Home  |  Forums  |  914 Info  |  Blogs
 
914World.com - The fastest growing online 914 community!
 
Porsche, and the Porsche crest are registered trademarks of Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG. This site is not affiliated with Porsche in any way.
Its only purpose is to provide an online forum for car enthusiasts. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.
 

Welcome Guest ( Log In | Register )

2 Pages V  1 2 >  
Reply to this topicStart new topic
> Best time to check engine oil level on my 914?
recko911
post Aug 21 2010, 06:48 PM
Post #1


Member
**

Group: Members
Posts: 93
Joined: 6-February 06
From: Los Angeles, CA
Member No.: 5,535



Is it best to check engine oil level when vehicle is cold, or should I warm it up for 5 min then check in 3 min. What do you guys think?
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
Mark Henry
post Aug 21 2010, 07:09 PM
Post #2


that's what I do!
***************

Group: Members
Posts: 20,065
Joined: 27-December 02
From: Port Hope, Ontario
Member No.: 26
Region Association: Canada



/6 warm and running.
A /4 hot or cold, shut off a couple of minutes.
The only big one on the /4 is to have it on level ground.
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
bandjoey
post Aug 21 2010, 08:52 PM
Post #3


bandjoey
****

Group: Members
Posts: 4,934
Joined: 26-September 07
From: Bedford Tx
Member No.: 8,156
Region Association: Southwest Region



If I check mine hot it's always 1 mark too high on the dipstick (that much over the top
mark) vs waiting half hour to cool down. On a 4.
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
1970 Neun vierzehn
post Aug 22 2010, 11:05 AM
Post #4


Advanced Member
****

Group: Members
Posts: 3,199
Joined: 16-March 06
From: cincinnati, ohio
Member No.: 5,727



As Mark said, always have the car on level ground.

I've always checked the oil before start-up (cold); never had an oil issue in 35 years doing it that way. Plus it's a lot cooler in there then! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
ME733
post Aug 22 2010, 11:31 AM
Post #5


Senior Member
***

Group: Members
Posts: 842
Joined: 25-June 08
From: Atlanta Ga.
Member No.: 9,209
Region Association: South East States



.ON level ground ...Hot and running......this is the reality your engine is in., the oil is hot, and the oil is circulating,and this is when the oil level should be checked.
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
TheCabinetmaker
post Aug 22 2010, 11:59 AM
Post #6


I drive my car everyday
*****

Group: Members
Posts: 8,335
Joined: 8-May 03
From: Tulsa, Ok.
Member No.: 666



QUOTE(ME733 @ Aug 22 2010, 12:31 PM) *

.ON level ground ...Hot and running......this is the reality your engine is in., the oil is hot, and the oil is circulating,and this is when the oil level should be checked.

You had to know that someone would disagree with that statement, so here goes. Mind please that I am simply disagreeing, not trying to pick a fight (some folks here are so sensitive). While that is true for a six, its not true for a four. Hopefully, when the engine is running, most of the oil will be circulating, and not sitting in the bottom of the case. This could cause two different things. 1- the oil level would read very low, or the oil would be splashed on the dipstick and make it appear to be way over full. The factory manual says to fill with 3.5 litres of SAE 30 only. If that matches the mark on the dipstick, then oil should always checked with engine off.
User is online!Profile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
1970 Neun vierzehn
post Aug 22 2010, 07:34 PM
Post #7


Advanced Member
****

Group: Members
Posts: 3,199
Joined: 16-March 06
From: cincinnati, ohio
Member No.: 5,727



From a 1970 /4 owners manual:

"The oil level should be between the two marks on the dipstick, and must never sink below the lower mark. An exact indication is only possible if the car is standing level. It is wrong to check the oil immediately after switching off the engine-the oil needs a few minutes to flow back into the crankcase. When the engine has to carry out particularly heavy work, such as on long turnpike trips in summer, the oil level should be kept just under the upper mark."

"Pull out dipstick and wipe with a clean rag. Push in dipstick to stop, pull out again and read off oil level. The distance between the upper and lower marks corresponds to approx. 2.1 US pints/1.8 Imp. pints."
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
McMark
post Aug 22 2010, 08:47 PM
Post #8


914 Freak!
***************

Group: Retired Admin
Posts: 20,179
Joined: 13-March 03
From: Grand Rapids, MI
Member No.: 419
Region Association: None



Check it with the engine off like most everyone, including Porsche.
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
ME733
post Aug 23 2010, 09:36 AM
Post #9


Senior Member
***

Group: Members
Posts: 842
Joined: 25-June 08
From: Atlanta Ga.
Member No.: 9,209
Region Association: South East States



QUOTE(vsg914 @ Aug 22 2010, 01:59 PM) *

QUOTE(ME733 @ Aug 22 2010, 12:31 PM) *

.ON level ground ...Hot and running......this is the reality your engine is in., the oil is hot, and the oil is circulating,and this is when the oil level should be checked.

