
Changing Engine Oil
and Filter
High quality-multi-
grade oils are suitable for all year round driving. Seasonal oil changes are
therefore not necessary. Only if multi-grade
oils are not readily available, a single-
grade oil of the correct viscosity can be used.
Specifications of the various oils to be used
are detailed under "Filling Capacities and
Engine Oil". The use of oil additives is not
recommended by Porsche.
WARNING
When removing oil drain plug with your fingers, keep your arms as high as
possible. This will prevent hot oil from
running down your arm. Wear eye
protection.
Always use a new gasket when reinstalling the plug. Do not overtighten
the plug.
Before changing the engine oil yourself,
make sure that the disposal of the engine
oil and the oil filter, as special wastes, can
be carried out in the proper manner. Under absolutely no circumstance should used
oil find its way into the sewage system,
soil, rivers, ponds, or other
environmentally damaging areas. If there is no possibility of disposing of used oil in the proper manner
(when in doubt, consult local authorities),
please have the oil changed by your dealer or a service station.
Oil change intervals specified in the Warranty
& Maintenance booklet accompanying the
vehicle apply to normal operating conditions
and must be adhered to, including intervals for oil filter change.
If you drive mostly short distances, or if you
operate the vehicle in dusty areas, or under
predominantly stop-and-go traffic conditions,
or when temperatures remain below freezing
for extended periods, the engine oil should be
changed more frequently.
When chang
ing the engine oil and the oil filter, the splash shield under the car has to be
removed first.
Drain the oil when the engine is still warm.
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The oil filter should be changed at the inter-
vals listed in your Maintenance Schedule.
1. Unscrew the oil drain plug (arrow), remove the oil filler cap and allow oil to drain
completely.
2.
Loosen oil filter element with appropriate wrench and remove.
3. Lightly coat new filter seal with engine oil.
4. Screw on filter by hand until gasket
contacts, tighten by one further turn and
finally recheck tightness of filter with the oil
filter wrench.
Specified tightening torque:
20 Nm (14 ftlb).
5.
Clean oil drain plug. Always use a new
gasket when reinstalling the plug. Do not
overtighten the plug. Correct tightening
torque is 43 ft. Ib. or 60 Nm.
6.
Fill the crankcase with the required amount of engine oil labeled "API Service SE or SF" (see "Filling Capacities"). Do not overfill.
7. Check oil level with dipstick. Top up if necessary. Reinstall oil filler cap and tighten securely.
8. Run the engine at various speeds for 3-5
minutes and check for leaks.
See Exercise Extreme Caution
72

944
5. Press together the housing cover with the air intake funnel (944 Turbo) and carefully
place in position. Tighten fastening screws,
connect hose and screw down hose clamp.
944 S
1. Unscrew the retaining screws and remove
the filter cover.
2.
Remove the filter element.
3. Clean the inside of the filter housing with a
lightly oiled lint-free cloth.
4.
Fit a replacement filter element. Carefully
place the housing cover in position and
tighten the retaining screws.
Reservoir for Windshield and Headlight
Washer System
The transparent reservoir is in the engine
compartment. As clear water is usually
inadequate for cleaning windshield or
headlights, add a cleaning solution, such as
windshield washer solvent and antifreeze offered by your dealer. To assure that the
system also functions at freezing
temperatures, antifreeze must be added to the water beforehand. Follow the instructions on the can for the right amount to be used (also
see "Filling Capacities"). Do not use engine
coolant anti-freeze or any other solution
that can damage the car paint.
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Tires/Wheels
The original equipment tires and wheel rims
on your Porsche comply with all applicable
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
For your driving safety remember the
following:
Wheel rims and wheel bolts are matched to
fit your Porsche.
If you intend to use other than original equipment wheels, be sure that they conform to Porsche specifications for your model. The use of wheel rims and wheel bolts that
do not meet specifications of the original
factory installed equipment will affect the safe operation of your vehicle. Before you plan on exchanging wheels, or winter tires already mounted on wheel rims, consult your Porsche dealer. He has the
technical information necessary to advise
you which wheel rims and wheel bolts are
compatible with the original factory
installations.
Tire pressures
WARNING
Incorrect tire pressures cause increased
tire wear and adversely affect road holding of the vehicle, leading to loss of control.
Always use an accurate tire pressure
gauge when checking inflation pressures.
Do not exceed the maximum tire inflation
pressure listed on the tire sidewall. (Also
refer to "Technical data"). Cold tire infla-
tion pressure means: when a car has not been driven for at least 3 hours or less
than 1 mile. Never let any air out of warm
tires to meet cold tire pressure
specifications.
