Easist way to remove oil (964)?

[RedCarr710]

Hey gents,

I'm a new 964 owner and from all the posts I've read here and at Rennlist I have too much oil in the car (from PO). The dipstick shows .5 to 1" of oil above the upper "twist" when at temp, idling and level. Some posts say that's not a problem, others say it can damage the car and is a bad idea.

What's the easiest way to remove 1 QT or so of oil from a 964? I'm very new and though I've read hundreds of posts, I don't know if I'm ready to start loosening the oil change "plugs". (I don't even have a torque wrench...will I be needing one of those to get the plugs properly torqued when I change my oil?) Is loosening the plugs and draining the only way to get some oil out? If this is the recommended method, please give me some advice or point me in the right direction.

OR - Do I even need to get some oil out?

Many thanks!

[john walker's workshop]

wait until it's cold, remove the engine case plug, drop a quart in a pan and put the plug back in. wipe hands with rag.

[RedCarr710]

Ok, I'm new to Porsche and haven't turned many wrenches on cars in my lifetime though I'm handy with DIY projects and tools and am a quick learner. If you experienced guys can help me out on this I won't bother you with too many more "basic" questions.

I've read the 964 manual on changing the oil and it reads like you have to open and drain two hex-head plugs, one on the crankcase and one on the thermostathousing. I've found the thermostathousing plug but haven't located the other yet - which leads me to my first question - do I need a set of "ramps" (sorry if I'm making you guys laugh) to get under the butt of my car - is this required to properly access the engine for an oil change or is it easy to just slide under the car to do the work? Feels kinda tight to me and I'm not a big guy...If I need ramps, can you recommend where to go?

It looks like I also need the drain plug washers, which the host sells but the info says I need (3) and I only know about the two plugs - what am I missing?

Wrenches - do you guys use a standard socket or wrench or do I need to go find torque wrenches to tighten the plugs correctly? Let me know if I can get this stuff here...

In response to John Walker's response above - can I drain the quart of extra oil from the thermostahousing plug or just the crankcase plug? Also, should I put a fresh washer on when I tighten it back up?

Sorry for the newbie questions - I don't mind getting my hands dirty and am reasonably mechanically inclined - I just don't want to do something stupid to my Porsche as I'm a new owner.

[Packy]

I just burn it off with my 79SC. Just don't drive it hard for a little while. But I don't have a catalytic converter either. If you do, don't do this cus you'll wear through expensive converters fast.

John's response is the correct one, mine is the lazy man's solution.

[Packy]

BTW, yes, always use a fresh washer, and do it from the crank case. The ramps are sold at most auto shops (Kraigen, NAPA, Winchester, Checker, etc.)

Get a hayne's manual and a Bentley manual. And Wayne's "101 projects for your 911" would be good too because it has nice pictures and fills in info the other 2 books don't.

-P

[Winter]

Burn it off? I just my car sit. Eventually it leaks out!

No, seriously, use the drain plug.

Sounds like you're definitely mechanically inclined enough to learn how to change your own oil. It's a pretty simple process on any car. Definitely use a good OEM (definitely not Fram) oil filter and you'll want to pay attention to the debate on oil types. Do a search here and you'll learn more than you ever wanted to know. . .

Good luck with the car and welcome to the forum.

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Tom '75 targa

[Packy]

Originally Posted by Winter

Burn it off? I just my the car sit. Eventually it leaks out!

No, seriously, use the drain plug.

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Tom '75 targa

Haha, I know, not the best advice.

(don't do what I do, use the drain plug, and GET THOSE MANUALS!)

[Winter]

oh, and no need to use ramps. you'll want the car level to drain the oil. good metric sockets can be bought here or at many auto part stores, hardware stores, etc. You'll want some of those as you get more comfortable wrenching on your new toy. plenty of experts here to help with questions, etc, so don't be afraid, just dive in.

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Tom '75 targa

[Winter]

Originally Posted by Packy

Haha, I know, not the best advice.

LOL! Burning it off is more fun than leaving it to leak out all over the garage floor!

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Tom '75 targa

[surflvr911sc]

I just pull the plug and drive around until it's good

[Packy]

lol, this thread is funny.

[GrantG]

Buy a $7 hand pump at an Auto Parts store and pump a little from the filler neck (oil tank).