oil consumption - where does it go?
 

As I wait for delivery of my 997TT I am trying to learn as much as possible about the technology. I have just learned that I should do an oil and filter change about every 5K miles or so, or once a year which ever comes sooner. This was no suprise. What does it cost, approximately?

What was a bit of a suprise for me was the oil consumption, apparently you need to top the oil up about 1 litre every 1000 miles (or so). Wow. If so, where does that 1 litre of oil go and why? My current car, M3, uses little if any oil so I wanted to find out about the oil consumption. Also, I can see there are different schools of thought for measuring oil levels, so I guess I will have to wait a month or so to experiment.

I have tried to search for oil consumption but with little luck so any info on this would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

RE: oil consumption - where does it go?
 

My 996 doesn't use that much oil and I pay about $100 for an oil change using Mobile 1

RE: oil consumption - where does it go?
 

A liter per 600 miles seems high. I change my own oil and only pay about $60

RE: oil consumption - where does it go?
 

Hi
Why do people worry about using "Lubricating Oil". It's in the engine to lubricate. Providing you are not driving around issuing clouds of blue smoke that forces the other traffic to stop, a little oil usage is good.
Remember the most important area of lubrication is in the hottest part of the engine, ie in the combustion chamber by ensuring oil is maintained between the piston rings and the bores, and forthe valves. This ensures that cylinder bore and valve guide wear is minimised. So most of the oil usage (ignoring other leaks from gaskets etc), is up the cylinder bores or from the valve guides, ensuring a lubrication film is being maintained.
Now I had a 1964 Lotus Elan which ran 150-160 bhp for a 1600cc engine (standard was 105 bhp on 1558 cc), which in the 60's was pretty hot. Now that did 200 miles to the pint. Yet the engine was in great condition having been rebuilt by myself with no expense spared.
Now modern technology/design and machining standards have moved on a long way since then, but a bit of oil usage is still needed tokeep the "hot bits" working.
Regards Big Bob

RE: oil consumption - where does it go?
 

Thanks Big Bob,

While mine was neither a worry or complaint question, I appreciate the info you posted. I know that heat is one of THE enemies of engines and I'm very impressed with Porsche technology. I'm a newbie to Porsche and would like to learn as much as possible, so again thanks for your info. Any idea where I might get my hands on for more technical issues re the 2007 997TT? So far, I've got my info, and my question about oil, from the PCA Tech Q & A section.

Your comment also gave me some time travel. I can remember driving to high school in the '60s in his small white Lotus - what a rush! That seems a life time ago, I guess it was.

RE: oil consumption - where does it go?
 

Big Bob, good answer. However, why don't other hot cars use oil like a 911?
You don't see Mercedes SL 500's or ever S 600's using oil like a Porsche...

RE: oil consumption - where does it go?
 

I would suggest at least regarding Mercedes, that the standard Auto Transmission will take out some of the consumption because you do not get the same rev changes during upshifts and downshifts that you tend to attract with a manual. This is particularly true now with the 7G system on the Merc. Which is not on my SL500 but is on the ML420CDI. I understand though comparing like with like that the SL55 AMGuse more than the SL500 or the SL600.
Best I can do to answer that point. But using oil is not necessarily bad, that is my real point.[:-]
Regards Big Bob

RE: oil consumption - where does it go?
 

I agree BB, my 911 doesn't use much at all, maybe a quart between oil changes and I run her pretty hard.

RE: oil consumption - where does it go?
 

A little usage isn't bad, mine doesn't use much either.

RE: oil consumption - where does it go?
 

Thanks b.Bob.
Actually, I kind of like putting in oil once in a while as needed. It's kind of a cool thing and reminds one that they're driving a real sports car and it's a guy/sports car/old fashioned/kind of traditional car thing. So wtf...

RE: oil consumption - where does it go?
 

This thread has some good info - from experience not "theory" or manuals. It seems from member's experience that the actual oil consumption is considerably less than what Porsche indicates. I like carsnobs point of view.
Bruce

RE: oil consumption - where does it go?
 

Hi folks,

My 996TT consumes oil around the rate specd in the owners manual. Checking the oil level is simple, through the on board computer, engine must be warned up and car on the level, but the comp tells you this.

Oil consumption is also related to how hard you drive the turbo, presumably non-turbos should be much easier on the oil consumption. They are flat motors!!

S.

RE: oil consumption - does it smell?
 

I've put about 2000 Kms on my car now and it has used about 1 litre of oil so far. From what I read the oil consumption will be reduced a bit over time. I find a kind of oil smell in the cab after I start it up first thing in the morning. Is this normal, or should I sell the car right away (Canadian humour, sorry). I have about 800 Kms on my new AWE exhaust system so I think all the oil has been burned off it by now.

RE: oil consumption - does it smell?
 

