Go get a vacuum brake bleeder at autozone or someplace. Cheap, handy tool to have around even if you don't vacuum bleed. I used it to suck some oil out of mine.
Beat me to it. Great device to have laying around. I have this one: Amazon.com: OTC (8104) Vacuum Brake Bleeder: Automotive
Either that or one of these, I use a similar brand, great for all oils and fluids. Portable Generators, Pressure Washers, Power Tools, Welders | Northern Tool + Equipment
Yea, I have one of those too. But what fun is that? The brake bleeder is just easier to use....and it looks cooler.
No problem, glad to share! Whatever one decides to use to extract, it's better then pulling a drain plug, or turkey baster. I use the fluid extractor, as it's right handy, best way to change Mercedes oil. Brake fluid extractor is fine, but I prefer keep things separate for their use, your choice, free country still. PS- be DAMN careful using a turkey baster on hot liquids. If you fill it and turn it sideways enough, hot fluid can come blasting out, not cool in a hot engine compartment!
I tried checking my oil level at idle a couple of times (98 355), but there was so much foam and bubbles, it seemed unsafe as well as hard to see how I was going to get an accurate reading. Evidently, some oils foam more than others (Mobil 1 in mine). But due to the above reason, I've been doing the shutdown then trying to measure it within 30-60 seconds technique.
I check my oil very often and try to keep it at near full with small additions. But now after reading these posts, I'm going to change my thinking and have it right in the middle of the marks when hot. Think about it, where does the oil go after you stop the car. It drains into the crank case. If you run at the full mark or above you will have a lot of oil churning around on start up. Can you say frothy and extra pressure in there. Sounds like the start of leaking problems or oil cavitation and subsequent starvation. Thanks for making me think about what I'm doing.
Yes, using Redline here, seems ok. But really, high levels are asking for trouble, and turkey boasters are cheap, on a car worth $$$, is it worth a smoke show or more? This thread should have been out there a long time ago, opens eyes a bit! Glad I posted it, with true Ferrari tech input!
This is roughly the 20th thread about checking oil levels on a 355. Not trying to rain on your parade but you're not the first one, not by a long shot. It is definitely a good thing to bring to the new owners attention though! We were all there once.
Not raining on my parade at all, being a new owner to this brand, it's nice to get to the bottom of such a simple topic. I'm surprised there's not a proper sticky at least, since there's so many owners with vast amounts of knowledge, apparently. I had to call an actual tech to get the proper confirmed answer, all I was asking for. It's a great forum, great group of people otherwise.
Yes, I too am amazed there isn't a sticky for 355 oil checking procedure. Glad you're enjoying your 355 and everything that comes with it... These really are the best 90's road cars out there despite their quirks. Congrats on your purchase, you've now tasted the 355 crack!! EDIT: Sorry if I offended you. Didn't mean to be harsh.
Done that, maybe YOU can enlighten us as to what page it says to screw down the cap or not when checking?
+1 My owners manual makes no stipulation whatsoever as to whether the cap should just be placed into the tank or screwed in fully!
Lol! No offense at all, at least this one is clean! Will see about getting a sticky made, regarding this procedure. Saves a lot of hassle for new owners. After owning/building 56 vehicles now, this is the first one with a bit of a vague manual, as to some basic information/procedures at times.
Thank you for your input,mine is the same. Soooooo, when someone chimes in with 'read the manual', you know THEY certainly haven't!
I was referring to your question in post 1, which had nothing to do with the threads. B 75 Image Unavailable, Please Login
So show us the page that tells you whether you should just unscrew the dipstick and check the oil level off the dipstick without wiping it down first, whether you should remove the dipstick, wipe it down and then place it back into the tank, and whether you should rest the dipstick back in the tank or whether you should screw the cap fully in! I've read My own owners manual for the 348 TB/TS series. I've read the download manual for the 348 TB/TS from the site you've suggested (both for the 1990 and 1993 cars) I've read the download manuals for the 355's on the site you've suggested. Guess what? - None of them give the exact method for checking the oil level, all they state is to check the oil level right after engine shutdown, when the engine oil is at a temperature greater than 70°C.
This thread is awesome. We have a new guy that is calling people names starting with his 38th post and continuing on in others. Then declaring how smart he is because he talked to Ferrari tech...And others fighting about how to check the oil and whether to screw the cap down or not. Debate on idle or not. All in the want of a sticky on this forum on how to properly check the oil despite the obvious answer in the WSM...and a link provided to said manual for free. Good God.....have fun & carry on. Best of luck with that oil level thingy you got issues with. I have a whole new appreciation about perspective & posts by Rifledriver and other long term mechanics & owners here.
