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Handy tip - oil top-up for the new GTS/GT4/Spyder 4.0

Twinfan

PCGB Member
Member
Oh, and if you're topping up a 4.0 make sure you use the correct oil:

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While out and about last Sunday my 718 GT4 indicated in the multi-function display that the oil level was at the minimum but that driving was still possible/allowed. I'd only been out meeting up with OliR and was heading back from a shopping stop off on the way back home, so I took it easy. Once home I dug out the 1ltr of oil I'd previously bought. I think it's the first time I'd topped up oil in one of my cars for years! My 981 GTS didn't need any in 4 years of ownership.

Anyhow, I know how sensitive Porsches are to oil overfilling and I'd read a few stories about issues after top-up so I decided to only add 0.5ltr of oil. The handbook states that the difference between the minimum level when the warning is displayed and full is approximately 1ltr, but I didn't want to take a risk.

I've done only a small number of miles since, including a lunchtime run today, and I've just checked the oil and it's 2/3rds full on the display. So 1ltr would have overfilled it!

Top tip - if the yellow warning comes up for low oil on your Cayster 4.0 only add 500ml!

Oh, and a gratuitous double vision shot from the run out. Apologies it looks so dark, it was a really sunny day and my phone camera isn't the best...

1dfzqAX.jpg

 
Good tip for others, and nice pic [:D]

They are fantastic cars, but such a shame they don’t include a dip stick any more...

(Haven’t needed to top up my 181k 993 in between oil services for 16 years [:)]).

 
Like Paul I regret the elimination of a manual dipstick on modern cars Dave, but there you go.

I think you we’re wise to top-up in small increments to avoid overfilling … it’s the safest approach, even though it makes the process a bit fiddly.

Just to add that ever since I bought my car I’ve got into the habit of checking the oil level after every run (I have a nice flat drive). By the time I’ve opened the garage door the oil level has settled sufficient for the scanning time to be 4-secs, so it’s not an onerous procedure.

Jeff

 
Dave ...

Does your `race track` handbook supplement mention that `for track use` the oil level should be one segment below the maximum ?

 
AndrewCS said:
Dave ...

Does your `race track` handbook supplement mention that `for track use` the oil level should be one segment below the maximum ?

I'd have to check next time I'm in the car, I don't recall seeing that but it's a while since I've read it.

Does yours?

 
Yep ...

" Recommended oil level for optimum engine operation during race circuit driving is three segments above the minimum mark "

 
AndrewCS said:
Yep ...

" Recommended oil level for optimum engine operation during race circuit driving is three segments above the minimum mark "

Just to follow up on this, the 718 GT4 track manual says a similar thing - 75% fill level for track work [:)]

 
I have noticed that about 2,800 miles in, my GT4 seems to say the oil is somewhere between half and one third filled, it was full when I first got it, but you'd expect these cars to use some, especially in the first 5,000 miles.

I keep a spare bottle in the little cubby beside the engine. Good to know about the 75% fill level!

 
What's the difference between the green and gold label? The 0-40 Mobil 1 I use in my 3.4 has a gold label. Thanks in advance.

 
I believe it's a slightly different spec oil because of the OPF filters in the 4.0 cars. From Mobil's site:

Mobil 1™ FS 0W-40[/h1] Mobil Passenger Vehicle Lube[/h2]
mobil-1-fs-0w40-eu-1l.png
Mobil 1™ is the world's leading synthetic motor oil brand delivering our ultimate performance and protection.

Mobil 1 FS 0W-40 advanced full synthetic engine oil is engineered for the latest gasoline and diesel engine technology (without Gasoline or Diesel Particulate Filters) delivering excellent all-round performance. It provides exceptional cleaning power, wear protection. Mobil 1 FS 0W-40 keeps your engine running like new in all driving conditions.

Mobil 1™ ESP X3 0W-40[/h1] Advanced Full Synthetic Engine Oil[/h2]
mobil-1-esp-x3-0w40-eu-1l.png
Mobil 1™ ESP X3 0W-40 is an advanced full synthetic engine oil specifically designed to provide outstanding performance for high powered engines, providing outstanding engine cleanliness, wear protection, strong durability and advanced fuel economy*. Mobil 1 ESP X3 0W-40 is our latest technology developed in cooperation with Porsche, one of our key European Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). Mobil 1 ESP X3 0W-40 has been expertly engineered to help prolong the life in new emerging gasoline powered European vehicles.

*compared to our Mobil 1 ESP Formula 5W-30 / Mobil 1 ESP 5W-30

 
Thank you for this post, we just assumed we could use the same oil as in the 981 and 718 GTS 2.5 l turbo. Though we would have checked the manual before pouring that in. 😅

 
My understanding was/is that you 'can use either' of the aforementioned Mobil 1 oils, FS or ESP?

 
TimG said:
My understanding was/is that you 'can use either' of the aforementioned Mobil 1 oils, FS or ESP?

Not on my 718 GT4 you can't. The handbook specifies Porsche C40 oil, which is ESP. The FS is Porsche A40.

 
The correct engine oil now ordered before a trip to the Lake District.

I am glad that I have stumbled upon this thread. [:)]

The manual for our Cayman GTS 4.0 also says to use Porsche C40 oil, here is a screen shot from the Good to Know app:

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