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jack777 wrote: ↑Sat Aug 18, 2018 12:06 am Thank you again for your reply
Sorry it is a 996 Targa s 2004
I agree until I know more the car is not going to be driven or started...
Quick question....oil over fill,
The dip stick now reads correct but the dash read out shows all bars lit..full I guess
Thanks again

If all bars are lit (above the top arrow), then the car is overfilled with oil.

definitely changed my mind on the diagnosis when I heard the video. I used to have a rattle on start up that went away in 1-2 seconds. I replaced 2 of the 3 tensioners and it improved a lot.

you always need to make sure the car is parked on a level surface for at least a few hours before checking the oil on the dip stick, so it can all drain back to the pan. I learned this myself too.. thought my oil was low and it wasn't.

that is a lot of rattle you have my friend. possibly the idler pulley bearings (there are 3) for the serpentine belt?? could be a coincidence, but since you added the oil, you definitely have a little too much in there.

best of luck

What kind of oil and viscosity are you using in your 996?

Ok before we freak out here, I have 2 easy questions for you.

1) When you get your digital readout for oil, is the top light blinking? Yes = overfilled. Solid light = 100% full of oil, don't add a drop more.

2) Are you positive this isn't a heat shield or sump guard, any sort of body panel rattling that you may have loosened during work?


Hope it's simple.

"Runs like crap, runs better when you rev it" reads like Vacuum Leak 101.

Cracked filler tube.

Could also be a loose heat shield or clamp rattle.

Sorry been away....
Thank you for all your replies,
I made the mistake of using the dip stick and now 100% it has way to much oil in.....
Exactly what damage that has caused is still uncertain but I believe that it will now have to go back to a Porsche specialist for a full inspection.
When I get a diagnosis I will drop a new message so hopefully no one else can make such a stupid and expensive mistake
Thanks again all

If it's really overfull and you've been ingesting oil into the intake, getting it addressed properly is a good idea unless you're comfortable with some minor disassembly. If this was my car, I'd scan it for any diagnostic codes, drain the excess oil, verify that the intake isn't full of oil, pull the spark plugs and inspect, and then let 'er rip - but I've never criticized anyone who favors prudence in the face of costly consequences...

jack777 wrote: ↑Mon Aug 27, 2018 9:20 am Sorry been away....
Thank you for all your replies,
I made the mistake of using the dip stick and now 100% it has way to much oil in.....
Exactly what damage that has caused is still uncertain but I believe that it will now have to go back to a Porsche specialist for a full inspection.
When I get a diagnosis I will drop a new message so hopefully no one else can make such a stupid and expensive mistake
Thanks again all

So I hate to admit I have almost had some problems with the dipstick. I, apparently, have difficulty making sure the dip stick is fully seated giving the impression that the car is lower than I would like. On recheck and accidentally(also apparently) getting the stick properly seated and getting a good reading I have learned. On a daily basis on first start of day I use the electronic measurement after all it only takes four seconds to measure. Approximately once per week in addition to electronic gauge check I compare to the dip stick, which has been consistent with the gauge.

32wildbilly wrote: ↑Tue Aug 28, 2018 1:58 pmSo I hate to admit I have almost had some problems with the dipstick.