low oil
 

I recently purchased an 87 911. By the time I took delivery, I noted the oil level (dipstick) was low. It took just over5 quarts of synthetic to bring the level to acceptable. Oil pressure is/was ok. Do I need to be concerned? Thanks!!

RE: low oil
 

Did you check it previously and was it full?

Have you noticed any leaks?

Is it smoking?

It seems like alot of oil to me....

tell us more

RE: low oil
 

No leaks, just a puff of smoke when cold starting. It was low when I took delivery- not sure when the previous owner last checked it. He changed the oil appox. 3,000 miles ago and I suspect he did not check it since. Runs fine, but I'm just concerned re possible damage to the engine while it was low...

RE: low oil
 

Worse case if it became very low is that you would suffer oil starvation to the big ends and they wear excessively.

However, it may well be the case that the previous owner didnt fill it properly in the first case. If you dont get the engine hot after putting in an initial 9 litres, say, then check again you wont have fillied the oil cooler and oil lines going to the front.

I personally only run with the oil half full according to the dipstick.

I would say keep the oil topped up (with a good oil) and make sure you check the oil level only when the engine is running and at operating temperature.

RE: low oil
 

As pete917 has said, make sure the level is checked while the engine is running. Also check the level gauge in the vehicle @ full oper. temp.

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RE: low oil
 

Yes, hopefully you checked the oil with the engine running, and at operating temp. If you checked it cold, and with the engine off, then added oil, you are going to be overly full and will probably blow the seals out.

RE: low oil
 

Yes - The engine was at normal operating temp. (and running) when the oil was checked... I'm going to have my mechanic check things out but I still suspect the previous owner did not account for normal usage, possibly in combination with inadequate filling at the last oil change. Thanks for everyone's input!!

RE: low oil
 

You are probably correct on an incorrect fill then. For the car to go through that much oil, it would have to have a major leak (which you would see on the ground), or be burning it so bad you wouldn't be able to see behind you.