911 2.7 Leaky
 

Hi
My recently acquired 1977 911S Targa has a very leaky and blue smoky 2.7L motor. Oil dribbles down the sides of the crankcase from above the return tubes, even when the engine has been asleep all night. I took off the left lower valve cover to check for loose head studs and was surprised to find about 2-3 litres of oil poured out. I thought that should be returned to the "sump" through the return tubes. Is this normal? Does it just indicate over-filling with oil, or something more serious?
Naturally I found two barrel nuts loose in the cover, so obviously at least two studs are pulled or broken and a stripdown is in order. What is the latest recommendation for thread inserts and stud type?
Thanks for any help.

The only time the oil tank is full is when the engine is running. After shutdown, the two levels equalize, leaving the crankcase full of oil.

As for the threaded inserts, I'll let those who work with those comment.

Time Serts or Case Savers seem to be the two, with experienced people in both camps.

The general consensus for studs on a "regular" rebuild are the Canyon steel studs. Or step up to Supertec or ARP's, or the 993 turbo dilavar's from Porsche. You're gonna get opinions on all three here.

Thanks. that clarifies the oil situation perfectly. So I just need to stop that oil seeping away through the joints, and tightening down the cylinders/heads might do the trick.