Where is all my oil going??
 

OK finally got to drive the car after it has been sitting for 2 weeks.

I try and make observations of the oil gauge on the dash after I have warmed up the car (temp at least at the 8 o clock position) - I never seem to get out of the red.

I checked the oil after driving and found it to be midway between the bottom 2 dots and the end of the stick - too low. It constantly seems to hover around that point although I add oil "frequently."

Since the car is not smoking (except the burst at startup) and is not dumping oil all over my parking space (I have a piece of carpet their to catch it)- where the heck is it all going?? I would think that if it was burning (excessively), I'd see smoke, right? And if it was leaking while driving, it would continue to do so in the garage, but all I get is "dirty" spots on the carpet, as opposed to clean oil on the stick.

Other than the recommended engine drop, any thoughts/suggestions?

Steve--

Are you checking it with the car running? The lack of visible smoke does not mean you're not buring oil. They all burn oil, the only variance being quantity. They are designed to burn a moderate amount of oil. Rule of thumb is 600 mi/qt is ok. I think SC's are the same as Carreras--when you're using a quart per 300 mi or less it's probably symptomatic of an engine problem, assuming it's burning not leaking.

Halfway between the two marks is just right. I keep a log book of date, mileage and anything I touch on the car. That way I know exactly how many miles I went between being at just right and being one quart low. You could easily be burning too much oil and never see smoke. Check it with engine hot and running and on level ground. BTW, older 911 oil level gauges are not that accurate. That's why I bought my 993;).

Of course! :)

Based on your miles/quarts ratio, I seem to be right on target. I only ever add about 1/2 quart at a time - I had oil in the airbox once, most likely due to overfilling. I'm trying to avoid doing that again.

You might try running at the bottom tick on the dipstick for a little while. I found if I fill to over the bottom mark I use more oil than if I fill to only the bottom mark.

Have you checked the radiator? :P
I think you're oil level is just right. Quit looking at that guage.

Ted--

I have never checked the radiator. Could I be in trouble? :shock:

Steve, what brand of oil and what weight are you using? I put in about a half quart or more every 400 miles, but I drive mine daily. If your exhaust valve guides are bad, then it could be possible that oil is being sucked into the exhaust.
Also, are you checking your oil after driving it hard? Try to get the oil temps as hot as you can before checking it.

hehe. The last 2-3 quarts are different that what I put in at the oil change time. I use 20w50, it's mostly Shell oil, but I can't recall what the newer stuff is since I bought it en route.

Before checking, I gave it a pretty good run Saturday morning, now that I have plenty of backroads. :lol: 8)

Just try the Wolf's Head recycled oil they sell at 7-11. I'm sure that'll fix your problem.