OPC 3 failed attempts at oil leak fix
Discussion
Looking for some sympathy, sorry, I mean advice.
I've got a 2012 Cayenne 958 V6 TDi, so I shall start by apologising to all mid and rear-engined, petrol-powered, non-SUV Porsche owners.
I know, it's a dismal choice, but think of it as a Touareg with PASM and nice leather and it starts to make sense.
It's had full Porsche warranty from new, so is in good health. Apart from an oil leak.
About 4 months ago, oil started dripping on my driveway. My OPC replaced the lower sump and gasket, and both cam cover gaskets.
A few weeks later, the leak was back.
This time they did the timing cover at the back of the engine. Fairly major engine-out job.
A few weeks later, the leak was back.
This time it was the timing cover again, and they suspected that the sealant used hadn't cured properly.
2 weeks since that repair and I'm fairly sure it's leaking again. I can't see anything because of the undertrays and things, but I can smell it when the engine is hot. It's definitely burning oil. The only other symptoms are my gut feel that it's slightly down on power, and mpg has dropped a bit. Nothing conclusive, and I wouldn't swear to either.
I'm about to let them know, but honestly I'm going to need my own desk in the showroom if this continues.
My best guess is that there's pressure in the crank case blowing the oil out whichever seal offers the path of least resistance.
I've asked them to check the EGR isn't blocked (major job to get at) and I've asked them to compression test all cylinders (again, not straight forward).
They've declined to do those tests based on experience of these engines and never having seen such issues before.
I suspect that the real reason is they can't recover any costs for tests from the warranty without following a strict script of diagnostics and "repair". A seal is leaking, replace the seal. Do not start doing expensive and time consuming diagnostics. I've discussed this concern with them that we're getting nowhere, and they assure me it should be fine each time. I think their hands are tied.
I can't help feeling if the warranty wasn't in place, it would be sorted by now, because they'd happily investigate properly and charge the time to me directly. Instead, I've spent a small fortune keeping the car tip-top and 111-point tastic to keep the OPC warranty intact, and now I need it, it's letting me down.
Has anyone got any suggestions for how to proceed? Give them the car and let them try again? Demand a better plan in writing with the warranty company approving it? Take it to another OPC (I'd rather not, it's logistically hard enough to get to the local one)? Contact the warranty folk directly and bypass (upset?) the OPC? Speak to the manager?
The team at the OPC are great. They really look after me very well, courtesy cars for weeks on end, great coffee, and I have zero complaints about the service. Except that I think their hands are tied and they're not able to fix this. Where do I go next?
Any advice or similar stories welcome.
I've got a 2012 Cayenne 958 V6 TDi, so I shall start by apologising to all mid and rear-engined, petrol-powered, non-SUV Porsche owners.
I know, it's a dismal choice, but think of it as a Touareg with PASM and nice leather and it starts to make sense.
It's had full Porsche warranty from new, so is in good health. Apart from an oil leak.
About 4 months ago, oil started dripping on my driveway. My OPC replaced the lower sump and gasket, and both cam cover gaskets.
A few weeks later, the leak was back.
This time they did the timing cover at the back of the engine. Fairly major engine-out job.
A few weeks later, the leak was back.
This time it was the timing cover again, and they suspected that the sealant used hadn't cured properly.
2 weeks since that repair and I'm fairly sure it's leaking again. I can't see anything because of the undertrays and things, but I can smell it when the engine is hot. It's definitely burning oil. The only other symptoms are my gut feel that it's slightly down on power, and mpg has dropped a bit. Nothing conclusive, and I wouldn't swear to either.
I'm about to let them know, but honestly I'm going to need my own desk in the showroom if this continues.
My best guess is that there's pressure in the crank case blowing the oil out whichever seal offers the path of least resistance.
I've asked them to check the EGR isn't blocked (major job to get at) and I've asked them to compression test all cylinders (again, not straight forward).
They've declined to do those tests based on experience of these engines and never having seen such issues before.
I suspect that the real reason is they can't recover any costs for tests from the warranty without following a strict script of diagnostics and "repair". A seal is leaking, replace the seal. Do not start doing expensive and time consuming diagnostics. I've discussed this concern with them that we're getting nowhere, and they assure me it should be fine each time. I think their hands are tied.
I can't help feeling if the warranty wasn't in place, it would be sorted by now, because they'd happily investigate properly and charge the time to me directly. Instead, I've spent a small fortune keeping the car tip-top and 111-point tastic to keep the OPC warranty intact, and now I need it, it's letting me down.
Has anyone got any suggestions for how to proceed? Give them the car and let them try again? Demand a better plan in writing with the warranty company approving it? Take it to another OPC (I'd rather not, it's logistically hard enough to get to the local one)? Contact the warranty folk directly and bypass (upset?) the OPC? Speak to the manager?
The team at the OPC are great. They really look after me very well, courtesy cars for weeks on end, great coffee, and I have zero complaints about the service. Except that I think their hands are tied and they're not able to fix this. Where do I go next?
Any advice or similar stories welcome.
Don't think it's unreasonable to feel miffed about keep having to go back to the same place with the same issue. However, there is probably a process they have to follow starting with the cheaper parts first. Could it be time to ask for a word with their service manager... that you've had to bring the car in 3 or more times now with the same issue & whilst happy a bit miffed it continues. There might be things you can do to help the manager and the service team.
If you have a loan car then it might also be worth suggesting you'll hold on to the car a few extra days, and then want the team to do a test drive to check there is no leak or burning oil smells.
If you have a loan car then it might also be worth suggesting you'll hold on to the car a few extra days, and then want the team to do a test drive to check there is no leak or burning oil smells.
Good suggestions, thanks, and I've done that. I've offered my support in any way I can. I'm not an angry sort of customer.
They ran the car for a couple of days before giving it back last time, putting 100 miles or so on it, and declared it leak free. I did worry it wasn't a long enough test, but I don't suppose they can do much more.
I'll just give it back and let them follow the process.
They ran the car for a couple of days before giving it back last time, putting 100 miles or so on it, and declared it leak free. I did worry it wasn't a long enough test, but I don't suppose they can do much more.
I'll just give it back and let them follow the process.
They may not want to ask, but you going to the warranty company directly may give them the weight they need to sign off on proper diagnostics, rather than "swapnostics".
Maybe ask the manager if they'd find it helpful if you raised a central complaint. Are there any trigger words they suggest you use to get the result they need?
Maybe ask the manager if they'd find it helpful if you raised a central complaint. Are there any trigger words they suggest you use to get the result they need?
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