Oil Level

[BLK_Betty]

so just how much oil does a 2001 Boxster S take?

[Lil bastard]

Originally Posted by BLK_Betty

so just how much oil does a 2001 Boxster S take?

I don't believe that the TSB Boxster 2/99 1701 1 has ever been superceded by a later one, though I may be wrong - I don't have a current revised PET.

A downward revision would seem unlikely though.

This TSB lists capacity as:

Effective immediately, the new filling capacities should be used on all Boxsters, retroactively, until further notice. Please correct your Technical Manual accordingly.

• Oil change without filter - 8.5 liters (9 quarts), formerly 7.75 liters
  
  Oil change with filter - 8.75 liters (9.25 quarts), formerly 8.25 liters

This TSB also notes:

A draining time of 20 minutes is required to attain the proper oil level.
Always confirm oil level by checking the dipstick.

[986barnum]

my 98 was overfilled with oil which became abundantly clear during an autocross in a high speed left turn. Never seen so much smoke. Repair shop said I was about a quart overfilled. Since then I've had some minor smoke from time to time in turns in autocrosses but would rather have a puff of smoke than risk starving the engine. that being said, blowing oil into the exhaust will ruin your cats at $1400 each. your safest bet would be to bring it to a shop and have them service it, they only charged me for a half hour labor to remove a quart of oil and verify all the levels were good.

[FTD]

Originally Posted by 986barnum

my 98 was overfilled with oil which became abundantly clear during an autocross in a high speed left turn. Never seen so much smoke.

Same thing happened to me at Little Talladega - a left turn no less. Common thoughts were that I had too much oil, although the dipstick didn't look heavy. What I decided is on the next oil change I will measure what I pour out before I add the new, and add that amount of fresh oil - rather than just dumping in the amount stated in the owner's manual. From there I will use the dipstick and OBC gauge to decide if I need to add more. Maybe I should even add the drained out amount, run the engine for a few minutes, let it cool, then measure again. Anyway, "Lessons Learned". The huge clouds of smoke in this particular turn were disturbing and I was concerned about being stranded in Alabama.

[Lil bastard]

As has been mentioned before, in any type of Track or Auto-X, I think you have to go off spec and add whatever you feel is appropriate to your conditions and your car. But, I suspect that the reason for this increased capacity was the reports of oil starvation to the bearing experienced when tracking the early cars - fairly well documented.

One thing occurs to me though, Porsche put out this TSB increasing the oil quantity spec, but they did not address the measurement of this added amount.

They do not recalibrate the electronic oil level indicator or knotch the dipstick to show the proper revised amount. In others words, if you rely on these instruments, your Oil level will be below the revised quantity - under-filled to the revised spec.

For those with dipsticks, I suggest (and will perform myself) that you take a dipstick reading when you know that the proper amount has been added (just after an oil change), pull the dipstick and note where the level sits (presumably it will be higher than the Maximum Fill Line). Then take a file and score the dipstick at that point to give you a revised maximum fill line. You'll still have the original fill line too. The difference between these two lines should also be used to determine where the revised Add Oil line should be. While I would not score the dipstick to create another Add Oil line, I would look for the difference between the actual level and the Add Oil line to determine whether any was needed.

If you don't have the dipstick and must rely solely on the electronic oil gauge, you would now need to fill to the top bar on the gauge. Each bar represents approx. 8oz. or .25 Ltr. Since the original Full measurement was the 2nd to top bar, increasing the capacity by .25 Qt. means you must now use the top bar as your Full guide. On problem here is that you no longer have an over-filled indicator on the gauge as you in fact had before.

Finally, it's possible that Porsche did recalibrate these gauges for cars produced after this TSB was introduced, but I can find nothing stating that it has. So, you have to decide which bar (the top or second from the top) you want to use. But for the early cars, the top line should be your new Full line for sure.

Just remember to change your oil on a level surface and allow it to drain at least 20 min. (30 is probably better) to make sure that the proper amount has been drained, and that you warm up the engine (and Oil) before draining it so that it flows properly and so all the dirt and gunk is in suspension so it will drain with the oil.

[RandallNeighbour]

I'm having a tough time finding 0W40 Mobil 1 anywhere locally beyond the stealership.

Has anyone found a larger store chain (Walmart, etc.) carrying it that might have locations in Houston?

I'll be buying 10 quarts after this thread read, by the way!

[Lil bastard]

Originally Posted by RandallNeighbour

I'm having a tough time finding 0W40 Mobil 1 anywhere locally beyond the stealership.

Has anyone found a larger store chain (Walmart, etc.) carrying it that might have locations in Houston?

I'll be buying 10 quarts after this thread read, by the way!

Try finding the Mobil Distributor in Houston. These often will do 'Will Call' sales.

That's where I get mine in my city and it's $2/qt. cheaper than retail as well, if you can even find the right weight retail.