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Porsche Club GB

1998 996 - what engine oil??

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17 captured repliesDiscussion pagination complete · Source accounts, not a confirmed diagnosis
THIS DISCUSSION / SOURCE-DERIVED OVERVIEW

Discussion summary

YOUR RESEARCH1998 996 - what engine oil??

Reported or suspected cause

oil being

Reported cause

No successful repair reported for this finding.

1
Identified cause
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Suspected cause
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Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.

Discussions that report identifying a cause
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0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.

0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.

Reported cause

I can only surmise that the previous oil usage was due to the oil being so thin that it was getting past the 'rings all the time.

1998 996 - what engine oil??
Frequently discussed work

Replace hands between mobil and porsche also so

No successful repair reported for this finding.

0
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0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
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Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
1

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0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.

Performed · outcome unconfirmed

(I'm also pretty certain that some pennies must have changed hands between Mobil and Porsche also so that they bagged the deal and got to have their stickers on the inside of every Porsche 911 engine lid!

1998 996 - what engine oil??
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Leading evidence: 'oil being' (1 discussions report identifying this cause; no attributable repair resolution). Across 1 matching discussions, the most frequently mentioned possible cause is 'oil being' (1 discussions; 1 report identifying it and 0 suggest it). The most frequently discussed action is 'Replace hands between mobil and porsche also so' (1 discussions). For that action, 0 discussions report a resolution and 0 report an unsuccessful attempt. No action has an explicit, attributable resolution report under the current rules. These are forum reports and suggestions, not a confirmed diagnosis.

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1 matching discussions · 17 captured posts examined · 0 partial discussions

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Replace hands between mobil and porsche also so

Performed · outcome unconfirmed

No successful repair reported for this finding.

0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context

Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.

Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
1

0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.

0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.

Performed · outcome unconfirmed

(I'm also pretty certain that some pennies must have changed hands between Mobil and Porsche also so that they bagged the deal and got to have their stickers on the inside of every Porsche 911 engine lid!

1998 996 - what engine oil??

Replace over

Performed · outcome unconfirmed

No successful repair reported for this finding.

0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context

Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.

Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
1

0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.

0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.

Performed · outcome unconfirmed

As I say, my engine was audibly quieter when I changed over to it.

1998 996 - what engine oil??

Use about 300ml per 1k miles

Performed · outcome unconfirmed

No successful repair reported for this finding.

0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context

Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.

Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
1

0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.

0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.

Performed · outcome unconfirmed

I'm running 1200 ppm in the 928 and the cats were working fine when last installed; it's always used about 300ml per 1k miles

1998 996 - what engine oil??

Use because of the cold winters

Performed · outcome unconfirmed

No successful repair reported for this finding.

0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context

Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.

Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
1

0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.

0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.

Performed · outcome unconfirmed

I use it, it's the one all Porsche workshops here use because of the cold winters.

1998 996 - what engine oil??
Frequently discussed actions (10)

These are separate views of the same evidence. Frequency alone does not establish a fix, and these counts must not be added together.

Replace hands between mobil and porsche also so

No successful repair reported for this finding.

0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context
Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
1

0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.

0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.

Performed · outcome unconfirmed

(I'm also pretty certain that some pennies must have changed hands between Mobil and Porsche also so that they bagged the deal and got to have their stickers on the inside of every Porsche 911 engine lid!

1998 996 - what engine oil??

Replace over

No successful repair reported for this finding.

0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context
Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
1

0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.

0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.

Performed · outcome unconfirmed

As I say, my engine was audibly quieter when I changed over to it.

1998 996 - what engine oil??

Replace too.[

No successful repair reported for this finding.

0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context
Discussions that contain suggestions
1

0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.

0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.

Suggestion

Adrian, Ive been thinking about this for the last 24hrs and I gunna try some 10/40w semi this summer when I do my next Oil change too.[

1998 996 - what engine oil??

Replace when my garagiste is back

No successful repair reported for this finding.