You had to know that someone would disagree with that statement, so here goes. Mind please that I am simply disagreeing, not trying to pick a fight (some folks here are so sensitive). While that is true for a six, its not true for a four. Hopefully, when the engine is running, most of the oil will be circulating, and not sitting in the bottom of the case. This could cause two different things. 1- the oil level would read very low, or the oil would be splashed on the dipstick and make it appear to be way over full. The factory manual says to fill with 3.5 litres of SAE 30 only. If that matches the mark on the dipstick, then oil should always checked with engine off.

VSG914.....I appreciate your consideration. Disagreements can sometimes provide a basis for a deeper understanding of the reality of an issue, .assuming both parties are open minded.....So here is some more information to help you decide how you want to check your oil level.....IF you check a 911,s oil level while it,s running.....why is it wrong to check a miserable type IV in the same way.?.....It is possable and doeable to check it while running....I certainly want an absolutely full crankcase of oil, it,s what ALSO provides engine cooling. The engine is not "over" full of oil if the high mark on the dip stick is not exceeded...while it,s running.(and the engine is completely capable of handling a complete Quart of oil if you do overfill it.)...unlike most engines our type 4,s do not have a problem with the crankshaft frothing ..THRU.. the crankcase oil if overfilled, as our cranks are way above the oil....so is the camshaft....With the engine running the volume of oil compressed in the oil passages is approximately one half quart of oil.(slightly more).(more if you have a remote oil cooler). The volume of oil drops in the crankcase...So this is the reality with a running engine. I,ve been filling and checking oil this way for a long time...I do it this way on all my vehicles...it,s one way to know with certainty that you are getting all the lubricating and cooling possable. It will also help (altho not always) eliminate low oil pressure in hard cornoring for a street car. The reality of whats there and whats going on is the thing...from the internal oil baffle cast into the crankcase and many other things.... The reality of whats actually taking place is the thing.
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
realred914
post Aug 23 2010, 09:50 AM
Post #10


Senior Member
***

Group: Retired Members
Posts: 1,086
Joined: 1-April 10
From: california
Member No.: 11,541
Region Association: None



QUOTE(ME733 @ Aug 23 2010, 08:36 AM) *

QUOTE(vsg914 @ Aug 22 2010, 01:59 PM) *

QUOTE(ME733 @ Aug 22 2010, 12:31 PM) *

.ON level ground ...Hot and running......this is the reality your engine is in., the oil is hot, and the oil is circulating,and this is when the oil level should be checked.

You had to know that someone would disagree with that statement, so here goes. Mind please that I am simply disagreeing, not trying to pick a fight (some folks here are so sensitive). While that is true for a six, its not true for a four. Hopefully, when the engine is running, most of the oil will be circulating, and not sitting in the bottom of the case. This could cause two different things. 1- the oil level would read very low, or the oil would be splashed on the dipstick and make it appear to be way over full. The factory manual says to fill with 3.5 litres of SAE 30 only. If that matches the mark on the dipstick, then oil should always checked with engine off.

VSG914.....I appreciate your consideration. Disagreements can sometimes provide a basis for a deeper understanding of the reality of an issue, .assuming both parties are open minded.....So here is some more information to help you decide how you want to check your oil level.....IF you check a 911,s oil level while it,s running.....why is it wrong to check a miserable type IV in the same way.?.....It is possable and doeable to check it while running....I certainly want an absolutely full crankcase of oil, it,s what ALSO provides engine cooling. The engine is not "over" full of oil if the high mark on the dip stick is not exceeded...while it,s running.(and the engine is completely capable of handling a complete Quart of oil if you do overfill it.)...unlike most engines our type 4,s do not have a problem with the crankshaft frothing ..THRU.. the crankcase oil if overfilled, as our cranks are way above the oil....so is the camshaft....With the engine running the volume of oil compressed in the oil passages is approximately one half quart of oil.(slightly more).(more if you have a remote oil cooler). The volume of oil drops in the crankcase...So this is the reality with a running engine. I,ve been filling and checking oil this way for a long time...I do it this way on all my vehicles...it,s one way to know with certainty that you are getting all the lubricating and cooling possable. It will also help (altho not always) eliminate low oil pressure in hard cornoring for a street car. The reality of whats there and whats going on is the thing...from the internal oil baffle cast into the crankcase and many other things.... The reality of whats actually taking place is the thing.



