C2S high oil consumption

[dids600623]

My C2S has covered 55K. Lately the oil consumption seems to have increased to around 1L - 2L every 1000mls. I had the engine checked for bore scoring and no issues. I have been recommend to switch to a 5-40 rather than a 0 -40 oil which may help so will do this at next opportunity. Any other ideas what it could be? All temps seem un-changed. Any other tell tales I should look out for to point to an issue?

 

[Bear911]

I switched to 5-40 in May and have covered just over one thousand two miles since with no apparent oil consumption
Prior using 0-40 the average consumption was around .5 litre per 1,000 miles
Sorry but unable to offer any other ideas, what have your service provider suggested?

 

[Lancerlot]

My C2S has covered 55K. Lately the oil consumption seems to have increased to around 1L - 2L every 1000mls. I had the engine checked for bore scoring and no issues. I have been recommend to switch to a 5-40 rather than a 0 -40 oil which may help so will do this at next opportunity. Any other ideas what it could be? All temps seem un-changed. Any other tell tales I should look out for to point to an issue?

Obviously excessive oil consumption is caused either through the engine burning it or a leakage in the lubrication system. Does the engine emit blue smoke either on start up, cold running or hard acceleration? Is one side of the exhaust tail pipes blacker than the other? Has your travel pattern consisted recently of short runs followed by a longer one (see 997 Technical Section for causes)? Does the engine drip oil, is there dampness around the filler or breather areas? Are there signs of oil beneath the engine or on the underside towards the front end? These are all areas that can and should be checked.

Worn turbo engines are prone to pressurisation of the lubrication system due to the charge leaking past the piston rings on full boost. This results in pushing oil out through the breather system. A cylinder leakage test will be able to determine excessive or uneven wear.
Regards,
Clive.

 

[dids600623]

Hi, it does not drip oil and both exhausts are same shade. There is some condensation around the oil filler cap but I was assured by Hartech engine specialist that this was quite normal. These are the guys who checked it for bore scoring. There may be some blue smoke occasionally on start up. Car tends to do long journeys and rarely short ones.

Regards

David

 

[Lancerlot]

Hi David,

Condensation indicates the lubricating oil has absorbed moisture. This often happens when a vehicle stands around for any length of time.

Then, when it is used and the engine reaches its normal operating temperature for an extended period, the moisture evaporates leaving the impression the car has used more oil than it actually has.

Shorts puffs of blue smoke on start up are common for flat plane boxer engines, although extended smoking may be indicative of problems.

Porsche state 1 litre every 600 miles would be considered normal consumption for a 911, but in practice we find 997's usually use much less. However, 1 litre per 1K miles or so would not be considered abnormal for a vehicle having covered 55K, as clearly some engine wear will have taken place.

I would be inclined to just accept it, drive the car, enjoy it and put oil usage down to normal running costs associated with a high performance sports car. 5/40 grade oil should be fine.

If you're still worried, cylinder compression and/or leakage test results will indicate the extent of wear in the engine.

Regards,

Clive.

 

[Bear911]

If a 997 is looked after imo it's a dammed fine car

I am worn out with knuckle heads having a qwerty dig

Lancerlot - Doris is ten years old, done 36,500 miles (one previous owner)
Is it time for new gearbox oil (if only for peace of mind) ?

 

[Lancerlot]

Hi Peter,
I couldn't agree more. In the real world, on British roads and in the right hands, there is very little that would keep pace with a well driven C2S.
Give Doris a present with new g/b oil - it will flatter her and certainly won't do her any harm! []
Regards,
Clive.

 

[Bear911]

I considered Millers rather than Mobil for gearbox -

However Mobil 75w 90 does make a difference