[88carrera]

I forgot to order some drain pulg sealing rings with my last mail order. Any suggestions on a local pats store? Do I have to go to a dealer?

This will be my first oil change--can I use any brand of filter? What is the most popular?

[Charlie Stylianos]

Buy Mahle or Porsche filters, only. Other aftermarket filters (Fram, Purolator, etc) may not have the correct pressure relief internals. Dealer only if you want to buy local, and they can supply you the sealing rings. Olympic(us) auto parts also sells foreign parts, may be lucky to find correct filter/rings there also.

For QUICK 2-3 day delivery, try www.bestforeignparts.com


Nice car, welcome to the board

[Jazzbass]

I use Mahle filters - Porsche OEM but less expensive than the exact same filter with the word "Porsche" printed on the side. If you ordered a valve gasket kit, there should be a set of rings in that. If you didn't order the valve gasket kit, ask yourself if you know the last time the car had its valves adjusted. If the answer in "no", then you might want to think seriously about it. Its really not as hard as everyone makes it out to be, IMO.

For oil, I use Valvoline 20W-50 Racers Formula something-or-other. However, mine is a nice weather car, so on days like today (17 degrees), I have no intention of starting it. If you plan on driving during the winter, maybe consider 15W-40 until its gets warmer. Stay away from synth unless the engine is a fresh rebuild or you like leaks - well, more leaks that is.

[Jazzbass]

BTW - here's my short list of "new to me car" things I'd consider, were I you:

- Change oil/filter
- Adjust valves
- New rubber brake hoses
- Bleed brake system (goes without saying if you replace the hoses)
- New spark plugs
- New air filter
- Change tranny fluid.

Some maybes, depending on condition:
- New cap & rotor
- New plug wires

I did all of these things (and more) when I got my car 2 years ago. All of these things are good routine maintenence, and its always good to know exaclty when they were done last. Since its cold as hell outside, I don't think there's a huge rush to get all this done ASAP, but is a good idea before the driving season.

FWIW, if you're new to Porsche DIY and interested in this stuff, you're welcome to come over to my place in a month or so when it warms up and I'm doing most of this stuff to my Carrera in preperation for the DE in March.

[Marc A]

FWIW I have been changing oil in BMWs, Benz, and now 911s for years and have reused the copper/alum sealing rings on drain plugs numerous times without problem.

The key is too check the surface for an over zealous prior torquing that created a ridge around the ring.

[cmartin]

Funny, I am just going through basically the same list with my 'new' car. 3.6 distibutor caps are not exactly the cheap bosch units I am used to. Oh, and of course there are two.

Ditto on the drain plug washers. Dont over tighten them and they last a while.

[Parenn911]

Howard, I have a few extra lying around the garage. Give me a call if you need one urgently.

[Trak Ratt]

Totally agree with Marc. But if you are new to this game a miscalculation = annoying oil leak. Most repair shops have Mahle filters and “crush washers” at less $$ than Porsche, more $$ than mail order. PCA membership includes a local news letter with most local repair shops listed as advertisers.