Hello,

Got 275 miles on my brand new 997.2 GT3 and the oil gage already indicates 1 bar below the max. I have followed the manual almost to the letter, twice reached 5,000 rpm, but I cannot believe that is an issue. I am aware that some Porsche engines consume very little oil and others a lot. Had the same problem with my 2006 Carrera S. Yet I'm concerned. Any thoughts?

 

You shouldn't have kept it below 5k rpm. You need to mash the gas 1-2 times a day.

 

The manual says normal usage is 1 qt every 622 miles.

 

I wouldn't make much of it yet. The car is new and a little oil consumption is typical for new engines. I assume you started at "max" but you don't really know how much above "1 under max" you were so only a little drop may have occurred. Drive the car, get the factory fill changed and then see what happens then. I always keep my oil level at "1 under max" just to make sure it is never overfilled.

 

I've had very little oil consumption in almost 6k miles, maybe a pint total. I've not heard or read of anybody have oil consumption issues with the 2010 and I think we're all sensitized to be looking for it. My bet is you won't see any further drop, and one bar for the top is where you want it.

 

Don't be tempted to run your engine at the "full" oil level. Running at 1 below is no problem at all. Also, run your engine through the rev range when fully "warm." Vary the gears and absolutely do not "lug" the engine during break in period. My advice is to drive the way you would normally drive. Don't baby the engine. Advice in manual is to make sure that you don't crash your car or ruin the gears within your first month of ownership.

That's all.

 

Thanks a lot guys for your help. Hope your optimistic outlook is correct.

I systematically run the engine up to 4000+ rpm and then let it come down to 2000 or so by itself, traffic permit. After reaching 500 miles I'll gradually increase the upper limit. We are going through a cold wave in New York and thus mother nature is constraining these break-in tactics. I couldn't resist today and drove her to work at below freezing temperature.

Thanks again for your input!

 

You are fine. Yesterday, I didnt realize you stated, 1 bar below max. I read quickly and thought it said, 1 bar above minimum, lol.

 

I know this is controversial but it has worked for me for many years and with many different vehicles. Follows a lot what others are saying. Just for what it's worth...

http://www.mototuneusa.com/break_in_secrets.htm

 

Thats how I break-in my cars as well and my 2010 GT3 put down 405 whp SAE corrected completely stock on a dynojet with only 250 miles on the car, 75 degree weather, 4th gear. Only one pull was done at operating temp. It works.

 

Again, thanks to all of you for your thoughful replies. I spoke with my service manager yesterday and his opinion goes along with the tone of your suggestions regarding engine break-in. Therefore, I'll take a more aggressive stand from now on.

By the way, during the last 3 oil level readings, two times the level was up to the max. The third reading indicated 1 segment below max. All readings were taken on the same horizontal spot. I does appear that at 350 miles I have consumed just a little. Assuming, of course, that it was filled to the max at the factory. I also had the engine checked to determine if it was overrev before delivery. But the scanning showed zero overrevs.

 

The aggressive "Moto-Man" break-in has worked well for me (multiple cars, manufacturers, model years, models, etc.)

 

They're all different. My TT didnt use oil. My 996 GT3 didnt use oil. My 997 GT3 didnt use oil. My new 09 C2S has used a qt in 1000 miles. Go figure