New Porsche/Boxster owner - Stupid question or not?

[youngone]

New to the Porsche world. Recently purchased a pristine one owner 2003 Boxster S with less than 10,000 documented miles. The previous owner kept update on all services. Recently I had oil/brake fluids dropped by local popular Independent Porsche Mechanic. Checked out oil filter, overall appears very healthy. My question surrounds that when I park after driving I notice a slight burnt oil odor. Garage floor clean. Motor looks like new from underneath. Come from vintage VW world where this is a very common smell from a hot engine. Thought I left that behind. Any thoughts?

[harryrcb]

Originally Posted by youngone

New to the Porsche world. Recently purchased a pristine one owner 2003 Boxster S with less than 10,000 documented miles. The previous owner kept update on all services. Recently I had oil/brake fluids dropped by local popular Independent Porsche Mechanic. Checked out oil filter, overall appears very healthy. My question surrounds that when I park after driving I notice a slight burnt oil odor. Garage floor clean. Motor looks like new from underneath. Come from vintage VW world where this is a very common smell from a hot engine. Thought I left that behind. Any thoughts?

First off, welcome to the club and congratulations on choosing one of the finest handling cars in the world, at least my world.
There are so many possibilities for the smell. Since you just got an oil change it's possible the filler tube has a slight leak and some of the oil got on top of the motor. It's also possible the the aos crankcase vent tube on the left side of the motor,has developed a small leak and its dripping on the exhaust, you would not see it on the floor as there is a plastic tray under the front of the motor that would catch it. worse case scenario is that it has an IMS issue (read up on Waynes tech info center) but most likely it's something to do with your recent oil change. They also could have over filled it. did you check your dip stick?

[Wayne 962]

Welcome! Harry's right - this is almost definitely a small oil leak that is dripping on the exhaust. You'll have to jack up the car and poke your nose around underneath to see if you can tell where it's coming from. Could be the spark plug tubes, or the rear main seal / IMS bearing. Troll around the tech articles here: Pelican Parts - Porsche Boxster 986 / 987 and Carrera 996 / 987 Technical Articles - there are many useful ones that will help you figure out how to repair the oil leak.

-Wayne

[youngone]

Thanks for the thoughts. I did venture into the top engine and everything was spotless, the oil filler tube had a light coating of oil/dirt. RS Enterprises went through and did find a small amount of oil residue around the rear main seal. He carefully inspected the old filter. Everthing else was spotless, former owner never drove in rain, etc. With only, 10 K mile, his advice was to be aware of the rear main seal /IMS bearing issue and be alert to any oil leaks or changes. Runs excellent. Again, thanks for the insight.

[Wayne 962]

Indeed, that's sage advice. I think I wouldn't worry about it too much unless there's a lot of oil under the car when you park it. No oil drips on the concrete, and you're probably pretty okay.

-Wayne

[Ouzo12]

I had the same issue and it got progressively worse until smoke accompanied the smell when parked. Turned out to be the spark plug tubes.

[thstone]

Take a quick look at two places: (1) on the sides of the engine below the spark plugs; (2) at the bottom edge of the cam covers and the head.

If (1) has some oil, then replace spark plug tubes. Just did my plugs and tubes a few weeks ago. Very easy to r/r, follow Wayne's directions on this site or better yet, buy his book.

If no to (1) but yes to (2), then you're getting some oil seep from the cam covers. Costly and difficult to repair so best to ignore and live with it unless its dripping. My car also has this problem and I'm just living with it for now.

[youngone]

Thanks to all on your replies. Wayne's book is on the short list, actually I am ordering when I am finished here. This forum provides a tremendous amount of comfort knowing the ability to reach out and receive such detailed avenues.

[Wayne 962]

Originally Posted by youngone

Thanks to all on your replies. Wayne's book is on the short list, actually I am ordering when I am finished here. This forum provides a tremendous amount of comfort knowing the ability to reach out and receive such detailed avenues.

No sweat, that's what we're here for!

-Wayne