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How much oil?
Posted: Sun Dec 21, 2008 12:46 pm
by roboguy
Total newbie question here. I've just checked the oil in my A coupe and the level is about 1/3 down.
Roughly how much oil do I need to top up by? I've checked the drivers manual but it doesn't give any indication.
Cheers!
Posted: Sun Dec 21, 2008 3:13 pm
by svens
It's about one litre between the marks.
Overfill and the surplus will be thrown out (messy...)
Posted: Sun Dec 21, 2008 5:06 pm
by roboguy
Hi svens,
That's about what I figured, sounds like I need to put in about 1/4 of a litre then.
Am I right in thinking it's pretty important to keep 356 oil levels topped up (more so than a water cooled engine)?
Cheers.
Posted: Tue Dec 23, 2008 7:03 am
by svens
No not really, it's enough to stay in the upper half for everyday driving.
Keep it topped up for inspired slow driving, such as slalom, because then you really need the extra cooling.
Remember - it's oil-cooled not air-cooled...
Posted: Tue Dec 23, 2008 12:32 pm
by roboguy
Ok, one more silly question.
I currently have Shell Helix oil in the engine (according to the previous owner) should I be sticking with that or is there another brand / weight that 356er's recommend?
Cheers!
Posted: Tue Dec 23, 2008 5:57 pm
by louis356
If you've just got the car and not too sure about oil. I'd change it. it won't take you long to do and you will get to kn ow the car better.
You'll know how much oil is in the engine and you will know EXACTLY when it was changed.
New Oil is like new blood to an engine.
I used to change my 912's oil every 3000 miles and filter/oil every 6000
Go on your car will love you for it!
Posted: Wed Dec 24, 2008 6:04 am
by svens
Stick to the oil the engine is used to.
A good general rule is to at least stick to the type of oil, i.e. never go from mineral to synthetic.
I agree with lois356, do a service now.
Change the oil - both in the engine and gearbox, get new sparkplugs and points, use the grease gun...
And your 356 will reward you with many happy miles!
Oil Level
Posted: Wed Dec 24, 2008 9:03 am
by Mike Smith
James,
Keep the Oil up to the mark at all times
and
Buy a Drivers handbook for the car - it tells you `almost` everything you need to know about day to day running
Posted: Wed Dec 24, 2008 9:46 am
by roboguy
Thanks for the suggestions guys.
I am already planning to have the car given a full service early in the New Year and get a few other little jobs done. It will need an oil change then anyhow as it had a top end rebuild prior to me buying it, and the seller told me to put 500 miles on it then change the oil.
Thanks and have a great Christmas!