Early Oil Change On 987 - Is it worth it?

[Seabox]

Hi,

Just joined the club as I have realised a dream and traded in my Civic Type R for a May 06, 987 2.7 in silver with 18", Bose, PCM etc from Cambridge OPC (great service - Thanks to Scott and Nick). The car has 8500 miles on the clock and I know that the service schedule the first service is due at 20k or 2 years. My question is this - is it worth changing my oil and filter now (myself not the dealer) as 20000 miles seems a long time to keep oil in any engine, let alone my newly beloved flat 6.

Greatful for your thoughts,

Nick

 

[Chris_911]

My opinion - yes, worth it.

Easy to do yourself, too.

 

[GreigM]

seconded - certainly won't do any harm....

 

[Kevin Cooke]

Why bother, you'll soon be putting in loads of oil as it leaks out of the RMS[]

Regards

Kevin

 

[Popolou]

Its the cheapest yet best method of ensuring that the car is running healthy and correctly. When you can get the 8l and an oil changing kit for cheap anyways, what other beneficial thing can you do for your car at the same price?

It should also give you the chance to see how things are bedding inside. I'm at 9k miles now and have noticed that the car is still running in but i have always felt that an annual oil change is the right thing to do for me.

Regards

Popolou

 

[Seabox]

In my understanding cars either have early RMS failure because the main bearing setting in the engine block was drilled slightly off line or the engine is OK. Therefore the seal failure is a consequence of another problem in the engine which causes the seal to fail, rather than a fault in the seal itself. I undertand that the cause of the problem has been well understood by Porsche for several years so 06 built engines are statistically unlikely to fail. Mine - thus far - is OK and if it does fail I'll let Porsche fix it under warranty.

However, focussing on a slightly more positive outlook, I agree that it can't do any harm to change the oil and for the £60 or so it costs for the oil and filter it has to be worth it.

Thanks

Nick

 

[Chris_911]

Note that Porsche will not change the oil filter at the first 20k service. This is only changed every other service.

False economy IMHO.

 

[JCB..]

ORIGINAL: Chris_911

Note that Porsche will not change the oil filter at the first 20k service. This is only changed every other service.

False economy IMHO.

Yeh what do Porsche know about building engines! []

 

[Seabox]

Porsche clearly know a lot about building engines however, its also in their financial interest if the engines wear out and a few expensive bits break along the way!

Even if the work is covered by warranty, that is either built into the cost of a new car or costs the best part of a grand a year, ultimately it is only us customers paying for everything to do with Porsche staying in existance. I'm just trying to minimise my contribution!

 

[GreigM]

ORIGINAL: SeaBox

[FONT=arial"]In my understanding cars either have early RMS failure because the main bearing setting in the engine block was drilled slightly off line or the engine is OK. Therefore the seal failure is a consequence of another problem in the engine which causes the seal to fail, rather than a fault in the seal itself. I undertand that the cause of the problem has been well understood by Porsche for several years so 06 built engines are statistically unlikely to fail. Mine - thus far - is OK and if it does fail I'll let Porsche fix it under warranty.

I've never heard this before. As far as we know porsche do not have a definite "cause" and some believe it is gearbox vibration, but essentially it is a basic design flaw. The 986 and 987 engines are fundamentally the same and identical when it comes to RMS, so yours is as likely to fail as any other car based on the M96 design - there are plenty of observed cases of RMS failure in 987 and 997 - without a fundamental engine redesign it will not go away.

However I'm firmly in the camp of people who think it isn't the big deal it is hyped up to be - I know many people who have driven with an RMS leak for many years with no negative effect and just have it replaced the first time the clutch wears out.

 

[russtbird]

Go for it. Change the oil & filter, it surely can only do more good than harm. Use 5W-40 rather than 0W-40 just in case the RMS is a concern for you!

 

[Seabox]

I can't remember where I read the cause of RMS failure but it was very specific, I will try to get back with the reference.

Also, I have just bought my 2 x 4 ltr of Mobil 1 0W40 from Costco (it actually was the only grade available there) so am commited to the grade to use but take the point that 5W40 would be better for minmising 'drips'.

I will definately be changing the oil and filter and deal with the RMS if it raises its ugly head.

Many thanks for all your opinions and advice!

Regards

Nick

 

[Mark_Bennett]

If you are changing the filter as well you'll need another litre...

 

[snarf]

ORIGINAL: Mark Bennett

If you are changing the filter as well you'll need another litre...

And part fill the filter housing before replacing.

 

[Seabox]

Hi,

Changed the oil today, Filter and sump plug washer were under £12 from Guildford OPC, 2 x 4 ltrs of Mob 1 0W40 was £47 from Costco, so got to be worth it for couple of hours effort and £60.

Even though I'm sure that Porsche wouldn't stretch service intervals unnecessarily they cannot take into account the type of usage, e.g. short journeys etc. Comparing oil life with the Aero industry is a subjective comparison because their engines tend to run for long periods at constant speed - ideal operating conditions for an engine - gas turbine or piston.

Factoring in the first 8000 miles of my car weren't done by me and the oil change seemed a 'no brainer'.

Thanks again for the advice.