Tire traction
WARNING
When driving on wet or slushy roads, a
wedge of water may build up between the
tires and the road. This phenomenon is
known as aquaplaning and may cause
partial or com
plete loss of traction, vehicle control or stopping ability. Reduce speed
on wet surface.
Tire Life
Tire life depends on various factors, i.e.,
roads, traffic and weather conditions, driving
habits, type of tires and tire care.
Inspect your tires at least
every 2.000 miles or 3.000 km for wear and damage. If you notice
uneven or substantial wear, wheels might
need alignment or tires should be balanced or
replaced.
Tires must always remain on same side of
vehicle.
After changing, adjust tire pressure and torque wheel nuts diagonally to 94 ft Ibs (130 Nm) (see "Changing wheels").
The supposition that tire durability and
performance are immune to the effects of
storage and age is unfounded. Chemical
additives, which make the rubber elastic, lose
their effectiveness in the course of time and
the rubber becomes brittle and cracks.
Therefore, the tires, especially the collapsible
spare tire, should from time to time undergo a
visual check. To accomplish this,
pump up the collapsible spare tire.
Under no circumstances should tires older
than 6 years be used on your Porsche. The
age of the tire can be obtained from the "DOT" code number. If, for example, the last three
numbers read 125, then the tire was produced in the 12th week of 1985.
Tire wear
The original equipment tires on your Porsche
have built-
in wear indicators. They are molded into the bottom of the tread grooves and will
appear as approximately 1/2 in (12 mm)
bands when the tire tread depth is down to
1/2 of an in (1.6 mm).
When the indicators appear in two or more
adjacent grooves, it is time to replace the
tires. We recommend, however, that you do
not let the tires wear down to this extent. Worn tires cannot grip the road surface properly,
and are even less effective on wet roads.
In the United States, state laws may govern
the minimum tread depth permissible. Follow
all such laws.
WARNING
Do not drive with worn tires or tires
showing cuts or bruises as they may lead
to sudden deflation.
If you notice that tires are wearing unevenly,
consult your Porsche dealer. Uneven wear
82

How Emission Control Works
When an automobile engine is running, it uses energy generated through the combustion of a mixture of air and fuel. Depending on whether
a car is driven fast or slowly or whether the
engine is cold or hot, some of the fuel
(hydrocarbons) may not be burned completely but be discharged into the engine crankcase
or exhaust system. Additional hydrocarbons
may enter the atmosphere through
evaporation of fuel from the fuel tank. These
hydrocarbons (HC), when released into the
air, contribute to undesirable pollution.
In addition, carbon monoxide (CO) and oxides of nitrogen (NOx) contribute to engine
emissions. They, too, are formed during the
combustion process and discharged into the
exhaust system.
To reduce these pollutants, your Porsche is
equipped with a precisely calibrated fuel
injection system to assure a finely balanced
air/fuel mixture under all operating conditions.
Oxygen Sensor
The oxygen sensor, installed in the exhaust
pipe continuously senses the oxygen content
of the exhaust and signals the information to
an electronic control unit. The control unit
corrects the air/fuel ratio, so that the engine
always receives an accurately metered air fuel mixture. .
Crankcase Ventilation
Through Crankcase Ventilation undesirable
emissions from the engine crankcase are not
permitted to reach the outside atmosphere.
These emissions are recirculated from the
crankcase to the air intake system. From here
the emissions mix with the intake air and are
later burned in the engine.
Catalytic converter
The catalytic converter is an efficient
"cleanup" device built into the exhaust system
of the vehicle. The catalytic converter burns
the undesirable pollutants in the exhaust gas
before it is released into the atmosphere.
The exclusive use of unleaded fuel is critically important for the life of the
catalytic converter. Therefore, only
unleaded gasoline without additives must
be used.
The catalytic converter will be damaged by
push or tow starting your vehicle
misfiring of the engine turning off the ignition while the vehicle is moving or
by other unusual operating conditions.
Do not continue to operate your vehicle
under these conditions, as otherwise fuel
can reach the catalytic converter. This
could result in overheating of the
converter.
Federal law prohibits use of leaded
gasoline in this car.
The Emission Control System and its other
related components are illustrated and
described on the following pages.
