DIY Oil Change
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This conversation has been very informative. I can't see many doing any DIY's on this car without an investment in a lift, a computer,and a lot of special tools. Of course I am sure the majority of us knew this going in. I am no auto mechanic, but I could change the points and plugs on my old Chevys with V8s ( circa 1970s ). Today is a different world. High torque, high horsepower, high mpg potential, and long service intervals( all with the help of very complicated computer programs). Because of the short oil and tuneup intervals on old cars, and the simplicity of doing them, DIYs made sense. But today, I wouldn't know where to start.
I have owned, 2 912s, a 914 2.0, two 944s, 2 911 Carreras, and a '90 964. As time progressed, each new model became more difficult to work on than the previous.
But, the good news in all of this, the performance and quality of the new cars is far superior to any of my old cars. And every time I get into the car and start the engine, I can't wait to get on the road.
Sorry for the digression.
I have owned, 2 912s, a 914 2.0, two 944s, 2 911 Carreras, and a '90 964. As time progressed, each new model became more difficult to work on than the previous.
But, the good news in all of this, the performance and quality of the new cars is far superior to any of my old cars. And every time I get into the car and start the engine, I can't wait to get on the road.
Sorry for the digression.
Are you folks that are saying the oil change is difficult have the PDK transmission? I hear there is a trans cooler near the oil filter that makes it tough to get to. I have the manual and have changed oil 3 times now. Not really that hard, at least with the manual transmission. Specifically what problems are you experiencing with the manual transmission models? Maybe I can shed some light on it.
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Well for instance as I had posted here last November, my well-regarded indie was stymied and told me he “had to remove the axle” to get the filter out on my PDK Boxster.
Now maybe he was hyperbolicly referring to the amount of effort required, but based on subsequent posts it doesn’t sound far off the mark.
Now maybe he was hyperbolicly referring to the amount of effort required, but based on subsequent posts it doesn’t sound far off the mark.
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148 Posts
My 718 Boxster has a manual transmission. You must be very talented mechanically. First, removing and replacing the engine underbody panel is tedious. That was not necessary on the 987.2. Then removing and replacing the oil filter cover is at best, tedious. I watched the dealer technician do the job and spoke with him about why the process was taking so long. His response was the Porsche recommended removal tool did not work so he had to find and alternative tool to remove the oil filter cover. Of course he had the car on a lift and was standing up which made the job a lot easier than laying on your back with jack stands. I commend your ability to complete this process without assistance and I am glad someone has been able to perform the oil filter change on the 718.
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320 Posts
I also successfully changed the oil in my manual transmission 718CS. As I wrote in an earlier post, IMO, it's a 6 out of 10 for someone with basic mechanical skills.
Floor jack, 4 Jack stands, 76mm filter wrench and a couple hex bits. 1 hour drain. 45 minutes everything else (maybe a little longer the first time).
Removing and reinstalling the pan is the most time consuming part.
Floor jack, 4 Jack stands, 76mm filter wrench and a couple hex bits. 1 hour drain. 45 minutes everything else (maybe a little longer the first time).
Removing and reinstalling the pan is the most time consuming part.
Pretty much agree with Agent 86. The under-body pan is not technically difficult, just a bit cumbersome and slow. I might try a video next time I do it. Agent 86: Any info or pics on changing trans oil? What oil brand and weight did you use?
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320 Posts
Hi. Excellent help and thanks so much.
Still not clear on one thing. Is there an issue with the sensor rod. Some say yes; some no. I saw photos on one thread of how the rod moves on lifts, but I can’t tell the significance or purpose. A brief primer on the sensor rod would be much appreciated. Thanks!!
Still not clear on one thing. Is there an issue with the sensor rod. Some say yes; some no. I saw photos on one thread of how the rod moves on lifts, but I can’t tell the significance or purpose. A brief primer on the sensor rod would be much appreciated. Thanks!!
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320 Posts
Don't quote me on this, but I believe the rod you are talking about is there to control headlight leveling as the suspension compresses.
With manual transmission cars there is no interference issue.
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315 Posts
This oil change looks like a pain. Done them on countless cars including 2 Porsche’s. Paid $145 today at local German specialty shop. They were saying how tough it is to get at the filter on the lift. Parts would be around $75, so I was happy to pay $70 in labor.
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87 Posts
With the 718 at 2,900 miles, I changed the oil yesterday. It was a hassle, due to the splash shield and its 16 fasteners, and the filter housing that is very hard to access. This is nowhere near as straightforward as the 981 models.
The old oil was very dark, but smelled fine. There were filings at the bottom of the filter housing; I guess this is normal for a new engine. Also with 6 quarts out and 6 back in (Mobil-1 0w-40), not much was burned, as can happen with new Porsche engines. I really miss not having a physical dipstick, as the electronic one is a real nuisance.
The homemade ramp worked okay, but these models are clearly not designed for DIY maintenance without an overhead lift.
https://1drv.ms/f/s!AmjuSG_rD5gYjPgFWidBEt_Q4BGOzg
The old oil was very dark, but smelled fine. There were filings at the bottom of the filter housing; I guess this is normal for a new engine. Also with 6 quarts out and 6 back in (Mobil-1 0w-40), not much was burned, as can happen with new Porsche engines. I really miss not having a physical dipstick, as the electronic one is a real nuisance.
The homemade ramp worked okay, but these models are clearly not designed for DIY maintenance without an overhead lift.
https://1drv.ms/f/s!AmjuSG_rD5gYjPgFWidBEt_Q4BGOzg
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320 Posts
Nice ramps!!! Yeah, the bottom tray was the biggest challenge for me. Having the rear wheel in place would almost certainly make removing/replacing the filter harder. I had the wheel removed. I'm about 4 months away from my next oil change. Experience make all the difference.
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I have a base 718 with PDK. How do you adjust the headlight leveler to enable removal of the oil filter and housing? I have looked in this forum but can’t find the detail on how to move the leveler out of the way. Thanks to anyone who can provide this detail. When I change my oil, I put the rear end on race ramps to elevate the rear of the car.
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