Houston, we have a problem, Gas in the oil--Lots of it Options

[anderssj]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif) Got the 914 out tonight for the first time since DEC. It started fine, but after a few minutes idling in the driveway I noticed white smoke from the exhaust; checked the gauges--no oil light, but cold oil pressure was less than normal at idle (1-2 bar instead of 4-5 bar). I shut it off and rechecked the oil; it was WAY high, thin, and smelled strongly of gas.

The car has Dells, DRLA 40s. I figure I have a problem with one/both floats, or the needle seats aren't shutting off the fuel flow. I'll check further tomorrow, but thought that I should check with the good folks here and see if you had any ideas on other possibilities (like fuel pressure too high).

Fortunately, no big noises. I'll be changing the oil a couple of times ASAP. Anything else I should do (besides looking for Art Thraen's phone number just in case)?

Thanks in advance!

Steve A-

[pcar916]

I'd guess float bowl valves/seats. 356's have a petcock under the fuel tank that either opens the valve, switches to the reserve, or shuts off the flow, assuming you remember to shut off the gas.

Lot's of folks didn't even know they had a problem until they forgot to shut it off overnight... or for a month. Then you had to hope you checked your oil before running the engine.