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Oil Change - Draining the Oil from Turbos

Posted: Thu Jan 11, 2018 9:01 am
by FRUNKenstein
I did my first oil change on my 996TT myself. However, I was unable to get the drain plugs on the turbos to budge and was afraid to strip them out. So, I skipped that part of the procedure, reasoning that it can't be that big of a deal. About 3,000 miles later, the car needed to go into the shop for an unrelated issue and I told my shop to go ahead and change the oil. My indy mechanic is an absolutely incredible mechanic - probably one of the best in the country. I warned him that I couldn't remove the drain plugs in the turbos when I changed oil last. To my surprise, he said that he never drains the old oil from the turbos anyway. He said that the turbos in the 997 don't even have drain plugs and that it's only a few ounces of used oil that sits in the turbos anyway, so not to worry about it. I followed his advice and haven't lost any sleep over it. But, I thought I'd throw it out as a topic to discuss. I also wanted to get the topic out there for any other owners who are worried about not draining the oil. So, what say you?

Re: Oil Change - Draining the Oil from Turbos

Posted: Thu Jan 11, 2018 9:40 am
by Blrmkr
Good info to know. I have my first due up around the corner and would have run into the same issue.

Re: Oil Change - Draining the Oil from Turbos

Posted: Mon Jan 29, 2018 7:42 am
by Atrox
I removed the oil from both turbos, but the amount in there was so small I’ll skip it next time.

Re: Oil Change - Draining the Oil from Turbos

Posted: Mon Jan 29, 2018 12:51 pm
by FRUNKenstein
Atrox wrote: Mon Jan 29, 2018 7:42 am I removed the oil from both turbos, but the amount in there was so small I’ll skip it next time.
Thanks for confirming, Atrox!

Re: Oil Change - Draining the Oil from Turbos

Posted: Wed Jan 31, 2018 9:50 am
by fpb111
I have been draining mine that said, the engine holds 12quarts so even when you let it drain overnight you only get about 9-10quarts out. So if you do not drain the turbos there is about 1/2? Quart added to the 2-3 left in the engine on a routine oil change.

From 6speed
engine oil quantity Approx. 12.5
change quantity 8.5 l (~9 qts) with filter change 8.75 l
The oil change quantity (without oil filter change) is approx. 7.8 litres after a dripping time of 20 minutes add until all 7 bars lit.

I believe each bar = .25 l (~.26 qt)

If you drain the turbos....good idea to prime the oil filter before you start up
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/996 ... s-oil.html

Re: Oil Change - Draining the Oil from Turbos

Posted: Wed Jan 31, 2018 10:33 am
by pfbz
Another one in the "don't bother draining the few ounces from the Turbo's" club...

Re: Oil Change - Draining the Oil from Turbos

Posted: Wed Jan 31, 2018 10:59 am
by FRUNKenstein
Frank & Paul:
Good info. It's great to see you both over here!

Re: Oil Change - Draining the Oil from Turbos

Posted: Fri Feb 02, 2018 5:04 am
by Blrmkr
KC,

Well you know me, I just had to try. Both drain plugs came out, but as others have said, not very much oil drains out. I figured this might help me play catch up on those that have the X50 package. :D

Re: Oil Change - Draining the Oil from Turbos

Posted: Fri Feb 02, 2018 7:31 am
by FRUNKenstein
Blrmkr wrote: Fri Feb 02, 2018 5:04 am KC,

Well you know me, I just had to try. Both drain plugs came out, but as others have said, not very much oil drains out. I figured this might help me play catch up on those that have the X50 package. :D
Wow, I'm just impressed that you showed it some love. Seriously thanks for the info. I need to get mine changed, and I'll do it myself this time.

Re: Oil Change - Draining the Oil from Turbos

Posted: Sun Feb 11, 2018 2:58 am
by kronbts
kcattorney wrote: Thu Jan 11, 2018 9:01 am I did my first oil change on my 996TT myself. However, I was unable to get the drain plugs on the turbos to budge and was afraid to strip them out. So, I skipped that part of the procedure, reasoning that it can't be that big of a deal. About 3,000 miles later, the car needed to go into the shop for an unrelated issue and I told my shop to go ahead and change the oil. My indy mechanic is an absolutely incredible mechanic - probably one of the best in the country. I warned him that I couldn't remove the drain plugs in the turbos when I changed oil last. To my surprise, he said that he never drains the old oil from the turbos anyway. He said that the turbos in the 997 don't even have drain plugs and that it's only a few ounces of used oil that sits in the turbos anyway, so not to worry about it. I followed his advice and haven't lost any sleep over it. But, I thought I'd throw it out as a topic to discuss. I also wanted to get the topic out there for any other owners who are worried about not draining the oil. So, what say you?
The oil that comes out of the turbos is nasty. I would lose sleep at night if I didn't change that oil with the rest of it. You are already down there. Seriously though, I doubt it makes much of a difference. My local Indy shop, who is one of the best also, says that they don't drain the turbos either. I still buy the 2 extra crush gaskets and drain the turbos everytime.