0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context
Discussions that contain suggestions
1

0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.

0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.

Suggestion

I'm also hoping to do the Hartech thermostat upgrade and a coolant change when my garagiste is back from holiday.

1998 996 - what engine oil??

Use about 300ml per 1k miles

No successful repair reported for this finding.

0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context
Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
1

0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.

0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.

Performed · outcome unconfirmed

I'm running 1200 ppm in the 928 and the cats were working fine when last installed; it's always used about 300ml per 1k miles

1998 996 - what engine oil??

Use any 10w/40 fully synthetic

No successful repair reported for this finding.

0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context
Discussions that contain suggestions
1

0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.

0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.

Suggestion

Maybe I'm just a heretic but I just use any 10w/40 fully synthetic from a reputable manufacturer and change it every 6 months.

1998 996 - what engine oil??

Use any oil at all now

No successful repair reported for this finding.

0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context
Discussions that contain suggestions
1

0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.

0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.

Suggestion

In fact my car doesn't use any oil at all now.

1998 996 - what engine oil??

Use because of the cold winters

No successful repair reported for this finding.

0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context
Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
1

0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.

0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.

Performed · outcome unconfirmed

I use it, it's the one all Porsche workshops here use because of the cold winters.

1998 996 - what engine oil??

Use castrol gtx magnatec in my my2003 996

No successful repair reported for this finding.

0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context
Discussions that contain suggestions
1

0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.

0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.

Suggestion

I've been using Castrol GTX Magnatec in my MY2003 996 for ten years or so with no problems.

1998 996 - what engine oil??

Use racing, le mans, nurburgingring

No successful repair reported for this finding.

0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context
Discussions that contain suggestions
1

0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.

0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.

Suggestion

and it's the same oil all Porsche Works racing teams use for racing, Le Mans, Nurburgingring..

1998 996 - what engine oil??
Reported and suspected causes (1)

These are separate views of the same evidence. Frequency alone does not establish a fix, and these counts must not be added together.

oil being

No successful repair reported for this finding.

1
Identified cause
0
Suspected cause
0
Reported fixes
Read evidence and context
Discussions that report identifying a cause
1

0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.

0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.

Reported cause

I can only surmise that the previous oil usage was due to the oil being so thin that it was getting past the 'rings all the time.

1998 996 - what engine oil??
Coverage and how to read this overview

Counts describe captured discussions, not unique people or a diagnosis. Author identities are not reliably stored. Exact duplicate evidence is counted once across matching discussions; one discussion counts at most once per action/state. Multiple repairs reported together remain a combination. Suggestions and failed attempts do not establish a fix. Matches cover whole discussions and can include related faults, model variants and incomplete threads.

17 eligible posts · 0 unverified posts · 1 discussions match the subject in their title or opening post.

  • Porsche Club GB: 1 discussions

0 evidence records excluded for query context · 0 excluded by outcome qualification · 0 adjusted by outcome qualification.

0 acknowledgements have no verified action link; they do not establish a repair result.

Generation: 20261026T163944Z · outcome-qualification-6. Deterministic extraction; no AI model inference. How we use sources

POST 1 / ORIGINAL POSTEROriginal post

Hi, Hopefully someone on here can give me a good steer. I have just picked up a 1998 996 with 44k on the clock. Although low miles, an older, yet well serviced car. Simply, could someone advise the best oil and grade to complete a much needed engine oil change? Many thanks.

POST 2Original post

good place to start.... http://www.opieoils.co.uk/product-finder/car/engine-oil/porsche/product-finder-2.aspx

POST 4Original post

I've been using Castrol GTX Magnatec in my MY2003 996 for ten years or so with no problems. My Indi recommended it to me and tells me that one of his other customers has a 3.4 996 that he uses at the 'Ring and he only puts Magnatec in it. This is a 10w/40 semi-synthetic oil. My car is low use and low mileage (24k) so I thought that it would suit the car. Seems great so far.

