Best way to check oil level???

[porsche986spyder]

I was just wondering why Porsche decided to use two ways to measure the oil consumption? I mean it's really cool to be able to visually see it as a meter on your instrument cluster, but how accurate is that compared to the old fashion way of using the dip stick? So is the instrument oil check level just to watch it, so you can top it off if needed? Mine always says full. I check the dip stick level every 3k. It says the same. Right where it should be, but I wonder when pulling it out how much of it actually comes in contact with the inside tubing when you pull it out. I always clean it off and then put it back in 2-3 times to get a good reading, but it still seems like it is imposible not to touch the inside of the tubing collecting more oil every time you take it out. Any one else feel this way? Whats the best and most accurate way to check your oil level?

[FrayAdjacent]

I would recommend checking the oil as follows:

With the engine at operating temperature, and running, on a LEVEL surface, check the oil level via the dipstick.

For 987 owners... they have to rely on electronic measuring.

[Marc Gelefsky]

Originally Posted by FrayAdjacent

I would recommend checking the oil as follows:

With the engine at operating temperature, and running, on a LEVEL surface, check the oil level via the dipstick.
.

I was under the impression that unlike my 3.2 Carrera you do NOT have the engine running but at operating temp when you check the oil.
Just as when you use the dash guage the engine is off.

I check my oil weekly, with the digital readout. It has proven very accurate so far. First thing in the morning, before starting the car.

[7th gear]

Originally Posted by Marc Gelefsky

I was under the impression that unlike my 3.2 Carrera you do NOT have the engine running but at operating temp when you check the oil.
Just as when you use the dash guage the engine is off.

that's what i do also. i was told the panel is accurate but to check after about 0.5 hrs on level surface to give the oil a chance to settle after a trip.

that 0.5 hr seems to make sense because after i gas up, my gauge doesn't reflect the new gas level until after about 20 - 30 min later.

[porschedude]

yes, the digital oil level display is very accurate but I also confirm by checking the dipstick. the level stays the same all the time for both cases.

[MNBoxster]

Hi,

The digital gauge is not very accurate at all. It is accurate so far as being full (under the proper circumstances - Cold, 1/2-1 Hr. at rest), other than that it is very inaccurate. Use the Dipstick, this is the most accurate way. Also, the M96 engine, w/ it's quasi-dry sump holds almost 10 Qts. of Oil. Don't obsess about having it Full all the time, this is unecessary as anything between the lowest and second to the top bar on the digital gauge, or between the hash marks on the Dipstick is OK.

If you obsess about keeping it always at the Top, you run a great risk of overfilling the system which leads to foaming of the Oil and increased metal part wear in the engine.

Each Bar on the digi-gauge represents 1 Cup (8oz.) of Oil. Better to allow it to drop two or three bars before topping it up to avoid overfilling, which is quite easy to do. If you overfill, you MUST drain the excess amount for the reasons stated above. The capacity of the system is so large, that there is no risk of Oil starvation, except perhaps on a Track. Everything between the Upper and Lower marks is OK, there is no More OK or Less OK. OK is OK...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

[porsche986spyder]

that 0.5 hr seems to make sense because after i gas up, my gauge doesn't reflect the new gas level until after about 20 - 30 min later.[/QUOTE]

That is actually a gas gauge problem. There are some post about it. If this happens to you after filling up your car, then it can be corrected by having the gas gage re-calibrated. (Just another Porsche Boxster flaw) Otherwise it's just more of a neuwsence than anything else. Gas gauge needle should rise to full tank after you fill it up emidiately after you turn the ignition key.

[MNBoxster]

Originally Posted by porsche986spyder

...That is actually a gas gauge problem. There are some post about it. If this happens to you after filling up your car, then it can be corrected by having the gas gage re-calibrated. (Just another Porsche Boxster flaw) Otherwise it's just more of a neuwsence than anything else. Gas gauge needle should rise to full tank after you fill it up emidiately after you turn the ignition key.

Hi,

Sorry, but that's inaccurate. The problem is not an uncalibrated gauge, it is a shifted overflow tube in the tank. If this tube shifts, it will interfere with the proper movement of the float for the fuel sender. The fix is to pull the tube from the tank, zip-tie it in place to keep it from migrating toward the fuel sender float, and reinstall. Hope this helps...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

[alphaboy1]

Ok so one more time... Use the dp stick and oil should be from bottom of plastic level to next indent in plastic?

[Paul]

Use the electronic dipstick on the dash, and measure it when the car is cold in the morning and on the level.