Oil Inquiry
 

I have 2001 Boxster S that I purchased a few month ago. Right before the purchase the previous owner had the car serviced at a local shop that specialize in Porsches. Yesterday, I checked the oil level and noticed it needs to be topped-up, the problem is that I don't know what kind of oil was used during the last service. I only have the following info on the invoice from the shop. Any recommendation on what oil I should use to top-up? By the way, I only put about 2,500 miles since that last oil change.

Thanks,
Fabrice


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Guessing it's 5W-40. Why not just call the shop?

It doesn't really matter, you can top up with just about anything. As kjc2050 said, 5W40 (synthetic) would be a good bet.

The way I read the oil change info:

"OX128 Oil Filter 996-N": OX128 is the "MAHLE" brand oil filter

"1-MT5-40-Q Synthetic Oil -N": 5W-40 Synthetic Oil, (Quaker State?)

"18x24 ...": 18x24 is the size of the aluminum crush washer on the oil plug.

When I read the original Post, I thought the exact same thing but was afraid to make that comment. That being said I'd replace the oil all together and then hope that the before mentioned oil was not used long term in the engine.

Thank you all for the replies.
The shop is pretty far from my house but I'll try to swing by later today to find out what oil brand they used… I was looking for an excuse to go for a nice ride anyway :cool:
That last oil change was done about 6 months ago and I only put about 2,500 miles since then so I don't think I need an oil change right away.

fabrice

No, you don't.

That depends on what they put in your car 6 months ago.

Personally, I'd change the oil now and inspect the filter. Do it yourself and learn a little more about your car in the process. Just my $ .02

I have bought several used vehicles in my 58 years and one of the first things I do is change the oil and coolant. Never had any problems. I'd suggest you do the same. Just my $.02.

Since a Porsche shop did the oil change, I wouldn't worry about it. Jiffy Lube's a different story. ..
Top it off with 5w/40 synthetic and enjoy your new car.
Phil C

I went to the shop this morning, the oil they use for 986s is Red Line 5W40 (the regular, not the Euro-Series). The shop owner said that if i can't find the Red Line brand I can use pretty much any good quality synthetic oil.

He told me to always check the oil level when the engine is hot (at least 20min of diving), wait 2-3 minutes after turning off the engine and make sure the car is perfectly level.
More importantly, he said to never top-up all the way to the max line because the oil tend to "expand" by about 1/2 quart's worth in volume when the engine gets hot. He said I should keep the level not higher that the 3/4 mark on the dipstick gauge in order to leave some room for expansion.

I guess the trip to the shop was well worth it after all.

That's a good advise from the shop owner. From my experience I've seen two cases where oil is overfilled and ended up with a blown AOS a few days after the oil change. 1st was my car which I filled to just over 8.5 qts at that time. 2nd was a friends car after an independent shop changed the oil and was overfilled. Steven Creek Porsche which is near me and also quoted me $1200 to change the AOS at that time also mentioned to me that overfilling the oil will damage the AOS.

Where in the Bay Area are you? I'm in Santa Clara.

$1200 just to change the AOS? Is that a California tax because that's just bonkers.

$1200 was a quote from the dealer. Other shops quoted me $2200 since my car was a Tip tranny and advised engine has to be lowered to replace.

I ended up doing myself and spent two hrs to replace which is not bad considering it was my first one. I changed my friends AOS and it took me less than 1 hr.

I'm from Martinez, it's in the east bay 15 mins from Walnut Creek.

That's a great oil. You're fine. Order a few quarts off the internet.