Oil leak and timing question....

Tadpole · 03-29-2010, 05:27 PM

After a very long process I finally got the engine back together. First time for me doing a Porsche engine. Boy did I learn alot. And over the weekend got the engine back in the car. Wired up everything and then turned the key. Turns over just fine but it doesn't start. Low and behold ----no spark. Come to this forum for guidance, do a search and back to the garage to trouble shoot( have I told you guys lately that you are awesome). Ended up being a bad CDI box. Change the box and on the third try she fired up. All is good.

Now the bad news. While she's idling I look under the car for leaks and there it is. The dreaded oil drip at a fairly good rate. Shut the car off and get under to check it out. The leak seems to be coming from the back of the timing box. My guess is where the cam goes thru.

Now the question....Is it possible to take off the timing chain and gear ( mark everything before disassemble) and then put everything back or do I have to pull the valve cover and use the dial indicator to time it again? Thanks

Eagledriver · 03-29-2010, 06:37 PM

You can do this repair in the car. You will have to time the cam again (that should be no big deal now that you know how).

-Andy

James Brown · James Brown's Garage

yes piece of cake now that your "learned"

snbush67 · snbush67's Garage

It could just be leaking at the rocker shaft on one or four depending on what side. But you are probably right, its probably the cam seal.

Good Luck,

Shane

BSNMOE · 03-30-2010, 04:12 AM

If it's the cam seal, as mine was, make 3 studs and use them as guides when you install the gasket, o ring & cover. Then remover the studs, one at a time, inserting the bolts in it's place.

Tadpole · 03-30-2010, 11:45 AM

Thanks guys

Hey Moe, Thanks for the stud idea, I like it.

lindy 911 · lindy 911's Garage

I just went through the exact same thing. My problem was I used a non hardening gasket sealer that let the gasket pinch out when the cam cover was tightened up to 10 FP. The manual says 7.5 FP but my torque wrench only goes down to 10 so that's where it got set. Henry suggested 574 Locktite but there was none available here so I used Permatex hardening gasket maker/sealant. I let it tack up and then stuck the gasket to the cam tower then installed the cam end cap with the o-ring.

Henry told me this is a pressurized part of the cam and tower and it will leak badly if not sealed properly. He is right. I pulled my motor and did the repair. Turning the motor over in the car is a pain in the ars. I can get the motor out and on the stand now in about 45 minutes; no biggie.

Lindy