Question on Boxster Air Oil Separator & oil leaks

Wayne - I recently purchased a 1-owner '02 Boxster w/55K miles & a clean CarFax. Dealer previously did 60K service at 46K & replaced clutch. We had a local shop do a major service & inspection upon purchase with exception of air filter due to availability.

At 57K, CEL with no exhaust smoke showing Codes P1128, P1130 - replaced air filter; cleared codes.

Short ride, CEL with same codes - cleaned MAF w/CRC; cleared codes.

Another short ride, CEL w/same codes & irratic idle 650-800, high vacuum at dip stick & unable to remove oil fill cap - replaced Oil Separator & cleared codes. Oil was present in the tube leading to the intake manifold.

Engine idle now steady 700 rpm, low vacuum at dip stick & able to remove oil fill cap w/engine running. Test drove 22 miles with no smoke & steady idle 700 rpm. - no CEL.

Parked car in garage & noticed small oil leak on the ground about 5" circle - oil leak appears at bottom of bell housing/engine mating. NO engine leak noted before replacing Oil Separator. Cleaned up concrete & no fresh leak noted.

What do you think would cause this? Rear Main Seal??

Thanks for your 101 Project book & website - have been a wealth of information in diagnosing this issue step-by-step.

Would greatly appreciate any insight/expertise you can provide to point me in the next direction to get the problem resolved.

Thanks - Rich

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This post was auto-generated based upon a question asked on our tech article page here: Pelican Technical Article: Boxster Air / Oil Separator Replacement - 986 / 987

[Wayne 962]

It does sound like the problem was with the air-oil separator, in that you could not remove the oil cap with the engine running. That is a clear sign / clue. When there is very high crankcase vacuum, the engine tends to draw in air from the seals too, which can actually damage them. It may be that the rear main seal is damaged, but I would just drive the car for a bit and see if the oil leak continues. It may be that the seal reseats itself after being pulled around by the crankcase vacuum.

- Wayne

[artscape]

I just bought a 2001 Boxster, It has leaks, dealer says is a rear main cam covers, but there is some oil on top. There is a bit of oil on top of the engine which we can locate problem. Oil seporater is good, what else should we replace or check when we have the engine out. IMS, any other parts?

[jwgn777]

Originally Posted by artscape

I just bought a 2001 Boxster, It has leaks, dealer says is a rear main cam covers, but there is some oil on top. There is a bit of oil on top of the engine which we can locate problem. Oil seporater is good, what else should we replace or check when we have the engine out. IMS, any other parts?

Did you check you oil pressure switch?