[cmbenz]

Fellow Dorkies,
I have a minor problem with my '78 911SC. I've recently developed some oil leaks - pretty sure it's not coming from the valve covers, but figuring it could be anywhere else on the engine...the usual suspects? When driving the car after it's warmed up I usually see 2.5 - 3 bars of oil level. As I'm driving the car, I can see the oil level dropping to 2.0 - 1.5 - 1.0 bars of oil level. When I get to my destination I check my oil level on the dipstick (with engine running and on flat ground) it reads at the max or just below the max level! I've also noticed a bit of 'foaming' on the dipstick as well. I changed my oil and filter about 2 weeks ago (Castrol GTX 20w50). I did jack up the car and look for leaks, and the valve covers were fairly clean, however, I did see some shiny black engine parts near the tranny/flywheel site. Sooooo, the bottom line is:
Do I go ahead and have the engine dropped and replace/repair all the usual leak sites (seals, hoses, etc) or is there another solution/recommendation that I should pursue before taking the car in...

HELP!!!

[matt de maria]

I see some confusion between oil level and pressure.
If you oil pressure is dropping while driving (understandable in this weather) but the oil level is not significantly dropping then it sounds like an oil temperature problem or occcurrence. The oil dipstick is the last word on consumption rates. You would have to loose a lot of oil (less than 3 qts in crankcase) to cause a loss of oil pressure due to a leak.
If you see foaming on the dipstick, try using a different oil.
Don't forget to monitor the oil temperature gauge.

[Charlie Stylianos]

When driving the car after it's warmed up I usually see 2.5 - 3 bars of oil level. As I'm driving the car, I can see the oil level dropping to 2.0 - 1.5 - 1.0 bars of oil level. When I get to my destination I check my oil level on the dipstick (with engine running and on flat ground) it reads at the max or just below the max level!

That sounds just about right. As the oil heats up, it thins out and flows better (hence the lower pressure when warm) and the oil also expands, (hence the higher oil level when hot). You may be a 1/2 quart too full, but I wouldnt worry about it. Try for mid way between min and max reading on the stick when hot.

Before dropping your engine, I'd look for oil leaks at these usual points first:

Top front of the engine (closest to firewall) oil pressure switch, internal t-stat (o-ring) and crankcase breather hose and gasket. These may be hard to see with CIS in the way, but a good light and mirror-on-a-stick will help.

Engine oil cooler seals. Front right of engine. These can be easily R&R'd with engine in car.

Oil return tubes. Bottom of enigne. Easy to spot leaks from o-rings.

Other than that, the crank seal may be going or it also could also be tranny fluid from the input shaft seal. Does it smell/taste like oil or tranny fluid? If its one of these, FYI the clutch may be soaked and will need replacing when the times comes to fix.

[Trak Ratt]

Matt always gives good advice but did I hear “engine drop”? Seldom needed, but don’t let that stop you!

[TD in DC]

Originally Posted by david riley

Matt always gives good advice but did I hear “engine drop”? Seldom needed, but don’t let that stop you!

I cannot imagine Ferrari guys getting excited about engine drops like this

[Trak Ratt]

Originally Posted by TD in DC

I cannot imagine Ferrari guys getting excited about engine drops like this

They might IF they could do them themselves!

[TD in DC]

Originally Posted by david riley

They might IF they could do them themselves!

Nope, too big of a risk of gold chains and chest hairs getting caught while working. . . Ahhh to be wealthy enough to grow chest hairs and gold chains

[cmbenz]

Thank you for the replies and the suggestions! I'm not going to drop the engine just yet. I'll check the oil level this weekend after getting the car up to temp and check those sites for leaks.

It's a pleasure to be among the greats!