1987 PORSCHE 944 oil dipstick

Right Instrument Cluster
The right instrument cluster combines the oil
pressure gauge with the oil pressure warning
light, the voltmeter with the alternator warning
light as well as the brake fluid warning light.

Oil Pressure Gauge
Engine oil pressure is shown in bars. At 5.000 rpm, with the engine at normal operating temperature (approx. 90°C / 194°F), the pressure should be approx. 4 bar. A slight
drop in oil pressure is normal under certain
operating conditions such as prolonged
highway driving in hot weather.
At idle speed, with the engine oil hot, the oil pressure can sink to 0.5 bar - this does not
indicate any loss of engine performance.
However, if the oil pressure drops suddenly
while you are driving, or if the warning light comes on, pull off the road,
stop the engine
and wait for it to cool down. Check the
engine oil level. If the oil level is normal,
contact the nearest dealer.

Oil Pressure
Warning Light
The oil pressure warning light comes on when the ignition is turned on. It should go out when the engine is started and has reached the
correct oil pressure.
If the oil pressure warning light
does not light up when turning the ignition on, or if it does
not go out after starting the engine, contact
your Porsche dealer immediately.
If the oil pressure warning light comes on
while you are driving, pull off the road and stop the engine .
Check the oil level to make sure you have
enough oil. If oil level is correct and the oil pressure warning light is still on, do not driv
e
the vehicle as severe engine damage may
result. Contact your nearest Porsche dealer
for assistance.
An occasional brief flickering of the oil pressure warning light at idle speed and
normal engine temperature is no cause for
concern if the light goes out upon
acceleration.
The oil pressure warning light is not an
indicator for low engine oil level. To check the
oil level, always use the dipstick.
Make it a habit to have the oil level checked
with every fuel filling.
Voltmeter
The voltmeter shows the overall condition of
the charging system. The needle should
normally stay in the 12-
14 volt range when the engine is running. A temporary drop below 12
volts when starting the engine is normal.
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Alternator Warning Light
The alternator warning light comes on when
the ignition is turned on. It should go out after
the engine is started.
If the alternator warning light does not light
up when turning the ignition on, or if it does
not go out
after starting the engine, there is a malfunction in the electrical system. If this is
the case, contact your Porsche dealer.
WARNING
If the alternator warning light comes on
while you are driving, pull off the road and
stop the engine.
Check whether the Polyrib-belt is slipping or
broken. The Polyrib-belt not only drives the
alternator for battery charging, but also the air
conditioner compressor.
If the light just flickers lightly, the Polyrib bel t
may be loose and is slipping.
The belt should be tightened or replaced
before you continue driving.


Brake Fluid Warning
Light
The brake warning light monitors the hydraulic dual-circuit brake system. It lights up when the ignition is turned on and should go out after
the engine has been started.
If the brake warning light fails to light up when
the ignition is turned on, or if it fails to go out
after the engine is started, there may be a
malfunction in the electrical system. Let your
Porsche dealer locate and correct the
condition promptly.
Should the light come on while driving, the
brake fluid level in the reservoir could be too
low, or one of the dual brake circuits may
have failed. In either case, the brakes will
function but a much longer distance and a far
greater pedal pressure are required to bring
the car to a halt. See "Brakes" for more
details.
Carefully pull off the road and stop. Have
your car towed to the nearest dealer for
repair. Continued operation of a car with
defective brakes is dangerous.
Antilock
The warning light goes on in the event of a
malfunction in the ABS system. The system is
switched off; the normal brake system
remains fully operational. If the light comes
on, take your vehicle to your authorized dealer for service immediately.
Air Bag
See "Air Bag System" for details.