101
Emission Control System
1 Fuel pump
2 Fuel filter
3 Pressure damper
3a Pressure regulator
4 Injector
5 Auxiliary air valve
6 Air flow meter
7 Throttle valve switch
8 Temperature sensor
9 Engine temperature sensor
10 Speed sensor
11 Reference mark sensor (TDC)
12 Control unit
13 Ring gear
14 Ignition coil
15 Distributor
16 Relay (fuel pump / control unit)
17 Oxygen sensor
18 Catalytic converter
19 Muffler
102

Engine Design Specifications
Design
Operating cycle
Lubrication
Cylinder block
Cylinder head
Valve operation
Camshaft drive
Crankshaft
Fuel injection 4-cylinder, in-line engine, front mount with two ba
lance-shafts
4-stroke
Pressure oil circulation from oil sump,
full flow filter
Light metal
Light metal
Overhead camshaft
(944 S: 2 overhead camshafts)
Spur belt drive
Forged, 5 main bearings
AFC (Air Flow Control) Power Train
Manual transmission
Gear ratio
1st gear
2nd gear
3rd gear
4th gear
5th gear
Axle ratio Gear ratio 944
3.600:1
2.125:1
1.458:1
1.071:1
0.730:1
3.500:1
3.889:1 Gear ratio 944 S
3.500:1
2.059:1
1.400:1
1.034:1
0.829:1
3.500:1
3.889:1 Gear ratio 944 Turbo
3.500:1
2.059:1
1.400:1
1.034:1
0.829:1
3.500:1
3.375:1
Clutch
Power transmission Single plate dry disc, hydraulically operated
Double constant velocity joints and drive shaft
Automatic transmission 944
Gear ratio 1st gear
2nd gear
3rd gear
Reverse gear
Axle ratio
Clutch 2.714:1
1.500:1
1.000:1
2.429:1
3.455:1
Hydrodynamic torque converter
109
Filling Capacities
Engine oil With filter change approx. 6.34 (Turbo: approx. 6.87) U.S. qts. or 6 (Turbo: approx. 6.5) liters.
Check oil level with dipstick a few minutes after e ngine has stopped. The difference between
the max. and min. marks on the dipstick is approx. 1 U.S. qt. or 1 liter.
Only use brand name oil which has been tested and a pproved by Porsche.
Your authorized Porsche dealer will be glad to advi se you.
Porsche does not recommend the use of oil additives . See also "Engine Oils".
Cooling system with heating
Approx. 8,2 U.S. qts. or 7,8 liters. Factory filled to -31°F (-35°C). Only use phosphate-free
anti-freeze containing ethylene glycol recommended for aluminum engines and radiators.
Manual transmission
Approx. 0.53 U.S. gal. or 2.0 liters. Use hypoid oi l SAE 80 labeled "For Service API/GL4 or
Mil-L 2105".
Automatic transmission with
torque converter Approx. 1.72 U.S. gal. or 6.5 liters ATF Dexron®. At oil c hanges 3 U.S. qts. or 2.8 liters are
required.
Differential of automatic transmission
Approx. 1 U.S. qts. or 1 liter hypoid oil SAE 90 ac cording to API classification GL 5 or
Mil-L 2105 B.
Power steering
Approx. 0.63 U.S. qts. or 0.6 liter ATF Dexron®
Fuel tank Approx. 21.1 U.S. gals, or 80 liters including a re serve of 2.1 U.S. gals, or 8 liters.
Unleaded fuel only! Minimum octane rating 944 91 RO N (87 CLC or AKI ((R+M)/2) rating on fuel
pumps in U.S.A.), 944 S / 944 Turbo 95 RON (90 CLC or AKI ((R+M)/2) rating on fuel pumps in U.S.A.)
Brake fluid Approx. 0.42 U.S. pint or 0.2 liter. Only use brake fluid conforming to specifications
SAE J 1703, DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Windshield and headlight washer system
Approx. 1.59 U.S. gals, or 6.0 liters.
Refrigerant for air conditioning Approx. 33.5 oz or 950 g. Refrigerant R 12 (CCI2F2)
Cooling system mixing chart
(Approximate values)
Anti-freeze-Water
Consult your authorized dealer about
the approved anti-freeze mixtures. Temp, down to
-13° F (-25°C) -23° F (-30° C) -31° F (-35° C)
Anti-freeze
40%
45%
50% Water
60% 55% 50%
Anti-freeze
3.1 liters / 3.3 U.S. qts.3.5 liters / 3.7 U.S. qts.3.9 liters / 4.1 U.S. qts.
Water
4.7 liters / 5.0 U.S. qts.
4.3 liters / 4.5 U.S. qts. 3.9 liters / 4.1 U.S. qts.
