bubbles in oil, is this bad? | FerrariChat
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bubbles in oil, is this bad?

Discussion in '348/355' started by cuneo, Jan 9, 2008.

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  1. cuneo

    cuneo Formula 3
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    #1 cuneo, Jan 9, 2008
    Hi everyone, I've searched past threads for about 2 hours now, and I can't get a definitive answer on whether or not the small bubbles on my engine oil dipstick are a bad thing. If I check the oil immediately (like less than 10 seconds after shutdown) there are bubbles, and the oil level reads high. If I wait about 30 seconds or so the bubbles go away, and the level looks appropriate. I looked in the manual, and it says to check "immediately" after shut down, but mentions nothing of the bubbles. I am due for an oil/filter change, could this have something to do with it? I'm worried if I drive the car any more I will increase the risk of damage due to a blown head gasket or something. Oh yeah, all my gauges are reading fine, temps are all normal, no smoke coming out of exhaust. Thanks, cuneo
     
  2. Ferrari Fanatic

    Ferrari Fanatic Formula 3

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    #2 Ferrari Fanatic, Jan 9, 2008
    Mine does that too. 24K and no problems. By bubbles yoiu mean kind of foamy on the dip stick, right? No worries.
     
  3. cf355

    cf355 F1 Rookie

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    #3 cf355, Jan 9, 2008
    I see where you are going with this. You are concerned about coolant in the oil.
    If you are starting the car and running only for a short period & then shutting it down then the oil will have excess condensation which could result in small bubbles. No issue.

    But if you drive the car (or warm it up) till its full hot (the cooling fans turn on around 190 degrees) then you should'nt really see any bubbles in the oil UNLESS the oil has been overfilled.....in that situation you can get foaming. If thats the case then just make sure you do not overfill the oil when you change your oil. A lot of people make the mistake of overfilling these dry sump cars.

    Last time I checked my oil full hot /shut down/immediate check = no bubbles.

    In any case, if I were concerned I would drain the oil and examine it (its probably just old/dirty or overfilled).....you probably will find that its OK.
     
  4. f355spider

    f355spider F1 World Champ
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    #4 f355spider, Jan 9, 2008
    I bet you guys are using the Shell Ultra Helix? Common to that oil, I don't believe that is one of it's better attributes. Regardless, I doubt it is the end of the world... You can do a search as it has been discussed a couple times before.

    If you are reading high right after shutdown, then you are overfilled. It should read somewhere between min and max on the stick. It reads lower after 30 seconds, because the oil is draining out of the remote sump and back to the engine. It will read nothing if you wait a few minutes.
     
  5. Ferrari Fanatic

    Ferrari Fanatic Formula 3

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    #5 Ferrari Fanatic, Jan 9, 2008
    Yep, helix for 24K no problems, slightly foamy though.
     
  6. albert328gts

    albert328gts Formula 3
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    #6 albert328gts, Jan 9, 2008
    It is normal to have small tiny bubbles in your oil, mostly common when the oil is hot. from 365 to 430, they all (most) seem to that.
     
  7. Oengus

    Oengus F1 World Champ
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    #7 Oengus, Jan 10, 2008
    Did you ever blow bubbles when you were a kid?
     
  8. coledoggy

    coledoggy Formula 3

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    #8 coledoggy, Jan 10, 2008
    um....
     
  9. Oengus

    Oengus F1 World Champ
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    #9 Oengus, Jan 10, 2008

    Just an old Joke Todd........
     
  10. PAP 348

    PAP 348 Ten Time F1 World Champ
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    #10 PAP 348, Jan 10, 2008

    +1. :):)
     
  11. vvassallo

    vvassallo F1 Veteran

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    #11 vvassallo, Jan 10, 2008
    Agreed, first thing I thought was overfill. Also, are you using any additives? They can cause foaming too. Oh, and I was thinking about your viscosity - it is too light for your driving style (like thin oil for your very very heavy right footwork).

    BTW, I check my oil after bringnig the car up to operating temperature, but not after a (vigorous) drive.
     
  12. cuneo

    cuneo Formula 3
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    #12 cuneo, Jan 10, 2008
    Thanks for all the replies, you guys rock. I do believe I am running the Shell Helix stuff, and I think I may have overfilled by about half a quart a few weeks ago. Yesterday a turkey baster was the only way I could think of to get the extra oil out, and though the level is right, I still get bubbles/foaming. No oil additives. It is a huge relief that I'm not staring down the barrel of an imminent rebuild, thanks again. Will change the oil/filter ASAP and report back. Honestly, I never would have bought a Ferrari if it weren't for all the amazing people on this site!
     
  13. slm

    slm F1 Rookie
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    #13 slm, Jan 10, 2008
    Never met her.
     
  14. f355spider

    f355spider F1 World Champ
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    #14 f355spider, Jan 10, 2008
    Cuneo, the bubbles is normal for Shell Ultra Helix so don't worry. If you have read the other threads about it, people claim (I have not opinion, as I am not versed on the subject) that this is a fault of Helix; that oil should not foam. But it is normal for this Helix to foam, good or bad. If you change it with more Helix, it will do the same thing. So don't bother with an oil change unless you are due.
     
  15. cuneo

    cuneo Formula 3
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    #15 cuneo, Jan 10, 2008
    Thanks man. I am due, and will most likely use the same oil. The bubbles don't bug me (now that I know it's normal, thanks to cool guys like you and others), it just seems kinda weird to have a dipstick with only a half inch or so of acceptable parameter that is designed to read a foaming liquid. Oh well, I guess this is an instance where
    we have to say "It's a Ferrari!!!" Thanks again for all the help. I wish I could give back in technical ways like the others, but unfortunately I'm not good at spinnin' the wrench. Someday I'll get in there and get dirty.
    My current and future subscriptions are a steal when I consider the wealth of knowledge I have access to. Thanks everyone, Happy New Year to all!!!!
     

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