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Oil change using ramps

9.3K views 9 replies 7 participants last post by  RSchwerer  
#1 ·
Hi all-
I just finished an oil change on my "new-to-me" 2010 Cayman S. Everything went well, until I checked the oil and realized I had overfilled. I've done hundreds of oil changes, and have never overfilled.

Here's my question:
I used Rhino ramps in the rear only, so it was sloping forward. I ONLY added 7qts of oil to get my initial reading. Apparently, 7qts put me over the top/max fill line! I'm now wondering if lifting the rear of the car, caused oil to remain in the front of the oil pan, preventing a full drain.

Thoughts? I plan to remove some of the oil (since I'm prepping for a track day), but thought I'd get your input. Yes, I did change the filter. I also let the oil drain for a good 20-30min after I pulled the drain plug. Seems odd that I'm overfilled after adding only 7qts.

Thanks!
 
#2 ·
Because it was up on ramps, the drain hole was high and you weren't able to drain as much out compared to if it were level. Whenever I change my oil, I jack up the front end and stick 4x4s under the front wheels (plus the slope in the garage to help). I also like to jack the front corners up individually towards the end of the drain cycle which gets even more out.

Don't drive with a bad overfill because it can cause the AOS to fail.
 
#3 · (Edited)
Remove the oil filter canister and dump the oil - it will contain about a 1/2 bar of oil. Repeat as necessary. A half bar might be enough to put you at the full mark.

Ideally, you should fill to the 3/4 mark. That means you're at least 3/4 full (which is fine) but not to the max full. If you're going to max full, you might actually be slightly overfull but not enough to activate the 125% full bar.
 
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#5 ·
I use two floor jacks to level the car after the oil has been flowing out for about 5 minutes. Just don't crawl under the car raised like that. After an hour or two I lower the front and install drain-plug and new filter. Then add 7 qts until I get it on the ground and warmed-up. Then I top it up as needed.
 
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#6 · (Edited)
Thanks! I just realized I have 3 oil extractor pumps that I use for my sailboat. It'll be a quick job to remove some of the oil (or not…just tried, and there's no easy passage ways for the tubing…looks like it's filter removal time). Next time, I'll be sure to raise the front end as well. Appreciate the responses.
 
#7 ·
Happened to me on my first oil change. Got to full bars on initial fill. After a couple weeks driving, got the overfilled warning. Must have been on the edge initially.

Alternative to oil filter canister is to pull the drain plug, but if you are way overfilled, the filter canister is the better route.
 
#10 · (Edited)
My solution to avoiding this problem. Race Ramps are not cheap, but compared to most things Porsche, they are too expensive IMO given they will last a lifetime and resale value is very good.


Eddie



P.S. Can you extract oil through the oil fill opening?
Seriously? Even if it was possible - would you take a chance getting that tube stuck in your engine?

How do Race Ramps solve this particular problem? Unless you've bought 4 of them you still need to lift the front end. But can you actually drive up 4 of them (clearance wise)? Even if you can, its over-kill for this particular challenge, but I'm sure the Race Ramp guys smiled when they cashed your check.