straw that broke...

Hi Todd - sorry you have had problems with the 355. I have a 348, so don't claim to have a lot of specific info on the 355. But with what I recall reading here on Fchat, I think the first thing to make sure of is that you use the correct method to check your oil level. I'm pretty sure the 355 must be the same as a 348.... the only way to correctly check the oil level is to make sure the engine is at normal operating temperature, then shut it off, and immediately check the level.

If you don't do this, your level will be too low, and will end up adding too much. I suspect if you overfill the system, the oil may settle back to a normal level after a couple hundred miles (not sure if the engine burns more, though). At that point, if you're not using the correct method of measuring level, you may add another quart and actually end up high again. I also suspect if your oil level is actually too high, you may see a bit higher oil pressure to start, and see it gradually reduce a bit as the oil level gets back to normal. Although you didn't provide a lot of detail, I believe this may be what you are seeing, and I believe this explanation is correct. But I will defer to other 355 owners who will hopefully chime in soon and provide other 1st-hand knowledge. Good Luck!!

 

Dont throw the towel in just yet mate!

Just keep topping the oil up till next engine service. Only another 2 years to go before its due.

Thats what I would do.........no sh*t!

If there is smoke from the exhaust on start up, that usually indicates worn valve guides mate.

Also ensure that you ARE checking the oil level correctly, as mentioned by Rick.

 

Easiest way to do this Todd, is to remove the engine yourself if you think you can do it. If you can manage that, then remove the heads and take them to a head specialist to replace the valve guides for you. It is something you will probably not be able to do. Special tools needed etc...

Or.......remove the engine and then take it to the head specialist and let them do the job from start to finish. Ricambi will have ALL the parts/gaskets you will need for the job.

Either way, it is not going to be a cheap job. I dont want to scare you off Todd, but it really isnt.
Aussie Fchat 355 owner recently spent AU $9K completely overhauling his 355 heads. That was new valves, guides, seals etc..

So, I would keep topping up the oil and do the lot next cam belt service. Oil is cheap.

 

+1

I agree with the Papster, this is seriously good and sensible advice.

 

I would just keep adding oil mate. As long as you keep an eye on the oil level, you will be fine.

How many miles would you do in the next 2 years before engine out?? Do you use it as a daily driver Todd?

 

There are also issues with the cylinder liners, so one cannot be positive about valve guides without further diagnosis. I would keep feeding the habit for now. But a quick compression test would not be costly, and might shed a bit more light on the issue.

 

Yep yep. Not a big job to do a compression test.

 

The whole job doesnt sound easy Todd.

Just keep putting oil in it, till you are sick of doing so. Then........pull the engine and do whatever is needed.

Hopefully you wont get sick of topping the oil up every 200 miles, considering you will be doing 8000 miles this year. That is around 40 top up's of engine oil man!

 

When are we going to see the eBay ad?
"Recent major, runs great!"

Oh - did I really type that???

 

I don't have a 355 here... but have quite the experience with Porsches... and leaking oil.
Have you tried Lucas oil treatment? It REALLY quiets down the noisy 80's 911's, and makes
them sound like a smooth running machine. Then thickens up the oil too... cant get past rings
etc... guides? Might work. I certainly don't think it could hurt. It has been a stress saver for me
with the Porsches for the last 20 years. Dozens of them. ;o)

 

The Lucas oil treatment & STP are virtually honey in a can , it takes minutes to pour a small amount it is so thick,but it works great , a friend uses it regularly it customers vehicles @ his shop when they have consumption issues & they cant swallow an engine repair bill. 1 can for each oil change & they stop smoking & burning oil. I'm sure the 355 will take a few cans & your troubles wil be on hold.

 

My concern with additives such as these oil "thickeners" is if they work by making the oil to thick to get past a leaking guide what other areas of the motor are subjected to wear due to the oil being to thick to lube correctly.

I have no evidence to support my thoughts on that but in the OP situation I would personally rather add recommended oil on a regular basis than thicken up my oil.

 

Here are some weasel words......

Sell it while you can and get a 360.........The 355 doesn't stop eating money........It never ends and the folks not bitten yet will be....


If you love the car fix it and fix it right....If your not in love with it I say dump it......

I have over 100K in my 1995 with 36K miles so its obvious I love it.....


Ask me how I really feel

 

I'm sure I started a jelly bean fight
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I believe the OP already has a CS in addition to the 355.............

 

Oil + top up every 200 miles = Happy Coledoggy.

 

+100% Agree

 

That is an excellent problem to have



Hey by the way


Nice FREAKIN' key Oz.......I love it!!!!

Dan sent mine a few days ago....

 

I've gone and looked at a few 348, not found one that I have liked (my wife like's) yet. We were thinking about a 355 instead but this thread makes me wonder if that is a good idea, maybe I should go back to looking at 348!

 

Had a 348 and loved it...have a 355 now and no way could go back. No issues, an unbelievable car!!

A keeper until a 360 comes along..