Oil clarification

[pidj]

I have a 2001S that had a professional oil change just prior to purchase. I've driven about 600kms on the car so far and checking the oil is leaving me confused. The gauge shows it beyond the markers and the dipstick doesn't show a defined area with the oil (it's still quite clean) - the entire dipstick section is wet with oil. Does this vehicle have too much oil in it?!? There are no codes, smoke etc. sometimes the idle will wander between 800 and 600 but nothing else.

Thanks!

[JFP in PA]

Turn the car off and let it sit for about an hour, then turn the key to the on position and let the dash oil gauge run through its cycle. If the dash gauge, which is more accurate than the dipstick, says the oil level is near the upper arrow, you are fine. If the car was overfilled, all of the dash bars would be lit.

[pidj]

Originally Posted by JFP in PA

Turn the car off and let it sit for about an hour, then turn the key to the on position and let the dash oil gauge run through its cycle. If the dash gauge, which is more accurate than the dipstick, says the oil level is near the upper arrow, you are fine. If the car was overfilled, all of the dash bars would be lit.

Thanks JFP, Shoot. The attached graphic is a cold test after sitting overnight. Sounds like it may be best to just change the oil now, and refill with a lower volume?

[pidj]

Here's the start up test result:

[Gelbster]

It is overfilled.Not good.
If they did not change the filter(?) do that to loose some excess oil. That may do it.
It is a good idea to check in the pleats of the oil filter anyway.An even better idea is to upgrade to an LN spin on filter at this time.

[husker boxster]

Before you change your oil, pull the filter cap and dump the oil in there. That should take you down a half to full bar. Rinse and repeat until you get to the proper level.

[pidj]

Originally Posted by husker boxster

Before you change your oil, pull the filter cap and dump the oil in there. That should take you down a half to full bar. Rinse and repeat until you get to the proper level.

Okay. This is my first mechanical thing with the car . I have never removed the filter on a boxster - so I understand that the oil is not going to spew out as if you removed the drain plug nut .... I'll check some videos to understand the way the cartridge filter works. I don't have a replacement one, so is it okay (or even possible) to reinstall after I drain out some oil?

Thanks!

[pidj]

Originally Posted by husker boxster

Before you change your oil, pull the filter cap and dump the oil in there. That should take you down a half to full bar. Rinse and repeat until you get to the proper level.

Do I need to start the motor (once the filter is placed back on securely ) to have the pump refill the filter cap (in order to repeat the process)?

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by pidj

Do I need to start the motor (once the filter is placed back on securely ) to have the pump refill the filter cap?

Yes.............

[pidj]

Got it. Thanks all!

[Quadcammer]

yes, you'll lose maybe half a quart, especially if you dump the filter cannister out. It will be messy but it works.

[steved0x]

What got me was I changed the oil, added 9 quarts, went to get gas, and the car reported on the oil level like it does when you get gas, and the lower bar was flashing indicating I was low (the oil was up in the engine still, I didn't give it enough time to come down), so I went home and it took another quart to get it to what I thought was the right level... Now I only check the oil after the car has been sitting level overnight, or at least for an hour or two after driving the car enough to get the oil hot. Otherwise I don't believe the gauge...

[rick3000]

Looks like you got this taken care of, but for anyone that looks at this thread in the future, it is also important to make sure the car is parked on a flat surface when you check the oil level. I have experienced 1-2 bars difference from the electronic guage based on where I was parked.

[pidj]

I placed it up on 4 stands so it's level and took off the cartridge cover, then let the oil drain. I replaced the cartridge and then turned on the ignition. The check still indicated overfill so I turned off the ignition and removed the cartridge cover, but no oil was in it. Do I have to run the motor to have more fill up the filter?

[pidj]

Missed that detail being answered by JFP!

[pidj]

Done! One 'emptying out' of the cartridge and the level is perfect. It wasn't too overfilled, but I'd rather it not at all. Thanks everyone for the help!

[Lew]

I am sure most know what a Mity Vac is. Miine came from HF and I use it to change my brake fluids on my Cars and Truck. I thought about seeing how much oil I could remove from the engine via the dip stick tube. I had a small piece of clear tubing about 48 or so inches and connected it to my MV. When inserting the clear tubing down the dip stick tube it stopped sliding down around 18 inches. I removed it and cut of the tip at a sharp angle. It then slid all the way deep into the sump.....I was able to remove approximately 5 oz of oil in 3 or 4 minutes. I am thinking you could remove a 1/2 to 1 quart within a short while if need be. It seems to be easier to remove the oil and continue to check until it's at the correct level. Big plus, it's without creating a mess and dealing with the oil filter.

[JBauer]

Originally Posted by pidj

Done! One 'emptying out' of the cartridge and the level is perfect. It wasn't too overfilled, but I'd rather it not at all. Thanks everyone for the help!

First of all I don't know very much about Boxster engines. That out of the way, I can't see how just that small amount of oil would make any diff. If it's not smoking or running bad, no check engine light etc. Just curious.

[dghii]

Funny thing about mity vac...
Required for our 4-stroke Yamaha waverunners.

Works great on our E36&46 BMW's
Stinks on one Son's 2005 Mustang and our two 2002 4Runners.
Never tried it on the Box.
Lawn mower...excellent!

[JFP in PA]

Normal............