Self Sealing Oil Leaks?

I am nearing one year's ownership of my 84 Carrera cab. I have a rather strange situation. The oil leaks that began over the winter now seem to have sealed. Is this possible? Could the gaskets have expanded and re-sealed now that the weather is warmer?

Here's my story: The odometer claims 53,000 miles, which is probably almost accurate. I live in Minnesota and store the car in an unheated garage. Until the really cold weather hit it didn't leak more than a drop or two of oil. I last started it about Thanksgiving when it was probably in the teens to twenties. Then it got so cold I didn't want to risk starting it. This was a cold winter. 20 below was not unusual. It was below 0 f more often than not this year from November to March.

Within days of last runing it in November, it started to leak badly. I was able to determine that the left oil return tube was leaking and another leak was coming from someplace more centrally located in the engine but I couldn't see where. I thought I blew a seal by starting it with the oil too thick from the cold.

This last weekend it finally got warm enough to clean up the car, start it up, and identify the leak. The problem is, it doesn't seem to leak anymore. I ran it for an hour both Saturday and Sunday, geting the temp up to operating levels. I cleaned up the old oil and put paper on the floor under the engine. They're dry and no new oil seems to be leaking.

Either I just haven't given the leaks enough time, or they sealed back up. Is it possible that the gaskets shrunk during cold weather and then re-expanded with warmer weather and when the car warmed up? Or is there something else going on? If anyone else has had this happen I would appreciate hearing about your expeience.




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MRM 1984 Carrera Cab Eurospec

Anything is possible. Just make sure there actually is oil in the car to leak out! If so, say a prayer to the Porsche Gods for your good luck.

Kurt V
72 911E

Speaking purely for myself, the PGods must be looking after me (or my oil return tubes, which are original). I was seeing small puddles that I traced back to my ORTs. Pushed them towards the center, and voila!; no more leaks.

Castrol 20/50, changed every four months or after multiple Techron runs.

Consider grabbing large computer boxes or similar and cut out 3x3 foot squares to leave under your car. They catch oil without going through the material, and soak enough oil into the cardboard that you are not cleaning up.

Jw

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Kurt V:
[B]Anything is possible. Just make sure there actually is oil in the car to leak out! If so, say a prayer to the Porsche Gods for your good luck.

Good point, Kurt. I did check the oil level and there was plenty in there. It just seemd like it was all on the floor.

I'm not alone! After noticing HUGE oil leaks from the oil return tubes and lower valve covers, I ordered 4 collapsable tubes and the revised valve cover gasket kit from Pelican. I pulled my car out of storage and after driving it for two nights, it stopped leaking! That was two weeks ago. I'll keep the tubes and gaskets for when i really need them.

Mike
86 Carrera t

...isn't it true that seals and gaskets dry out over winter (long storage) and can/may leak upon initial start but once lubed again they seal? I once had an old Honda motorcycle that leaked upon start every spring (badly) and then seemed ok the rest of year and someone told me that's what happens???? I can not confirm nor deny.

It just has to be true that driving a car is the best thing you can do for it. Of course, that was true for my Toyota Corolla, '76 vintage...the Pcar demands that it be driven, and then FAST!

Viva Porsche!

Jw