348 - How do you check the oil? | FerrariChat
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348 - How do you check the oil?

Discussion in '348/355' started by 88MONDIAL, Aug 13, 2012.

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  1. 88MONDIAL

    88MONDIAL Formula 3

    Apr 13, 2005
    1,052
    Racine, Wisconsin
    Full Name:
    Jim Smith
    #1 88MONDIAL, Aug 13, 2012
    My Spider manual says to run the car for a few minutes until the oil temps get warm, then shut down the engine and immediately check the level. When I go for a drive, I shut down, get the 2 rags, open my hatch, and unscrew the very hot oil dip stick. It's always just at or below the "min" marking. However I've heard people on the board here and at my weekly car show that for dry sump you check while it's running. Exactly how fast do I need to get to the oil once warm, it takes me at least 90sec to get out of the car, grab my rags, open engine compartment and unscrew the dip stick, clean and reinstall to get the measurement. Also, how do you add oil without making a mess? Looks like a good 6" down is where the oil box truncates for the oil to go into. I guess a pretty long funnel that can fit in the first opening and reach the truncated part.
     
  2. Kaivball

    Kaivball Three Time F1 World Champ
    Owner

    Jan 11, 2007
    35,997
    Kalifornia
    #2 Kaivball, Aug 13, 2012
    That is the method to use.

    Sounds like you need more oil.

    You dump the oil into the top opening where the screw cap is. It will run into the small hole by itself. You are not "making a mess" because there is nowhere for the oil to go.


    Kai
     
  3. ernie

    ernie Two Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Nov 19, 2001
    22,614
    The Brickyard
    Full Name:
    The Bad Guy
    #3 ernie, Aug 13, 2012
    Here is what do.

    Get the engine warm
    then
    WHILE IT IS IDLING :D
    pop the engine lid and check the oil ;)
     
  4. jevs

    jevs Formula Junior

    Oct 13, 2010
    477
    Missouri
    #4 jevs, Aug 13, 2012
    Open the hood before you shut the car off. Check within 30 seconds after shut down.
     
  5. LouB747

    LouB747 Formula 3

    Apr 8, 2009
    2,123
    Huntington Beach, CA
    Full Name:
    Lou Boyer
    #5 LouB747, Aug 13, 2012
    Does the oil level increase or decrease with time? I usually check mine about 5 mins after shutting down. I'm assuming the longer you wait, the lower it will show. Is that correct?
     
  6. troppoveloce

    troppoveloce Formula Junior

    Jan 25, 2006
    268
    New Hampshire
    Full Name:
    Tom
    #6 troppoveloce, Aug 13, 2012
    I've actually tested the procedure to see if there are different readings while running in idle vs shut down for 30 seconds or so. From what I can tell, there's no real difference whether it's running or very recently shut down. The longer you wait, the less oil shows up on the dipstick.

    FYI - the difference between the MIN and MAX lines on that dipstick appears to be about 1.75 quarts. It does sound like you're a bit low.

    Tom in NH
    1994 348 SS
     
  7. jevs

    jevs Formula Junior

    Oct 13, 2010
    477
    Missouri
    #7 jevs, Aug 13, 2012
    The level will fall the longer it sits (i.e. looks like your low on oil).
     
  8. 88MONDIAL

    88MONDIAL Formula 3

    Apr 13, 2005
    1,052
    Racine, Wisconsin
    Full Name:
    Jim Smith
    #8 88MONDIAL, Aug 14, 2012
    Thanks guys!

    Yes, that is true, I'm usually right around the "min" after around 90sec's after shutdown, but after another min or so I tested it again and it barely registered on the stick at all.
     

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