Help identifying oil leak

[berndtj]

Hi all. I recently got an '83 SC Targa. I'm trying to take care of any critical things so I can drive it without worrying. We'll worry about making it pretty later. Anyway, I've got a leak that is dripping onto the drivers side heat exchanger/manifold. While I'm not sure if this leak is critical to fix, it does really cause a stink (especially when parked in the garage). Initially, I thought/assumed that it was an oil return tube, but upon closer inspection, I think it's coming from above the turbe. It almost looks like it's coming from the connection between the cylinder and the exhaust, but that doesn't make sense to me. Anyway, I've included a few pics. I'm hoping this isn't an engine out situation.

I should mention this is around cylinder #3 (front, drivers-side)

Thanks in advance!

[proporsche]

your engine top is leaking for a looooongg time, use the search button and look for triangle of death


Ivan

[berndtj]

Funny, I've been browsing since I posted, and have come to the same conclusion. I found some really helpful threads such as this one: https://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/765567-911sc-oil-leakage-top-easy-acess.html

It seems like just taking the CIS off and cleaning and replacing everything is a good first major project on this car.

[berndtj]

Thought I had updated my profile. I’ll get that fixed. I’m up in Bellingham, WA.


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[Joe Bob]

Joe Walkers workshop is up in that area. Great resource.

[Flat6pac]

Broken head stud? There isn’t much more around #3 cylinder
Bruce

[pmax]

How about the best case scenario, maybe it's just the 10$ valve cover gasket.

[proporsche]

i think Bruce is correct ...you should really look behind the valve covers on that side.....

Ivan

[911obgyn]

Use a mirror or a cheap phone scope and look at the top of the motor, oil sender thermostat cover breather cover. If dry take the valve covers off on that side.

[spoke]

Clean the oil and dirt off then try to find the leak. Old caked up oil and dirt will make finding the source very difficult.

[berndtj]

Thanks for all the input. I will certainly try and clean up what I can, so maybe I can get a better look. I've got an appointment for a "post purchase" assessment in a couple weeks. Also, just to get to know folks in the area that may be able to help me along.

Valve cover sure would be a nice result. That was the culprit on my old e39 a few years ago.

Car is currently waiting on a transmission seal... more blue oil on the garage floor than brown.

[berndtj]

I think I’m just mentally preparing myself for this turning into dropping my first engine.

[mar2mar]

I had an oil leak around cylinder #3 exhaust, I traced it to a cracked on cylinder #3 intake valve the rocker shaft as well as bent magnesium intake valve cover.

[berndtj]

Well I just opened up the lower valve cover expecting the worst. All the head studs are in tact and holding some torque! Whew!

FWIW I have seen a lot of questions about draining the oil first. I just jacked up one side and almost no oil came out. Not messy at all. Since I just changed my oil, I really didn’t want to drain it.


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[snbush67]

Originally Posted by berndtj

Thanks for all the input. I will certainly try and clean up what I can, so maybe I can get a better look. I've got an appointment for a "post purchase" assessment in a couple weeks. Also, just to get to know folks in the area that may be able to help me along.

Valve cover sure would be a nice result. That was the culprit on my old e39 a few years ago.

Car is currently waiting on a transmission seal... more blue oil on the garage floor than brown.

Keep the engine in, clean it up and find the leaks. Probably your tubes..

Also check the oil cooler to make sure it’s tight.

Another possibility is that it isn’t engine oil. It might be gear oil from the transmission, if the vent bolt on the top of the transmission isn’t oriented correctly (toward the front) it will blow out gear oil and end up on the bottom of the engine.