well that is all fine and good, but your assuming the factory set the high/low marks for checking while engine is running. I would not make that assumption seeing as your supposd to check the level in the four cylinder car with teh motor off, so is that not how the factory would mark the dip stick?


here is the real funny thing, what about folks with remote oil coolers, got to fill up that cooler and hoses how do you measure the oil level then?

my way is to measure the volume of oil the cooler and hoses take, then on teh first fill, (cooler and hoses dry) you add that much more oil to the engine than normal specified fill , then make a note on teh dip stick level, (it will be higher than normal full mark) then run motor to fill up the cooler and hoses, then shut dwon and allow all that oil in cooler and hose that will drain, to drain back into the sump, then recheck the dip stick, this should be the new oil level for when you top it off with engien off and settled for a while. cut a new high mark with a file clean all file dust off the stick and yoru good to go with a new high mark that compensates for the oil cooler.
bewarned, the old low mark will now be too low assuming a significant amount of oil is needed above the original top level to keep it full with teh hoses and cooler filled. you will probably want a new low mark also, you should actually make a mark using teh above method by using a half quart less than used above for the full fill, then make the new low mark on teh stick, then add the remaining half quart and make the new high mark. you will now have a half quart range high to low with your cooler/hoses included!
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
TheCabinetmaker
post Aug 23 2010, 10:09 AM
Post #11


I drive my car everyday
*****

Group: Members
Posts: 8,335
Joined: 8-May 03
From: Tulsa, Ok.
Member No.: 666



"IF you check a 911,s oil level while it,s running.....why is it wrong to check a miserable type IV in the same way.?....."

Cause the 911 and 914-6 are dry sump engines. The dipstick is in the oil tank, not the crankcase.
User is online!Profile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
ME733
post Aug 23 2010, 10:11 AM
Post #12


Senior Member
***

Group: Members
Posts: 842
Joined: 25-June 08
From: Atlanta Ga.
Member No.: 9,209
Region Association: South East States



QUOTE(ME733 @ Aug 23 2010, 11:36 AM) *

QUOTE(vsg914 @ Aug 22 2010, 01:59 PM) *

QUOTE(ME733 @ Aug 22 2010, 12:31 PM) *

.ON level ground ...Hot and running......this is the reality your engine is in., the oil is hot, and the oil is circulating,and this is when the oil level should be checked.

You had to know that someone would disagree with that statement, so here goes. Mind please that I am simply disagreeing, not trying to pick a fight (some folks here are so sensitive). While that is true for a six, its not true for a four. Hopefully, when the engine is running, most of the oil will be circulating, and not sitting in the bottom of the case. This could cause two different things. 1- the oil level would read very low, or the oil would be splashed on the dipstick and make it appear to be way over full. The factory manual says to fill with 3.5 litres of SAE 30 only. If that matches the mark on the dipstick, then oil should always checked with engine off.

VSG914.....I appreciate your consideration. Disagreements can sometimes provide a basis for a deeper understanding of the reality of an issue, .assuming both parties are open minded.....So here is some more information to help you decide how you want to check your oil level.....IF you check a 911,s oil level while it,s running.....why is it wrong to check a miserable type IV in the same way.?.....It is possable and doeable to check it while running....I certainly want an absolutely full crankcase of oil, it,s what ALSO provides engine cooling. The engine is not "over" full of oil if the high mark on the dip stick is not exceeded...while it,s running.(and the engine is completely capable of handling a complete Quart of oil if you do overfill it.)...unlike most engines our type 4,s do not have a problem with the crankshaft frothing ..THRU.. the crankcase oil if overfilled, as our cranks are way above the oil....so is the camshaft....With the engine running the volume of oil compressed in the oil passages is approximately one half quart of oil.(slightly more).(more if you have a remote oil cooler). The volume of oil drops in the crankcase...So this is the reality with a running engine. I,ve been filling and checking oil this way for a long time...I do it this way on all my vehicles...it,s one way to know with certainty that you are getting all the lubricating and cooling possable. It will also help (altho not always) eliminate low oil pressure in hard cornoring for a street car. The reality of whats there and whats going on is the thing...from the internal oil baffle cast into the crankcase and many other things.... The reality of whats actually taking place is the thing.

