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512tr Oil Problem?

Discussion in 'Technical Q&A' started by ajacobazzi, Mar 4, 2006.

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  1. ajacobazzi

    ajacobazzi Karting

    Aug 1, 2003
    113
    #1 ajacobazzi, Mar 4, 2006
    I have just recently traded-in my 328 for a 1992 512tr. After reviewing the owner’s manual, it suggests that the engine warm up to a minimum temperature specified, turn off the engine and immediately check the oil. It also states that the level should be between minimum and maximum on the dipstick. My first observation was that the oil was clean and at the minimum level, my second was that there were small bubbles in the oil (presumably because the engine was running, I hope) and third, don’t ask me why I smelled the oil, but it smells like there is fuel in the oil. Is that because the oil is synthetic or is there an underlying problem? The engine starts right up, runs and performs well (as far as I can tell seeing as this is my first 512) and there isn’t any suspicious emission from the exhaust.

    Last weekend the check engine cylinders 1-6 illuminated and stayed illuminated the entire weekend. However when I started the engine to check the oil, it was no longer illuminated. Presumably because I hit the battery disconnect switch and possibly reset the computer?

    Maybe I’m just being over sensitive, but a 512 is a bit more intimidating than the 328 to me. The last thing that I need is to be a bit naive and have a major problem on my hands.

    Any info or advice would be appreciated.
     
  2. WILLIAM H

    WILLIAM H Three Time F1 World Champ

    Nov 1, 2003
    35,532
    Victory Circle
    Full Name:
    HUBBSTER
    #2 WILLIAM H, Mar 4, 2006
    bubbles in the oil is normal, nothing to worry about

    the warning lights come on all the time on my 512TR & 512M. Its usually nothing.

    The 512TR certainly is a lot more beastly than a 328, although both are beauties

    Congratulations :)
     
  3. ajacobazzi

    ajacobazzi Karting

    Aug 1, 2003
    113
    #3 ajacobazzi, Mar 4, 2006
    Thank you. Your reply certainly gives me some comfort. What about the smell? Maybe I'm just being sensitive, and I know what oil smells like, this just seems to be a bit more pungent. It almost has a smell of fuel.
     
  4. ajacobazzi

    ajacobazzi Karting

    Aug 1, 2003
    113
    #4 ajacobazzi, Mar 4, 2006
    A stupid question. How many quarts would you add if the level was at minimum?
     
  5. PAP 348

    PAP 348 Ten Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Dec 10, 2005
    100,220
    Mount Isa, Australia
    Full Name:
    Pap
    #5 PAP 348, Mar 4, 2006
    Im sure that it is 1 litre from the min to max level on the dipstick.:)
     
  6. PAP 348

    PAP 348 Ten Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Dec 10, 2005
    100,220
    Mount Isa, Australia
    Full Name:
    Pap
    #6 PAP 348, Mar 4, 2006
    Everything is probably fine and you may be getting a little paranoid about the oil smelling like fuel as there is no way for the fuel and oil to mix in an EFI engine. :)
     
  7. Sunracer

    Sunracer Formula Junior

    May 18, 2005
    661
    Makati City
    Full Name:
    Pierre Beniston
    #7 Sunracer, Mar 4, 2006
    Get it good and HOT before checking the oil. The capacity is huge so temperature will cause it to show very low (cold) and the level will rise A LOT when you are fully up to temp. Not just water temp guage at normal but the oil fully heated up which takes longer and is best accomplished on a drive, not just idling in the driveway. If it is at minimum and it wasn't really hot, like after a long hard drive, then don't put anymore in. Note in how many threads people mention over filing by a quart or two as you read people's storys on this board.

    If the oil smells gassy, get it changed.

    The lights are erratic, but could indicate a mis fire overheating a converter. Check your connections at the spark plug end of the wires.

    You will get used to the monster, just takes a while to get used to hammering it and having fun, rather than driving around stressing over expensive what ifs.

    I knew a guy who took off his exhaust system and hammered the pre cats out of the headers and replaced the converters with Stebro test pipes to save the converters and make sure that the converters weren't there so the wasn't going to be any overheating in the exhaust sytem. The converter are then in good condition to be bolted on when it was smog check time. He worried a lot less after that. : ) PB
     

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