POST 5Original post

With the IMS Grenade in our Engines is that not a bit of an un supported risk?... However it does intrigue me as a good idea. Something else thats always puzzled me is why is fully synth so expensive if its made in a lab. why should it be effected by the price of crude oil.

POST 6Original post

A risk? No. In fact I'd say that using any 0/40 oil is more of a risk in these engines. Have you ever seen the stuff when it's hot? It's like bloody water - as thin as Williams hair. I noticed a dramatic reduction in oil usage when I changed to the Castrol. In fact my car doesn't use any oil at all now. I can only surmise that the previous oil usage was due to the oil being so thin that it was getting past the 'rings all the time. My engine was audibly quieter when I changed to the Castrol also. She smokes far less on cold start up too which can only indicate that there's less oil in the head.

POST 7Original post

And what about the fact that its only semi synth opposed to fully?. I can understand moving from 0/40 to 10/40w but to try semi is well brave.

POST 8Original post

Are you sure its not "Castrol syntec" Which is a fully synth oil now recomended by Porsche an LN Engineering?.

POST 9Original post

Magnatec 5W-40 semi-synthetic used to be on the Porsche Approved oil list a few years ago. Don't know why they dropped it - I expect it was more to do with Castrol wanting to promote their newer synthetics, and not re-applying for Magnatec, or maybe because the service intervals of the newer cars is extended to 20k between changes. Either way, it is good stuff, and seems to be very popular in the aircooled engines, which must be just as hard on oil, as it provides a lot of the engine cooling.

POST 11Original post

Adrian, Ive been thinking about this for the last 24hrs and I gunna try some 10/40w semi this summer when I do my next Oil change too.[ ]

POST 12Original post

Hi Richard. I'm no expert but the the basics of a more tenacious oil can only be a plus in my opinion! As I say, my engine was audibly quieter when I changed over to it. See how you get on. I'm certain that Porsche did an awful lot of expensive research to find out which oil was the 'best' for the 996 engine but I just don't feel that we (British) live in a climate that warrants such a thin oil. (I'm also pretty certain that some pennies must have changed hands between Mobil and Porsche also so that they bagged the deal and got to have their stickers on the inside of every Porsche 911 engine lid! Nice work if you get it![ ]) Adrian.

POST 13Original post

+ If we do frequent oil changes it makes sense that it would be a plus. Thanks for the food for thought.

POST 14Original post

Has anyone tried the M1 5W-50 on the approved list? If the Mobil 1 version is NLA i'm thinking of the Millers version. Car is a 2003 with 50k on the clock. I'm also hoping to do the Hartech thermostat upgrade and a coolant change when my garagiste is back from holiday. Has anyone ever heard of a cat failing due to xs ZDDP in the oil? I'm running 1200 ppm in the 928 and the cats were working fine when last installed; it's always used about 300ml per 1k miles so could be a worst case scenario for poisoning. Any feedback appreciated Tim

POST 15Original post

Maybe I'm just a heretic but I just use any 10w/40 fully synthetic from a reputable manufacturer and change it every 6 months. My car is out of warranty so its down to me if I am doing anything daft! If purchased in 25 litre drums it's not really that expensive. I have always wondered how manufacturers seemed to double the service interval of some models without actually modifying the engine. Its partly to do with better synthetic oils but I would bet that its also to do with the market expectation of 24K+ service intervals - way way too long in my amateur opinion. After all - I've only been driving old cars for 40 years[ ]

POST 16Original post

I use it, it's the one all Porsche workshops here use because of the cold winters. Oh.. and it's the same oil all Porsche Works racing teams use for racing, Le Mans, Nurburgingring.. you name it. So why follow Porsche's recomendation when there so many knowlegdeble indie's around? [8|]

POST 17Original post

My main worry is the indies advising Magnatec which is very low on HTHS. The M1 5W-50 has become NLA over here so will probably go for Millers, supposed to be as good.

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