly's each year. I buy 2 cases. Usually around $4.00 a quart.

I don't like synthetic oil....

The 2 cases VR1, lasts me the year for two oil changes. I don't burn anything and I keep it at just under the 1/2 mark.

Same for me....

[Jerome74911S]

This is good. We haven't had an oil thread in a little while.

I use Kendall GT-1 20W50. My car runs cooler, uses less oil, and leaks less with this than it did with thinner synthetic I used previously.

[hbueno]

I prefer virgin olive oil.

oops, wrong site......

Hugo

[Reiver]

How does your car run temp wise?
I use BP 20w-50 in out Az summers when it is not hot but damn hot.
BP 10w40 when it cools some as my car runs cool anyways....190-195 after long drives.

[Halm]

Originally Posted by rockyraccoon

88 Carrera. . . I think I may have over filled it a bit because it reads close to the second line on the dipstick but not over. Will this cause any harm?

Let's go back to this comment if we may. Did you check the oil level dipstick with the engine fully warmed up and at idle / running?

[matt930s]

I use walmart 20/50....leaks less.

Matt