110

Engine Oils
Use only engine oils which meet the
specifications designated by PORSCHE. Your Porsche dealer will be glad to advise you on
the correct type of oil for your engine.
All current engine oils are compatible with each other, i. e. when making an oil change it
is not necessary to flush the engine if you
wish to use a different brand or grade of oil. Since, however, each brand of oil has a
special composition, you should, if possible,
use the same oil brand if it becomes
necessary to top up between oil changes.
PORSCHE engines have long intervals
between oil changes. You can make best use
of these long oil change intervals by using
multigrade oils since these are largely
independent of seasonal fluctuations in
temperature.
If your vehicle is used frequently in stop-and-
go traffic in winter, the engine will not always
be properly warmed up. Condensation from
products of combustion may accumulate in
the oil. In this case, it is advisable to change
the oil in spring so that your engine once
again has a 100% efficient engine oil.
Engine oil performance class
Engine oil is not only a lubricant, but also
serves to keep the engine clean, to neutralize
the dirt which penetrates into the engine
through combustion and to protect the engine
against corrosion. To perform these functions, the oil is provided with additives which have
been specially developed for these functions.
So-called mineral oils are produced directly
from crude oil. The oils can be further refined
(hydrocrack oils) or totally converted through a number of chemical processes (synthetic oils). These oils are structurally more efficient and
require fewer additives than simple mineral
oils.
The efficiency of an oil is expressed, for
example, by the API classifications which are
divided into categories "S" and "C". The
degrees of quality are expressed by final
letters in alphabetical order: The requirements for PORSCHE engines are API class SE/CC
to SF/CD.
Viscosity
Like all liquids, engine oil is viscous when
cold, and thin-bodied when warm.
The viscosity of an oil is expressed by its SAE class. For cold viscosity (measured at
temperatures below 0°C) the SAE class is
given as a number and the letter "W" (as in
winter); for hot viscosity (measured at 100°C) the SAE class is given only as a number. The viscosity of an oil is, therefore, always the same if it has the same number of an SAE
class.
E. g.: A 10 W -30 oil and a 10 W-40 oil have
the same viscosity when cold (below 0°C);
when hot (at 100°C) the oil with the number 30 is thinner than the oil with the number 40.
Single-grade/multigrade oils
Oils with two viscosities are called multi-g
rade oils; oils with only one viscosity are termed
single-grade oils.
Single-grade oils can only be used for the
narrow temperature range identified by their
SAE number; multigrade oils cover a wider
temperature range (see chart).
Fuel efficient oils
Fuel efficient oils reduce internal friction in the
engine. PORSCHE approves only fuel
efficient oils which are structurally so stable
that they can be used in PORSCHE engines
both as summer and winter oils (see chart of
areas of application for oils of different
viscosity). These conditions are currently
fulfilled by synthetic or hydrocrack fuel
efficient oils.
111
Tires, Rims 944 / 944 S
Tires, Rims
(Rim offset 52,3 mm) 215/60 VR 15 front and rear on rims 7 J x 15 H2
or 205/55 VR 16 on 7 J x 16 H2 front and 225/50 VR
16 on 8 J x 16 H2 rear
Snow tires
(Rim offset 52,3 mm) 195/65 R 15 80 Q M + S front and rear on rims 7 J x
15 H2
or 215/60 R 15 80 Q M + S front and rear on rims 7 J X 15 H2
or 205/55 R 16 80 Q M + S front and rear on rims 7 J x 16 H2
or 205/55 R 16 80 Q M + S on rims 7 J x 16 H2 front and
225/50 R 16 80 Q M + S on 8 J x 16 H2 rear
The load rating and identification letter for allow able maximum speed (e.g. 80 Q/VR 15)
represent minimum requirements.
Collapsible spare tire 165-15 8 PR 89 P on rim 51/2 J x 15 H2
Tire pressure always 36 psi (2.5 bar/atm.), front o r rear use. Maximum speed is 50 mph (80km/h).
Cold tire pressure front 29 psi (2.0 bar), rear 36 psi (2.5 bar)
Snow chains Should snow chains be necessary, they m ust be mounted on the drive wheels only. Maximum speed is 30 mph (50
km/h).
Always use Porsche - approved snow chains.
Important hint:
For tires with VR quality standard , there are currently no final standards concerning tire strength at speeds above 210 km/h. For this r eason,
only use tire makes and types tested by Porsche.
If you intend to use other than original equipment wheels, be sure that they conform to Porsche specif ications for your model. Check with your
Porsche dealer regarding the correct wheel specific ations for type and model year.
112