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944

944 S

944 Turbo Engine Oil Level
Engine oil consumption
It is normal for your engine to consume oil.
The rate of oil consumption depends on the
quality and viscosity of oil, the speed at which
the engine is operated, the climate, road
conditions as well as the amount of dilution
and oxidation of the lubricant.
Because of these variables, no standard rate
of oil consumption can be established, but
drivers should expect an increased oil
consumption at high speeds and when the
engine is new.
The engine in your vehicle depends on oil to lubricate and cool all of its moving
parts. Therefore, the engine oil should be
checked regularly and kept at the required level.
Make it a habit to have the engine oil level checked with every fuel filling. Lack of sufficient engine oil may lead to severe engine damage. The oil pressure warning light is not an oil level indicator.
Checking oil level
To get a true reading, the car should be on
level ground. After turning off the engine, wait
a few minutes for the oil to return to the oil
sump.
1. Pull out dipstick and wip
e it dry with a clean cloth or paper towel.
2. Reinsert dipstick: push it in all the way
down for an accurate reading.
3.
Pull dipstick out again. The oil level is
correct if it is between the "max" and "min"
marks on the dipstick.
4.
If oil level is below "min" mark, or not
showing on dipstick, add oil immediately.
The difference between the "max" and "min",
marks is about 1 U.S. quart or 1 liter. 69



Adding engine oil Only add the amount of oil that is needed. The correct oil grade and viscosity
recommendation is given under "Engine Oils". 1. Remove oil filler cap and remove dipstick.
2. Top up with quality oil labeled "API Service
SE or SF".
3.
Check oil level with the dipstick. The "max"
mark should not be exceeded.
4.
Replace cap and tighten securely.
WARNING
The oil filler cap and dipstick must be
secure to avoid oil spills and resulting fire
hazard.

944-Turbo
Engine Guard
Before working on the underside of the engine for the 944 Turbo, remove the two-part engine guard.

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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

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
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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 hood release
Pull lever on left underneath
dashboard. Disengage safety
catch and lift engine hood up.
Battery
In cowl area in engine
compartment. Check each cell.
Top up with distilled water.
Never disconnect battery while
engine is running. It can ruin
the alternator.
Before connecting quick-charger,
battery must be disconnected. Brake fluid reservoir
Level should be between MIN and MAX marks.
Only use new brake fluid
according to SAE
recommendation J 1703, DOT 3
or DOT 4 and conforming to Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 116.
Do not use silicone base brake
fluid (DOT 5). Even the smallest
traces may cause severe
corrosion in the brake system.
Coolant reservoir
Antifreeze must remain in cooling
system all year round.
Coolant level should be between
minimum and maximum mark
when engine is cold. Always add antifreeze and water in ratio specified under "Filling
Capacities".
Use quality antifreeze containing
ethylene glycol.
Windshield and headlight
washer reservoir

1.6 U.S. gal. or 6.0 liters
127


Rear Lid
Unlock by turning door/ignition
key counter-clockwise or
operating the control switch.


Engine oil dipstick

Check oil level a few minutes after engine has stopped. Level should
be between upper and lower
marks on dipstick. Difference
between marks is approx. 1 U.S.
qt. or 1 liter.
WARNING
Before checking anything in
the engine compartment, let the
engine cool down. The fan
blades will rotate
spontaneously (even with
ignition off) until coolant
temperature drops.
Engine oil Always use quality oil labeled "API" Service "SE or SF". Details
under "Engine Oils" .
With filter change approx. 6.34 U.S. qts. (6.0 lite rs)
944 Turbo: approx. 6.87 U.S. qts. (6.5 liters)
Check oil level as described on "Engine oil level".

Manual transmission oil with differential
Hypoid oil SAE 80 according to API classification G L 4 or Mil-L 2105.

Automatic transmission
ATF lubricates torque converter and transmission. U se ATF "Dex-
ron®" only. Quantity at oil change: approx. 3 U.S. qts. or 2.8 liters.
Check ATF level visually through transparent reserv oir at rear end of
transmission housing.
Difference between marks approx. 1 U.S. pint or 0.4 liter. Check ATF
level when ATF is warm, with engine idling, selecto r lever in Neutral
and car on level ground.
For differential use oils API/GI 5 (or Mil-L 2105 B ), viscosity SAE 90.


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