My first oil leak

[Tommy Z]

I have only had my 79' SC for about a month and there has been some good spirited driving for the last few weeks that it probably hasn't seen in years. I spotted my first oil leak yesterday. Not major, just a few drops on the floor. I understand that this is pretty common but it has been dry up to this point and it would be good to at least determine the source. I don't know if you all might be able to help but I have attached a few photos below. I notice a little bit of fresh oil on the valve cover bolts so I'm thinking maybe a gasket? Who knows?




I'm still very much a novice when it comes to wrenching and I have a few more questions.

I've read that you should continue to use the same brand when replacing shocks and struts but I don't know what brand these are. Any one have an idea?




Also, can anyone tell me if this boot is torn? I have no reference and would like to make sure it doesn't need replacement.



Many Thanks All!

[HarryD]

First thing. Relax. They all seep a bit. It there an oil puddle under your car? It is huge? Or just like a a spot the size of a quarter or 1/2 dollar? How much oil is the car using over 500-1000 miles?

Looking at your picture, you boot may be torn. I gentle tug will tell you if that is a fold or an opening. If torn, replace soonest to prevent your CV joint from going bad.

As far a as shocks, lots of choices. The factory installed Boge (comfort, black), Koni (adjustable, sporty, red) and Bilstein (comfort or sporty, yellow or green). I have Bilstein HD units for my struts and Bilstein Sports for my rears. There are other brands as well.

[ClickClickBoom]

For CVs, lots of pages, some posts can be skimmed over, others like the ones from Grady Clay should be digested in their entirety. The job is more messy than difficult, but attention to detail will yield the desired results. Fudge the process at your own peril:
Reconstructing Constant Velocity (CV) Joints

[ClickClickBoom]

Originally Posted by Tommy Z

I


Also, can anyone tell me if this boot is torn? I have no reference and would like to make sure it doesn't need replacement.



Many Thanks All!

From the grease staining it’s torn.

[pete3799]

Looks torn to me.

[911SauCy]

Awwwww...

It's like when your child says their first word

[GH85Carrera]

With a 41 year old car, and an air cooled (oil cooled) 911 it will not be your last oil leak.

[pmax]

If it hasn't been driven regularly prior, not surprising to see some leakage now. At the risk of starting an oil thread, what oil are you using now ? Also interesting the car still has the original valve covers when most have been updated with the "turbo" ones.

Boot looks torn, which might explain the oily crud around it.

[Tommy Z]

Thanks everyone. I'm sure I'm overreacting but I just want to make sure I'm keeping up. Yes those are the original valve covers. Lot's of other updates completed but that was not done. It's on the list. I figure there is a valve adjustment in the future but that feels a little out of my comfort zone. I will do them when I either bring it in for the valve adjustment or feel confident enough to do it on my own.

I will do the " Changing your CV boot" search and get one ordered. Glad it's not too difficult.

So as far as the shocks go, does it not matter if I change manufacturer at this point? The how too article said keep the brand the same but I don't know who made these Blue shocks? I've even done a google search and nothing.

[Tommy Z]

Originally Posted by pmax

If it hasn't been driven regularly prior, not surprising to see some leakage now. At the risk of starting an oil thread, what oil are you using now ? Also interesting the car still has the original valve covers when most have been updated with the "turbo" ones.

Boot looks torn, which might explain the oily crud around it.

The mechanic who cared for the for the PO used Motul 20-50 so I figured I would stay with that unless advised otherwise?

It's only a few drops on the floor after a good spin. We made the entire 1400 mile, 23 hours over three days drive home over Labor day without the oil level changing at all so I feel like it's pretty solid. Just want to take good care of the old girl!

[darrin]

pmax -- still running my original, non-turbo valve covers, what's to be gained by swapping?

Tommy Z -- you might want to look at the rear shocks more closely and see if you can find any markings -- could be that yours have already been upgraded -- personally VERY happy with the adjustable Konis my mechanic recommended -- drop in fit up front for my original boge struts. That said, didn't replace my original boges until they had over 100k on them

As for oil leaks -- many view them as a way our 911s mark their territory -- while no leaks at all would be commendable, a quarter sized drop or 2 at a time is an aspirational goal for many

d

[nomore]

Nice your getting good use out of your new car. I wouldn't go overboard changing valve covers; unless the mating surface is not flat. You can check at the valve adjust time. A small drip of oil is
not a big deal. the shocks could be Monroe or Kyb, google the number stamped on the shock.
Good luck, John.

[pmax]

The "turbo" covers are less prone to warping due to the additional bracing fins. Might be worth considering if current ones are leaking given the relatively low cost.

Motul 20W50 looks like good stuff, so it isn't a suspect for the new drips.

[Solamar]

The shocks look like Woodhead, made in UK, original equipment on some 911 SCs.

No reason to stick with the same shocks, but also no reason to change them at this point.

Enjoy the car and get to know it for a bit, then you might start getting the urge to update the suspension.

[ClickClickBoom]

Originally Posted by Tommy Z

Thanks everyone. I'm sure I'm overreacting but I just want to make sure I'm keeping up. Yes those are the original valve covers. Lot's of other updates completed but that was not done. It's on the list. I figure there is a valve adjustment in the future but that feels a little out of my comfort zone. I will do them when I either bring it in for the valve adjustment or feel confident enough to do it on my own.

I will do the " Changing your CV boot" search and get one ordered. Glad it's not too difficult.

So as far as the shocks go, does it not matter if I change manufacturer at this point? The how too article said keep the brand the same but I don't know who made these Blue shocks? I've even done a google search and nothing.

Removing the CVs isn’t difficult, but you best read the thread I mentioned above, lots of stuff you can “fake it till you make it”, this isn’t one. If a valve adjustment is out of your comfort zone, better be serious about the axles. Falling off is the simple answer but when they start flailing around, the damage can go exponential very quickly, right up to serious injury. If you remove the axle, both boots should be changed, unless you like moly grease under your fingernails.
Shocks wear our if they are OEM, they are shot, front and rear.