First oil change

[CHRISP357]

Ok, I'm doing the first change tonight. I'll jack it up, remove the plug and the filter and drop it back down. Any tips, hints or warnings?

[linderpat]

That's about it. Don't drop it back down until the job is finished. Also, be sure the engine is warm, to make sure all particulate matter is well disbursed throughout the oil (which means be careful around the hot parts underneath; doesn't have to be super hot, just warm). Then be sure to inspect the oil filter for plastic or metallic bits. Always do that with these cars. One way to inspect the used oil itself is to pour some on a dark paper surface (or any dark item like a plate or whatever) and look for glitters in the sunlight.

[CHRISP357]

Shouldn't I level it to drain all the oil?

[steved0x]

It sounds like you may be doing what I do on my other cars - jack up one end, set a jack stand or two in case the jack fails, open the drain plug, and then.let it back down to drain. When done, lift it again, change the filter and replace the drain plug. I don't know if my drain pain would fit under the boxster as it is kind of big.A *lot* of oil comes out, and fast.

[CHRISP357]

My "101 projects for your Boxster" says use an 8mm hex but that sure looks like a Torx or something to me.

[KRAM36]

Originally Posted by linderpat

That's about it. Don't drop it back down until the job is finished. Also, be sure the engine is warm, to make sure all particulate matter is well disbursed throughout the oil (which means be careful around the hot parts underneath; doesn't have to be super hot, just warm). Then be sure to inspect the oil filter for plastic or metallic bits. Always do that with these cars. One way to inspect the used oil itself is to pour some on a dark paper surface (or any dark item like a plate or whatever) and look for glitters in the sunlight.

Excellent advice!

Originally Posted by CHRISP357

My "101 projects for your Boxster" says use an 8mm hex but that sure looks like a Torx to me.

That is a bit odd. Never seen a torx type drain plug. Did you also get a new crush ring? Another nice thing to have is the magnetic drain plug.

2003 Porsche Boxster S Convertible - Filters & Belts - Page 3

The one made by LN Engineering.

[jdlmodelt]

Originally Posted by KRAM36

Excellent advice!



That is a bit odd. Never seen a torx type drain plug. Did you also get a new crush ring? Another nice thing to have is the magnetic drain plug.

2003 Porsche Boxster S Convertible - Filters & Belts - Page 3

The one made by LN Engineering.

My 99 has a torx drain plug as well.

[linderpat]

Originally Posted by CHRISP357

Shouldn't I level it to drain all the oil?

Sorry, misunderstood your original post (thought you were putting all 4s uo in the air, as that is how I usually work on mine). Anyway, as Steve siad, yes. drop the rear back down to level until all the oil drains out.
Also as Kram said, get the LN magnetic drain plug, and while you are at it, get the spin on filter adapter from LN too. Not real expensive, and excellent insurance to keep your IMS happy.

[CHRISP357]

I guess I'll go buy a set of large Torx today. I hope that's what it is.
I'll order a magnetic plug for the next change but I'm going to keep the factory designed oil filter system. Front motor mount will be next.

[CHRISP357]

Ok, I have a number 50 Torx. Hope it's right this time.

[CHRISP357]

50 it was! Incidentally, not sure when the oil was last changed, but I personally put just over 2000 miles on it when I got it in October and the oil looks like I just poured it out of the jug! Clear and clean, smells good and not a single glittering piece of metal shaving. I'm quite happy!

[Pdwight]

How can the spin on oil filter adapter help the IMS ??

[CHRISP357]

I remain unconvinced that the spin on is any better than factory. I'm not going to try to convince anyone, it's just my opinion.

[Pdwight]

I am in no way trying to start a thread war or argument, I simply want to know if it helps or is better.

Thanks

Dwight

[clickman]

The rationale is that the stock filter canister has a built-in bypass that can (especially when it gets as old as most of our cars are now) allow oil to go unfiltered. Not a good scenario when there are contaminants in the oil. The spin on is full flow with no crappy bypass.

[Timco]

Originally Posted by Pdwight

I am in no way trying to start a thread war or argument, I simply want to know if it helps or is better.

Thanks

Dwight

As I understand it, some oil is bypassed until the cams and such get oil. Don't know if it's controlled by pressure or time. If any engine issue makes shavings, the spin on adapt never allows any unfiltered oil past.

[Chuck W.]

I put a spin on oil filter adapter on only because every knowledgeable Porsche mechanic on this board says to do it. I am far from being knowledgeable on these engines so I'll listen to the pros.

[CHRISP357]

Strange thing, my plug had no washer. It's aluminum and it wasn't leaking. I'm going to go get one today before I re-install.
Opinions, aluminum washer or nylon? Why?
Also, how many others have the Torx plug?

[Dualist]

I had a torx plug on mine and it's a replacement 05 engine. Replaced it with a mag one.

[KRAM36]

You want to get aluminum and they should be changed every oil change. Dirt cheap at Pelican @ .25¢ each. I buy a couple years worth as my car is a daily driver and I change the oil every 5k miles.

Pelican Parts - European Automotive Parts and Accessories - Porsche • BMW • Mercedes • Volkswagen • Audi • Saab • Volvo • MINI

I'm still not using the spin on filter and use K&N oil filter.

Engine Oil Filter K N PS 7011 | eBay