User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
McMark
post Aug 23 2010, 10:12 AM
Post #13


914 Freak!
***************

Group: Retired Admin
Posts: 20,179
Joined: 13-March 03
From: Grand Rapids, MI
Member No.: 419
Region Association: None



(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif) Dry sump vs. wet sump.

Dave is also right that the high low marks are arbitrary based on certain conditions. If you change those base conditions, you make those arbitrary marks irrelevant.
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
ME733
post Aug 23 2010, 10:15 AM
Post #14


Senior Member
***

Group: Members
Posts: 842
Joined: 25-June 08
From: Atlanta Ga.
Member No.: 9,209
Region Association: South East States



QUOTE(vsg914 @ Aug 23 2010, 12:09 PM) *

"IF you check a 911,s oil level while it,s running.....why is it wrong to check a miserable type IV in the same way.?....."

Cause the 911 and 914-6 are dry sump engines. The dipstick is in the oil tank, not the crankcase.

well duh.... The oil level is checked while the engine is running.
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
tradisrad
post Aug 23 2010, 10:21 AM
Post #15


Senior Member
***

Group: Members
Posts: 985
Joined: 11-September 06
From: San Mateo, CA
Member No.: 6,815
Region Association: Northern California



I've got an external oil cooler and that changes my oil level. However I have a high spot in my oil lines as they go up through the engine compartment and not past the valve cover so, I do not drain all of the oil from the cooler back into the sump.
I run the car for a few minutes and then do a speedy check on the dip stick. I have yet to mark a new "full" line on the dip stick.

But for a stock car check it with the engine off and give it a few minutes to let the oil drain back into the sump.
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
TheCabinetmaker
post Aug 23 2010, 10:51 AM
Post #16


I drive my car everyday
*****

Group: Members
Posts: 8,335
Joined: 8-May 03
From: Tulsa, Ok.
Member No.: 666



QUOTE(ME733 @ Aug 23 2010, 11:15 AM) *

QUOTE(vsg914 @ Aug 23 2010, 12:09 PM) *

"IF you check a 911,s oil level while it,s running.....why is it wrong to check a miserable type IV in the same way.?....."

Cause the 911 and 914-6 are dry sump engines. The dipstick is in the oil tank, not the crankcase.

well duh.... The oil level is checked while the engine is running.

Well duh! Not on a four!
User is online!Profile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
ME733
post Aug 23 2010, 10:58 AM
Post #17


Senior Member
***

Group: Members
Posts: 842
Joined: 25-June 08
From: Atlanta Ga.
Member No.: 9,209
Region Association: South East States



QUOTE(vsg914 @ Aug 23 2010, 12:51 PM) *

QUOTE(ME733 @ Aug 23 2010, 11:15 AM) *

QUOTE(vsg914 @ Aug 23 2010, 12:09 PM) *

"IF you check a 911,s oil level while it,s running.....why is it wrong to check a miserable type IV in the same way.?....."

Cause the 911 and 914-6 are dry sump engines. The dipstick is in the oil tank, not the crankcase.

well duh.... The oil level is checked while the engine is running.

Well duh! Not on a four!

.......Well alrighty then, I,m easy, do it your way.
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
dflesburg
post Aug 23 2010, 11:02 AM
Post #18


Senior Member
***

Group: Members
Posts: 1,722
Joined: 6-April 04
From: Warm and Cheerful Centerville Ohio
Member No.: 1,896
Region Association: None



Just as long as you do check it.

How about every time you buy gas.
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
TheCabinetmaker
post Aug 23 2010, 11:08 AM
Post #19


I drive my car everyday
*****

Group: Members
Posts: 8,335
Joined: 8-May 03
From: Tulsa, Ok.
Member No.: 666



The 4 cylinder factory specs says "3.5 litres (approx 3.7 us quarts) of oil". If you change oil and filter. add 3.5litres, run to fill oil filter, and check the dipstick with the engine off, it will be exactly on the top (ie;full)mark.
User is online!Profile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
7TPorsh
post Aug 23 2010, 12:17 PM
Post #20


7T Porsh
****

Group: Members
Posts: 2,691
Joined: 27-March 06
From: Glendale Ca
Member No.: 5,782
Region Association: Southern California



MISERABLE 4...geez!
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post

2 Pages V  1 2 >
Reply to this topicStart new topic
1 User(s) are reading this topic (1 Guests and 0 Anonymous Users)
0 Members:

 



- Lo-Fi Version Time is now: 27th April 2025 - 04:43 PM