Spots on my garage floor
Discussion
I am sorry to say i have spots of oil smack in the middle of my garage floor, obviously i suspect RMS so what are my next moves?Does it need fixing straightaway or can it wait a few months?I am gutted as i have only had the car 3 months and the car had a new clutch and RMS 18 months ago(25000 miles ago).I know this is a sore point on this site but i need some useful advice,thanks.The car is a 2000 boxster s.
Edited by scruffy101 on Tuesday 22 August 07:22
The RMS banter that goes on here is about the very specific problem with the new watercooled engines (not including the GT3, GT2 and turbo) - where the RMS can leak due to duff clearances in the crank end bearing making the seal oval over time.
It's not the same issue with air-cooled cars - all the air-cooled motors leak a bit of oil, it's a question of degree and also the viscosity of oil you use.
If you're using really thin oil (0w, even 5w like some Mobil 1 full synthetics) then you're more likely to experience oil leaks than thicker brands. With your age of car something like Magnatec would be fine and that's 15w IIRC.
If anything, the leaks are more likely from the rocker covers than the RMS on an air-cooled motor.
Certainly don't worry about it like the water-cooled boys - Porsche's 'fix' for many water-cooled RMS issues was a new engine at ££££££, whereas fixing minor oil leaks on air-cooled cars is a lot less drastic and cheaper. Enjoy your car!
It's not the same issue with air-cooled cars - all the air-cooled motors leak a bit of oil, it's a question of degree and also the viscosity of oil you use.
If you're using really thin oil (0w, even 5w like some Mobil 1 full synthetics) then you're more likely to experience oil leaks than thicker brands. With your age of car something like Magnatec would be fine and that's 15w IIRC.
If anything, the leaks are more likely from the rocker covers than the RMS on an air-cooled motor.
Certainly don't worry about it like the water-cooled boys - Porsche's 'fix' for many water-cooled RMS issues was a new engine at ££££££, whereas fixing minor oil leaks on air-cooled cars is a lot less drastic and cheaper. Enjoy your car!
Well, to actually offer you some help - you need to trace where the oil leak is coming from. Either have a go yourself or give it to your friendly independent. First step is to clean up the oil from underneath the engine (I assume the engine compartment is bone dry). You then need to get the engine hot and look to see where it is leaking out. Rocker cover gaskets and oil pipes would be the kindest places.
and....your back,
can you see where the oil originates out of interest, is there a smell of hot oil with it running,
mine was as soft' said cam covers, the engine changes its shape quite literally during its operation, so the various seals and gaskets have to work quite hard to keep all the oil in, as bits expand and contract, these air cooled all do it brilliant engineering really
can you see where the oil originates out of interest, is there a smell of hot oil with it running,
mine was as soft' said cam covers, the engine changes its shape quite literally during its operation, so the various seals and gaskets have to work quite hard to keep all the oil in, as bits expand and contract, these air cooled all do it brilliant engineering really
Hi
I had a 2.7 Boxster and I had two RMS replaced over the course of one year. You indicate the RMS was replaced 18 months ago. Was this done at an OPC? If so then they may well replace free of charge (got to be worth a try)
As for your other question, it is my understanding that provided the seal is not leaking too much, ie the drip is only slight then you can continue to run the car for some time, just keep an eye on the oil level itself, although it is fair to say that oil consumption on my Boxster never budged even when the RMS had gone.
This in stark contrast to my 996 - it seems to drink the stuff!
I had a 2.7 Boxster and I had two RMS replaced over the course of one year. You indicate the RMS was replaced 18 months ago. Was this done at an OPC? If so then they may well replace free of charge (got to be worth a try)
As for your other question, it is my understanding that provided the seal is not leaking too much, ie the drip is only slight then you can continue to run the car for some time, just keep an eye on the oil level itself, although it is fair to say that oil consumption on my Boxster never budged even when the RMS had gone.
This in stark contrast to my 996 - it seems to drink the stuff!
All indications seem to be that the car easily lives with the leaky seal , the problem lies more with fretful drivers. There doesn't seem to be any hard evidence to suggest a leaky seal causes any more damage than an oily floor (and a bruised wallet when the owner decides he can't live with the leak!)
It's interesting to see all the 'older' porsche drivers saying 'my 3.2 leaks , big deal' etc ... Isn't about time we water coolers took a hint??
It's interesting to see all the 'older' porsche drivers saying 'my 3.2 leaks , big deal' etc ... Isn't about time we water coolers took a hint??
ballcock said:
All indications seem to be that the car easily lives with the leaky seal , the problem lies more with fretful drivers. There doesn't seem to be any hard evidence to suggest a leaky seal causes any more damage than an oily floor (and a bruised wallet when the owner decides he can't live with the leak!)
It's interesting to see all the 'older' porsche drivers saying 'my 3.2 leaks , big deal' etc ... Isn't about time we water coolers took a hint??
It's interesting to see all the 'older' porsche drivers saying 'my 3.2 leaks , big deal' etc ... Isn't about time we water coolers took a hint??
The only potential problem is it could shorten the life of the clutch friction plate due to contamination. If it does then it's time to replace both components and carry on enjoying the car 
My old Primera had a leaky RMS for two years. Didn't die, didn't suffer a catastrophic failure but did make the drive look slightly unsightly. Invest in some cement dust for the garage floor and enjoy.
BliarOut said:
My old Primera had a leaky RMS for two years. Didn't die, didn't suffer a catastrophic failure but did make the drive look slightly unsightly. Invest in some cement dust for the garage floor and enjoy.
My 944 used to leak a fair bit on 10W50 Silkolene, figured it wasn't worth the expense and hassle of changing the sump gasket (problem causing it) so just switch to 10W40 GTX and it leaks a lot less. As long as it's not pissing out it's no big deal, as long as you keep it topped up.
Instead of the cement dust, just smear oil over the whole garage floor to hide it
It's what I suggested to my neighbour when he mentioned it Fatboy said:
BliarOut said:
My old Primera had a leaky RMS for two years. Didn't die, didn't suffer a catastrophic failure but did make the drive look slightly unsightly. Invest in some cement dust for the garage floor and enjoy.
My 944 used to leak a fair bit on 10W50 Silkolene, figured it wasn't worth the expense and hassle of changing the sump gasket (problem causing it) so just switch to 10W40 GTX and it leaks a lot less. As long as it's not pissing out it's no big deal, as long as you keep it topped up.
Instead of the cement dust, just smear oil over the whole garage floor to hide it
It's what I suggested to my neighbour when he mentioned it 
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