996 Oil Leak Woes

996 Oil Leak Woes

Author
Discussion

TenBob

Original Poster:

5 posts

284 months

Thursday 6th October 2005
quotequote all
Hi all. It's a very long time since I posted, and my first for Porsche related stuff, so my sincere apologies for having something negative to report.:(

I've just had my 996 checked after seeing smoke appear during a spirited run. The rocker cover gasket on the left bank is err... knackered, and has sprayed oil onto the exhaust (hence the smoking). Whilst under the car, a leak from the sump was noted, and of course, the rear main seal is leaking. That's at least 3 oil leaks. GULP!

Any ideas how much all this work will cost to remedy (specialist), the work involved (engine drop?) and wondered if these leaks (RMS aside) are relatively common?

My car is a 1999 C2 Tiptronic, 65k miles, out of warranty (yes, I know!) and so far, I love it!:)

domster

8,431 posts

271 months

Thursday 6th October 2005
quotequote all
Let's face it, a sump gasket and rocker cover gasket shouldn't be massive problems. They tend to be easy to remove and access. I am no expert on the 996 engine, but these are typically easy to fix on other cars. The RMS is obviously more complicated and a more involved job.

Rgds
Dom

Carrera2

8,352 posts

233 months

Thursday 6th October 2005
quotequote all
I think I read somewhere that an RMS is about £600 to replace.

TenBob

Original Poster:

5 posts

284 months

Thursday 6th October 2005
quotequote all
Thanks for the replies chaps!

I'm seeing a Porsche specialist in a couple of weeks to ascertain the true cost of repairs.

Interestingly, he thinks the rocker gasket leak is actually caused by the breather pipe (corroded or blocked), as the oil is pushed out under pressure, and barely appears under normal driving conditions. He says this is more common than blown rocker gaskets (and not an expensive repair). We'll see, but my fingers are crossed!

I will post updates as I receive more info.

Regards,
Ten Bob.

Vesuvius996

35,829 posts

272 months

Friday 7th October 2005
quotequote all
Good luck - let us know what happens.

TenBob

Original Poster:

5 posts

284 months

Tuesday 31st January 2006
quotequote all
I forgot to post this sooner, but after a visit to Unit 11, I am very happy and relieved to report the issues were not at all serious.

4 coil pack tubes were split, 1 of them leaking oil onto the left bank exhaust hence the batman smoke. All 6 were replaced with new seals. No more smoke!

The gearbox sump gasket was replaced and refilled with oil.

The RMS was deemed too minor to warrant remedy (the Tip doesn't suffer to the same extent as the manual apparently).

Total cost £250. BARGAIN!!