Valve Guide seal
 

Dear All,

I have a 1989 Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2, but I seldom drive this car, up till now, from brand new to present, it only runs 40000km, for these few months, I found my car is exhausting oil smoke when the engine idle for a long time, I asked my friend what problem is it, he replied there is a valve guide seal located between the valve and valve guide, and it may be worn and need to be repaired.

May I ask if his judgment correct?

Please reply and thanks,

Els

I doubt you have a worn seal, possibly a worn valve guide, most likely no problem at all. How many miles/km are you driving before you need to add a quart of oil? If it is more than 600 miles/1000 km I wouldn't worry about it at all.

If a 911 motor sits idle for a long time, oil has time to leak past the (piston) rings. The smoking on startup is pretty normal.
-Chris

Dear Kurt V and Chris,

It is daunting task for me to drive my Porsche for 1000km, since I live in a congested city (Hong Kong)and this is a kind of suffering to drive it from day to day, (I love my Mercedes much more in that traffic condition) that's why my Porsche only runs 40000km since it was born, I may properly spend 1 year to check for the oil refill!!!

Yes, I see this probelm when I start my engine, a littile bit oil smoke then no more, it comes again once it is idled for a long period, however when the engine is running, it seems that it doesn't give any oil smoke at all.

I will be very happy if it is normal, but seems that when it is brand new, it doesn't have any problem related to the subject matter.

Els

The valve guides may be worn abit but I'd drive it for another 10 years (10,000km) and not worry about it.

-Andy

Dear All,

Thanks for your advice, it seems that the problem is not a serious one.

Els

1000K a year! - Hopefully you "drive it like you stole it" Porsches do not to sit idle - use it or lose it!

Elsyau,

I know a perfect solution to your problem. Pack that old 911 on a boat and ship it to me. I promise I will drive it 40,000km a year like a bat out of hell and it will be happy.

Hi,

Yes, I seldom drive that car, it is a true mileage since I am the first owner, very good condition! It even has an original paintwork, Diamond Blue metallic and Blue interior, I love it very much!

Elshttp://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1109585855.jpg

It is normal for a Porsche to smoke a bit after startup when you have not driven it awhile. This has to do with the horizontal makeup of the engine. The oil will seep past the seal and burn on startup. If it continues to smoke it could be rings or guides etc.

Eric Hood