Oil Drops

[Garrison]

I just purchased my first 911 and would like to know what is considered normal for oil leaks?

I drove it today for a little over 100 total highway miles and when I got home and let it sit I noticed 3 quarter to half dollar size drops of oil.

Car did not run hot today, it does not smoke, and it has had a full top end at about 84K miles. Has 118K on it now.

1988 Porsche 911 Targa.

Am I okay, is this "normal"???

[MattAlpha]

How often are the drops falling from the engine.
If its a few drops after you shut off the engine I wouldn't be too worried about it. If you're getting that size drops every minute or so (or more often) I would try to find the source and fix it immediately, or take it to a shop so they can assist you.
Check out the tech articles and past threads on how to find and fix oil leaks. They will give you a good amount of insight on this issue.

[slotcar]

Garrison, there's a ton of threads on oil leaks etc...lot's of helpful hints. I guaruntee you'll find info when utilizing the search feature. When in doubt post a picture of the affected area...it will help to diagnose. Do you know where the drops are coming from...? Is it the front or rear of the engine...etc...?

[dentist90]

There are so many places for oil to get out, lets hope it's not a major engine gasket or seal. Flexible portions of oil lines (where crimped to hard lines) is a common leak point. Valve cover gaskets are another likely place. Is there any oil on TOP of timing chain covers, or is it all from below? If leak is starting at top of engine may be camshaft oil lines. I took some Gunk engine degreaser to spray away all visible oil and checked carefully each day to see what got wet with oil first. Mine was cam oil line and will be an easy fix, but until cleaned up it looked like whole motor was bleeding!

[Garrison]

After looking at it again about an hour later it was the typical drops, about the size of dimes, and it soaked into my garage floor, making it look much worse then it was.

I only get drops after the car is turned off... no dripping while running... I checked last night as well...

Took it out, got it up to temp, and then pulled over. Not one drop, the bottom of the engine was dry. I will take a hard look this weekend and try to figure out where it is coming from so I can fix the issue.

Thanks guys!

[MattAlpha]

Since its only leaking when you stop the car and the engine has been off for a little while, I would say its an oil return tube seal problem.
This is the same way my leaks were being generated.
My advice is to replace all four at the same time. I replaced my rear two and now the front two are starting to leak.
There are tons of threads here on oil return tubes and some good pictures to go with them. They will help you diagnose your oil leak source.

[Garrison]

Further information...

I got under the car last night and cleaned everything off. After drving it this morning, the oil seems to be coming from the front of the motor and running back as I drive.

Maybe a real main???

[dentist90]

Crap.