Oil leaks after engine rebuild

[stevepatfred]

Hi,

Had the engine rebuilt on my 83 SC about 7 months ago. I’ve been noticing oil leaks that are becoming progressively worse. The engine has a total of 4500 miles on it now and has had one oil change and valve job at 500 miles after the rebuild. Surely this isn’t normal for just 4500 miles? Is it worth going back to the shop and chatting with them about it? Any advice would be appreciated! I’ve attached some pictures and highlighted the worst areas. Oil usage is hovering around 1qt/1000miles, although I think there’s a downward trend. I’m really disappointed, thought I’d done my research with the shop, and paid a hefty sum for the rebuild. Thanks for any advice.

[OldSpool87]

I would not hesitate to go back to the shop and discuss. Not for one minute.

Where is it leaking from?

[stevepatfred]

[pmax]

I would definitely bring it back to them !

Hopefully, the leakage is from one missed area. The oil gets everywhere...

[stevepatfred]

Also just noted while digging around underneath 2 bolts missing from the heat exchanger. All of these things aren’t what you’d expect from a Porsche shop that’s been in business for 30 odd years. I’ll call in first thing Monday and see what they say.

[proporsche]

did the shop do 1000 miles service after the rebuild?? This is very important !!

Looks like the oil is leaking all over the place-it is not just a overspray by driving...absolutely take it back

Ivan

[stevepatfred]

Hi Ivan,

Had a service done 500 miles after the rebuild. Oil change and valves.

[proporsche]

Hi Steve.. that should have been more then 1000 miles...that oil leak dripping on cross pipe is one of many i hope you take it back to those guys...
I suppose you have chain tensioner update kit.The oil leak on the oil line from oil pump to tank looks like the fitting for the camshaft oil line is leaking too.Can you take a picture on front top of the engine...just curious...i`m sure it is all fixable...the engine should not have any leak ,period..
911 SC 1983 engines are one the best ...

Ivan

[stevepatfred]

Hi Ivan,

Thanks for the reply. Yes it’s had all the upgrades, chain tensioner etc. I’ll get in and take a picture of the front “triangle of death” area later today. It seems like the oil on the heat exchanger cross over pipe might be from that area. I’ll give them a call first thing Monday and see what they say. I feel like this should be covered by the shop, and not at my cost. What are your thoughts? Like I said, not what I expect 4500 miles into an almost $20k rebuild.

[proporsche]

as said from the other boys and me absolutely they should cover the oil leaks...we can tell you where the leaks are from but any shop who takes in 20K should not even hesitate and take your 911 in and repair it as a warranty job......let us know..yes the pics will be fine to see...TOD possibly blown oil press switch is my guess...

[stevepatfred]

I had a bit more of a thorough look this morning and have attached some pictures. I'm aware this is a wild goose chase and I will just take it in tomorrow but thought I'd throw the pics up anyway. As far as I could see the TOD is completely clean, I'm starting to wonder if its the flywheel seal. the starter motor is covered in oil. The valve covers are clean, top of the engine is clean. the most of it appears to be originating from the flywheel/oil cooler area. Anyway, pics attached and I'll let you know what the shop says. Thanks again.

[proporsche]

gees that is a lot of oil ..looks like the oil press. switch is ok ..possibly blown flywheel seal...what puzzles me they have used silicon nuts on the engine case.i only use on the case self locking nuts and steel washer..
like these

Ivan

[carreradpt]

That should not happen. Had my top end done 34K miles ago and not a single leak anywhere. I'd have a talk with the shop.

[E Sully]

When I rebuilt my 3.2, I did have the crankshaft seal by the flywheel leak. I had set the new one a bit too deep. New seal stopped the drips for me.
Hopefully the shop will find the problem and take care of it quickly for you.

[pmax]

Starter motor covered in oil sounds like the flywheel seal given the pressure switch/breather hose area is clean ... that should be an easy fix.

[wreckah]

after a rebuild, the cylinder head bolts should be torqued after maybe 1000 miles or so,

that was the case with my rebuilt engine. I didn't know the headbolts needed to be torqued again, and i had big leaks after a little while.

you should be able to hear the difference in engine sound as well. Did the engine become louder?

[stevepatfred]

Thanks for the replies! This was all checked at the 500 mile service...at the recommendation of the shop they said next is an oil change at 5000miles. No noticeable change in volume of the engine and as far as I can tell the oil isn’t leaking from there. However I’ll discuss it with them today.

[tobluforu]

Is oil leaking out of the nuts from that fancy sump cover? Also, what oil is in there?

[stevepatfred]

Not that I can tell. I believe it’s originating from the front of the motor. They use Kendall GT1 competition 20w50. And there’s some liquimoly MoS2 in there too. Took it in this morning and they will honor the warranty. On initial inspection he suspects the main seal... I’ll let you know the culprit. Thanks

[proporsche]

steve..good for you;-) as expected;-)