Tiny bubbles in the oil, after oil change. Normal? | FerrariChat
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Tiny bubbles in the oil, after oil change. Normal?

Discussion in '360/430' started by Racerboy, Nov 4, 2008.

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  1. Racerboy

    Racerboy Formula Junior

    Feb 3, 2004
    461
    Bay Area
    #1 Racerboy, Nov 4, 2008
    Just got oil changed on the CS, checked the oil after it was changed and it looks clean and the level looks correct but noticed there are tiny bubbles on the dip stick. Is this normal? Thanks
     
  2. RayJohns

    RayJohns F1 Veteran
    Silver Subscribed

    May 21, 2006
    7,797
    West Coast
    Full Name:
    Ray
    #2 RayJohns, Nov 4, 2008
    photo? You can have some bubbles in the oil when you pull the dipstick out. The concern would be if those bubbles are generated by water in the oil. That could signal a crack internally in the oil/cooling system. I have heard of 360's that have internal cracks in the oil system (I don't recall exactly what all it involves, but I could find out). I remember it when it was related to me, it didn't sound like a fun job to repair. Brian Crall would be able to speak to the issue better than I could.

    If you can post a picture, that would help a little. Also, check the cooling tank to make sure you don't see anything suspicious in there. I would also shine a flashlight down into the oil reservoir and see if you see any foam or anything. Usually, if there is a crack between the oil and cooling systems, the pressure of the oil system causes oil to go into the cooling system and this results in foam on the surface.

    Did you check the oil with the car running? Or was it off?

    Ray
     
  3. duskybird

    duskybird F1 World Champ
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Jan 20, 2007
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    Bill B.
    #3 duskybird, Nov 4, 2008
    Don Ho says it's normal. :D

    Does the oil look like mocha (tanish)? Do the bubbles look like just air?
     
  4. DMaury

    DMaury Formula 3

    Mar 27, 2007
    1,993
    Ponchatoula, LA
    #4 DMaury, Nov 4, 2008
    Beat me to it! ;)
     
  5. Napolis

    Napolis Three Time F1 World Champ
    Honorary Owner

    Oct 23, 2002
    32,118
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    Jim Glickenhaus
    #5 Napolis, Nov 4, 2008
    Things to keep in mind. Too much oil can cause foaming which is not good. Not getting oil hot enough because of short tripping can cause water vapor to condense in oil which is not good.

    If level is correct and you get oil good and hot and you notice something that you haven't noticed before have it checked out.
     
  6. Racerboy

    Racerboy Formula Junior

    Feb 3, 2004
    461
    Bay Area
    #6 Racerboy, Nov 4, 2008
    Thanks guys. Don't have a pic but it looks like tiny air bubbles, not like water. Will do some more checking, however.

    The car was checked while it was hot, at idle, like I've read to do here. After reading a bunch of posts about people getting "foam" with the Shell oil, I think this is normal. Wonder if it has something to do with the dry-sump oil system.
     
  7. Tipo815

    Tipo815 F1 Rookie

    Nov 1, 2003
    3,565
    Newport Beach, CA
    Full Name:
    Jeffrey
    #7 Tipo815, Nov 4, 2008
    One other thing - if the engine is hot (after a long or hard drive) there will be aeration in the oil and you will see foaming/bubbles on the dip stick. This is normal.
     

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