Service Intervals

[jam1976]

coming up to a year of ownership in april, '89 3.2 76,400 miles. she's been laid up for the winter months and I'm planning a good summer trip. Want to do at least an oil change and check the rest. looking at history whats due? brake fluid, gear oil etc ?
24/11/03 (74412 miles)- 12,000 mile service inc brake fluid and gear oil
27/1/05 (76009 miles) 6000 mile service
1/4/06 (78000 miles) whats due ? brake fluid ? its more than a couple of years old, but not done much!
What should i be doing ?
Where do i take it ? Main dealer does 10% off parts and a reduced labour rate of £75/ hour
OR do i go to my local specialist ? ( who has conflicting views on the oil type, he reckons only semi synthetic for a 3.2) oilman & main dealer Mobil 1(15w40 main dealer)?

 

[TopCarrera]

You could probably leave brake fluid for another twelve months, but given the modest cost for a change then why not get it done? At least you'll know that your brake lines are moisture free.

With regard to oil ther are those who will tell you that a fully synthetic grade is a waste of money for these cars and can promote leaks. My view is that a fully synthetic grade is always worth paying for; you simply cannot get the same level of protection with a mineral grade - why compromise? (the chemistry/tribological engineering is firm on this).

IMHO save your money and go to an established independant specialist and probably get a better job . You should be able to find an enthusiastic specialist with technicians experienced in working on our older models. Where abouts are you located?

 

[burrow01]

Hi,

I would agree with the brake fluid change being done, brake fluid is hygroscopic - absorbs water - so the requirement for a change is time related not distance

Regarding the servicing, go with who you are most comfortable with - if your local independent is giving advice you don't trust, go somewhere else, people on this forum will be able to give recommendations

If you are happy the local OPC is knowledgable about older cars - not many are - and you don't mind paying a premium (although top class independents are creeping up to this price) put these on your potential list, but most people with cars of this age will go to a trusted independent.

Regarding oils, I've always put sythetics in because I believe it is the best. These may be older cars now, but they are still pieces of precision engineering. I think there may only be two semi-synthetic oils on the official approved list, which will give you a guide as to what Porsche think

Pete

 

[dixhuit]

I only do 2000 miles a year (car has only done 23k since new) but even with that low mileage my specialist who I trust implicitly gives an annual checkover/service , which always includes a complete change of engine and gearbox oil plus brake fluid. He says this is a must. However we did need to replace the V belt and found it to be the original as put on the car in 1989 !!!! 17 years and it was showing signs of too much wear. Bet the new models belts wouldnt last that long.[]
Simon

 

[Guest]

So, you're 3.2 has spent the last 17 years without Mobil 1 and now it suddenly needs it?? Come on!

10W40 semi-synthetic is what goes in mine - put in by Ray Northway who's been working on these cars since they came out new. Don't pay a fortune for something you don't need.

Oh and do go to a specialist - the OPCs know Boxters, 996s etc but there is little knowledge left in those organisations regarding early cars - the specialists are full of guys who know these cars inside out.

 

[tripe]

I still take my 3.2 to the OPC even though it's for routine work I could easily do myself. The reason I go there is that it's a mega low mileage car which has always been serviced within the main dealer network and I want to keep up that provenance. I have to say though that as time goes by I become less and less impressed by the OPC, the last two times they have managed to spill oil on the engine tinware (and leave it there), the most recent service manager didn't have much clue about the mechanics of the car and when I asked for a copy of the checklist they work to for my records they were embarrassed to admit that they'd run out of 3.2 Carrera ones and so used a checklist for a 964. I thought of framing it but no one else in my house would get the joke (power steering pump was ticked ok!!!).

If I were you I would definitely stick to a trusted independent. The cars are relatively straightforward so remember that if your independent charges a mega labour rate you are probably helping to pay for all the fancy diagnostic equipment that's needed to work on the newer models these days. Keep an eye out for a specialist that has plenty of experience on the older cars. I don't know where you're located but if you're in the south east then maybe Ronocco in Surrey can help, they only work on cars up to the 993.