Oil levels at service

DaveyB · Mar 11, 2014

I have just had the third service on my 52 plate 996 Targa. The first was at a Porsche Main Dealer, and the other two were specialists in Peterborough and Bedford respectively.

Each time after I have had service, the on-dash display when doing the oil level test has read over maxiumum. I have then checked the dip-stick and this too has shown above maxiumum level. Each time I have had to drain out 1 litre of oil.

Two times on the way back from a service, I have pressed on a bit, and generated a huge cloud of oil smoke. I am sure this is the exccess oil being sucked into the engine.

Why would three garages make the same "mistake" each time. I thought modern garages had dispensers that you just typed in the quantity you want and it outputs that amount? Could my car have an unusual oil system? Anybody else had a similar experience?

thirteeneast · Mar 11, 2014

Maybe there not leaving it to drain, I leave mine for about an hour sometimes more when I do mine.

Cant see a garage waiting that long, but if I were you I would have a right moan at them!.

Motorhead · Mar 12, 2014

Dave,

I think that because of the flat-6 layout, it's likely that some residual oil will always remain - perhaps in the camshaft areas. As Richard says, I can't see the technician waiting an hour or so before refilling with the recommended quantity of fresh oil.

I have to say though, I think it unlikely that there'd be about a litre of residual oil lurking in the engine.

Jeff

AndyB · Mar 13, 2014

I had my oil changed on my 1998 C2 recently at my local OPC and I'm having the opposite problem. My dashboard gauge is showing less oil than before. Checking the dipstick shows all is well, but it is unsettling nevertheless. OPC are having a look on Monday to try and see why the gauge is behaving the way it is.

raybonnar · Mar 21, 2014

hi, when I carried out my own oil change on my 996 I let the hot oil drain for around 2-3 hours (I wanted every last drop out!). when I went to refill with the 2x4ltrs containers of new oil that I had bought thinking I had plenty, I discovered that I did not have enough and ended up having to buy another 4ltr container of oil to get the 1-2 extra ltrs that I required. hope this helps.regards ray.