Oil Level

Checking oil level on an air cooled  911
 
 
For Porsche models 3.0 SC, 3.2 Carrera, 964, Turbo I, Turbo II, 993.
 
So often it is done wrong, and not just by the owners. You must check while running and when truly hot.
 
Often garages that are unfamiliar with the correct procedure get it wrong. And too much oil can be bad news. It’s easier to check after a drive.
 
Inside the car you have an oil level indicator (right beside the fuel level). This shows the level in the oil tank.
 
In the engine compartment you have a dipstick. It too shows the oil level in the tank. You can check the dipstick to make sure the gauge is telling the truth. The procedure is exactly the same.
 

1. Your Porsche must be at running temperature…i.e. it must have been running for 15 minutes or more (in cold weather).
2. With the engine hot you must let it idle for 60 seconds (this allows the oil to settle and get a true reading).
3. The gauge should read between a third and two thirds.
4. The dipstick will reflect the level on the gauge.
5. Add oil as required. There is less than 2 quarts between the “full and empty” marks. Add ½ quarts of oil or less at a time.

 
Check the oil during or after a drive, most 911’s will use some.
 
When the engine is cold (first thing in the morning) the gauge will read empty.
When the engine is turned off it will read empty.
When you drive the reading is inaccurate. It may swing around but it means nothing.
 
Don’t Panic and overfill!