You might still be getting a "smell off" your new exhaust. It can take quite a while for the various engine/transmission coatings etcto stop emitting smells. Wait for 5000k before changing the car:D
Regards Big Bob

RE: safe oil& H2o temps?
 

Does anyone know the "safe" range of oil and water temperatures for the 997TT. Mine are fine now but was wondering what to expect on the track and hot summer traffic driving.
Thanks in advance.

RE: safe oil& H2o temps?
 

To some extent the key issue is what your summer ambients are? In the UK my temps are between 80-90 Ceg C. If I get held up in traffic on a very hot day (rare inthe UK) it might push close to 100. Mind you the fans are running etc.
What are the summer temperatures you experience in your part of the US especially when held up in traffic on the black top?
Regards Big Bob

RE: safe oil& H2o temps?
 

Big Bob,

I have two scenerios related to my oil and water temperature question.

1. I live in Canada where our summer can reach 30C (86F) where I live. I suspect this will be the ambient temperature when I get my TT on the track later this summer. For daily driving, Calgary has no worries for stop and go in traffic. It's just the track issue here I'm wondering about.

2. Besides tracking my car about 10 times a year, in hopes of improving my driving skills, and using it as my daily driver (even in our Canadian winters - I did this with my just departed M3) my wife and I really enjoy long road trips. I ran into some difficulties with my M3 last summer in Denver (about36C - 42F) and especially in Phoenix (42C - 107F!!!!) which required turning off the A/C and suffering the heat. I didn't even track my car as daily driving seemed to push the oil and water temperature (ok, I had a VFE supercharger in my M3 and probably needed an upgraded radiator to be honest). I know the TT has a superior cooling system so I'm wondering if I need any special preparation for summer driving in the hotter US states. I wasn't able to get any feedback from owners in Arizona, etc. (yet).

I am very interested in learning more about Porsche and my 997TT in particular for practical reasons but also the technology and history I find fascinating.

I hope you are getting some driving time this summer.

Thanks for your input Big Bob.

Cheers!

RE: safe oil& H2o temps?
 

For tracking I would make sure that you have gently pressure washed out the front rads to get rid of flys, bugs,and debris, and ensure that the intercooler matix is reasonably dirt free. You want maximum air flow through both of these systems to maximise cooling (rads) and optimise performance by improving the air mass charge (intercooler). When was the last time your Coolant system was dumped and flushed and refilled? Flushing out the coolant system can work wonders for clearing any deposits in the engine water jacket, rads, intercoolers etc, that impede heat transfer from the engine to the rads etc. Always refill with Antifreeze or Summer Coolant at the right concentation afterwards, as this mix does a better job of cooling than water on its own, because of improved heat transfer properties.
Think about anew airfilters too.
When you are actually on the track you will be getting plenty of airflow through the engine and so while you are actually running there is no real issue. The issue comes especially with Turbos when you stop. Suddenly the heat has nowhere to go, and that can give problems.
After you have done your fast laps, before going back in to pit, do a cooling down lap or two, to enable the oil and coolant to take the engine temperature down before you cut the engine.
I would always change the oil before tracking for the first time + filters. If you are really keen I would change the oil again after tracking especially if you have done say a day of laps.
Check too that your transmission oil is right, as that gets hot too, and your clutch is correctly adjusted.
When was the last time your Brake Fluid was changed? It should be replaced at least every 2 years, and since the winters are cold in Canada and the summers humid, Brake Fluid is hygroscopic, and as water build up in the oil, its effectiveness deteriorates and the boiling point drops, which can start to show when tracking.I recommend ATE Racing Blue DOT 4 Fluidfor tracking and general use - but there are other fluids that would do the job just as well.
Cant think of anything else at present, but Mrs Big Bob wants me to take her to the pub for something to eat and drink. I usually come up with ideas when enjoying a glass of wine or beer, so if I do I'll get back to you.
Regards Big Bob

Air filter check - MICE!
 

I took Big Bob's advice and had my car checked out. While they (the dealer) were checking the cabin air filter they discovered a mouse nest (about 6 inches + across) and a few dead mice. I was told that this kind of thing sometime happens with cars transported long distances, cars stored, and those parked in the country. I was also told some horror stories of what mice can do if they live in your Porsche for any length of time. Strange but true!

RE: Air filter check - MICE!
 

Clearly Bion, this mouse had taste in more ways than one:D;):D.
Glad it turned out OK though. Good job it was not the mouse from the "Green Mile" he would have eaten the lot:D
Regards Big Bob

RE: Air filter check - MICE!
 

You mean like this :) Find them all the time

http://karl.wilen.us/images/PollenFilter1.JPG

RE: Air filter check - MICE!
 

Hi Porsche Doc
What do you call a Mouse that does that? Is it printable?:D:D:D
Regards Big Bob