RMS oil leak

[Oldguy57]

The more I read the forums, the more I know about my car 98 Boxster 87500kms, but also some times the more I worry. I've been reading much about RMS and IMS failures, my car leaks an oil drop sometimes more often than others, and it seem to me that the more I drive it the less the leakage, could it be? last Sunday, bluebird day, we drove around 300kms, highway and little hilly country roads, not a drop since! Dip stick oil level always right. I'm waiting until I'll have to change the clutch to do it all.
I love this car, I'm trying to avoid dealer (overprice and under-service), but I don't know any good independent mechanic around Laval, Montreal, does anybody know? "Accrochez vous a vos rèves" as JFP in PA say, any help in keeping this beautiful classical gems in good health would be really appreciated.
Fermin

[harryrcb]

Originally Posted by Oldguy57

The more I read the forums, the more I know about my car 98 Boxster 87500kms, but also some times the more I worry. I've been reading much about RMS and IMS failures, my car leaks an oil drop sometimes more often than others, and it seem to me that the more I drive it the less the leakage, could it be? last Sunday, bluebird day, we drove around 300kms, highway and little hilly country roads, not a drop since! Dip stick oil level always right. I'm waiting until I'll have to change the clutch to do it all.
I love this car, I'm trying to avoid dealer (overprice and under-service), but I don't know any good independent mechanic around Laval, Montreal, does anybody know? "Accrochez vous a vos rèves" as JFP in PA say, any help in keeping this beautiful classical gems in good health would be really appreciated.
Fermin

You need to read the thread I just posted yesterday titled "saved another engine from IMS failure". the owner did not know he had any oil loss
Saved another engine from IMS failure

[Umbakrail]

It's not in Mtl but Sportech Auto work on Porsche and has a scanner for them.
They are in Sherbrooke and the do the repairs on my car. No complaint so far ...

[Oldguy57]

Thanks a lot, maybe I can call Sportech Auto and they'll be able to refer me someone in or north of Montreal, and follow Harry's post advise.
Regards
Fermin

[intakexhaust]

After looking how cheap made the RMS is, it has a deformed property state. To me, its all wrong and if the engineers think its about heat in that area, I think they should have done better analysis and specified a more flexible seal.

When these cars sit and even in normal climates, metal temperatures are different and the stock seal just isn't up to the task. Thats probably why the cars that are driven regularly and harder seem to have some longevity. Furthermore, the RMS doesn't even have a spring load on the lip! Whoever is in the aftermarket biz for Boxster parts should explore this.

[mikefocke]

Haven't heard of many problems with those using the "Cayanne" RMS seal.

[recycled sixtie]

Originally Posted by intakexhaust

After looking how cheap made the RMS is, it has a deformed property state. To me, its all wrong and if the engineers think its about heat in that area, I think they should have done better analysis and specified a more flexible seal.

When these cars sit and even in normal climates, metal temperatures are different and the stock seal just isn't up to the task. Thats probably why the cars that are driven regularly and harder seem to have some longevity. Furthermore, the RMS doesn't even have a spring load on the lip! Whoever is in the aftermarket biz for Boxster parts should explore this.

So are you saying that if I want to replace my RMS, there is no better part available than the original kind in my 2001 Boxster 2.7? So if there is no improved design, then the rms could fail in another 37k miles which my Boxster has done?

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by recycled sixtie

So are you saying that if I want to replace my RMS, there is no better part available than the original kind in my 2001 Boxster 2.7? So if there is no improved design, then the rms could fail in another 37k miles which my Boxster has done?

Not correct. Porsche released an entirely updated RMS seal about 4-5 years ago that has totally eliminated the leak issues in the M96/97, which the sole exception of deformed or damaged case engines (they also have a special tool to check the cases to see if they conform to spec). The new PTFE seal is part #997.101.212.00

[intakexhaust]

The replacement for an 05 was the same as the OEM leaker. Hoping it works but still feel there should be a better seal. Crankcase develops vacuum so you would think it sucks the RMS lip in. Fine and dandy when you have a running engine but prior to running, a cool metal surface just doesn't make that seal happy and it weaps.

If you had a seal in your hand, you would have a better understanding. Just squeeze the lip and it retains that shape. More obvious in colder temps too.

[JFP in PA]

We have installed a fair number of the seals with the part number I mentioned above in cars with leaks; to date, we have not had one start leaking again. The only ones I've ever heard of that started to leak again were found to have problematic cases. So I would have to call the latest PTFE update a "fix"......

[kgas]

What is an IMS and RMS? I think most Porsche owners may know but I'm a relatively new owner and not familiar with all the terminology yet. Thanks, Kgas

[JFP in PA]

An "IMS" is the rear bearing on the intermediate shaft (visit LN Engineering's website for the lugubrious details), the “RMS” is the engine's rear main seal around the crankshaft, early cars had a tendency to develop mild to severe oil leaks to the level that would destroy the clutch over time, requiring replacement.

Do some searching, you will find more than you ever really wanted to know on both subjects......

[ronster]

If you continue to read these forums you will continue to read about problems because that is what a majority of posts are about. The first "Porsche trained" mechanic I took my '99 Boxster to told me to take the car back to the dealer and demand they give me my money back as the car had a drop of oil on the crankcase and that was a sure indicator my RMS and IMS were about to fail. 12K miles later, a couple of dozen AX's and two DE's, I took it in to replace the RMS and IMS with the LN engineering ceramic one and after the trans was pulled both were bone dry. I went ahead and put the new RMS in and the LN IMS and 20K later my flawed car is running like a champ every time I drive it, which by the way, is what it was made for. Stop hanging out on forums, get a good mechanic you feel you can trust and get out and drive it.

[recycled sixtie]

Originally Posted by kgas

What is an IMS and RMS? I think most Porsche owners may know but I'm a relatively new owner and not familiar with all the terminology yet. Thanks, Kgas

Sometimes ignorance is bliss. I agree with above poster just get out and drive it. If you are tight for money, then it is a different ballgame. If you are concerned, then the IMS guardian may be answer. In the meantime I enjoy driving the Boxster and will risk driving with minor oil on rear of engine/bell housing(no oil on the floor though). I know that within about 2 years I will get the ln ims, new rms clutch. Going back to a Miata/MX5 would be hard to take as I am now spoiled rotten with my Boxster.