Too much oil??!?!?!?

[bhduxbury]

Originally Posted by MNBoxster

But remember, this is all the same engine, just the Bore and Stroke Differ, so the capacities remain the same

that's cool, jim, but your numbers are a full litre (1.06 quarts, iirc) more than mine -- following yours would surely lead to at least an "indicated" overfill on a 987 on the digimeter. oh well.

and again, on another topic, ron's original post says "From the look of the meter it is full at all but one bar" -- not an overfill situation, from where i stand

[PDXbuckero]

I too am a new Boxster owner....2001 S 45K miles. I bought the car with less then full maintenance records although by my eye and also that of my new mechanic (not a dealer but a very reputibule specialist recomended by the local Club chapter) in great condition......THese people are good mechanics I can tell....
I told him to have at it and make sure he inspected every thing and did a full oil change with filter. The car is running great and what a blast it is!!!! But like the rest of you if I do the electronic oil check I too have all the bars lit
Not only that but the receipt very detailed bye the bye says 10 quarts of Mobil 1 0W/40 oil and filter.....

[MNBoxster]

Originally Posted by bhduxbury

that's cool, jim, but your numbers are a full litre (1.06 quarts, iirc) more than mine -- following yours would surely lead to at least an "indicated" overfill on a 987 on the digimeter. oh well.

and again, on another topic, ron's original post says "From the look of the meter it is full at all but one bar" -- not an overfill situation, from where i stand

Hi,

They are not my numbers, they are from the TSB cited. If Porsche subsequently lowered the recommended Fill capacity, it's quite possible, but news to me...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

[NickCats]

Just to chime in, just had the 30k on my 99. 10 quarts and I show all bars lit as well...

[dezigns]

OK, so I took it to the dealer today, as I had my 20k service last week, which is when the oil was changed, and the alarm sounded, haha. First of all, wonderful service from Adrian and Jeff at Valley Motors Porsche in Cockeysville, MD. Top notch guys all the way around, very honest and hospitable people. Best dealer experience I've ever had - after owning Toyotas, Nissans, etc. They're simply great- I showed up, told them my problem, and they put the car in the bay immediately.

But I digress...they took the car in on the diagnostics, and determined it was slightly (like half a cup) over the "full" mark - which highlighted the top bar. No need to siphon they said, wont do any damage, and I also assumed I'd probably burn that excess oil within a month or so anyways.

So, long and short - if you're overfilled, it doesnt hurt to check how much, but obviously the digital gauge is quite sensitive and pretty darn accurate, and most likely, you're not in a huge overfill situation. They did say though, the max they fill any car EVER, is 10 quarts (996 maybe?)

[MNBoxster]

@dezigns,

I'm glad you had this checked and it's OK. Your Mechanics are correct, ½ Cup is not a Big Deal and will probably burn off with time.

But for others, be aware that an Overfill isn't merely what is added to the Engine, you must also be sure that you first drain the proper amount when doing the change to insure the final level is correct.

Porsche calls for draining the Oil for at least 20 min. to insure that the old Oil is fully drained. I wait a minimum of 30 min. just to be sure. Make sure that the Car has been run and the Oil is warm, this allows it to flow easier as well as insuring that all the contaminates are picked up in suspension so that the Oil will carry them out of the Engine.

Also, be sure that the Car is LEVEL or you won't be draining the proper amount. This can be difficult when performing a DIY change on JackStands, so I prefer the method of jacking the Car, pulling the Drain Plug and then lowering the Car with the Catch Pan in place. This ensures the car is level and that you get all the old stuff out. Then raise it again, button everything up, and fill with the measured amount. This will avoid any gross overfills, and get all the dirt and grime out of the motor. Hope this helps...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

[Brucelee]

All the more reason to avoid any quick change oil shops. They drain the car for maybe two minutes.

Out you go!

[Adam]

Originally Posted by MNBoxster

Hi,

No from '01 MY onwards, there is no Dipstick. The difference between the Full mark (1 below the Top Bar) and the minimum is 1.6 Qts. If you go below this level, the bottom Bar will flash. Hope this helps...


Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

Jim, I believe MY 05+ is dipstickless. My 03 most certainly has a dipstick.

[MNBoxster]

Originally Posted by Adam

Jim, I believe MY 05+ is dipstickless. My 03 most certainly has a dipstick.

Hi,

Yea, I think you're right! Thanks for the correction...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99