1990 Oil Leak

[GaryDG]

Hi all

I am considering the purchase of a '90 911 C2/4. The owner of 6 years has provided me with documentation of work done during his ownership. The only issue found was an oil leak that has apparently been repaired. It's difficult to confirm that the repair worked due to the fact that few miles have been driven since the repair.

What apparently occurred, is that the owner noticed that oil had collected and began overflowing in a drip pan under the engine. Since I am not familiar with that car it may be an engine protecting plate-not sure. In any event he took it to have it repaired. The invoice from that repair is attached.

About 1800 miles after the leak was repaired it leaked again, this time apparently from the valve covers. The valve covers were removed , "resurfaced" and reinstalled. This apparently resolved the problem but as I said the car has been only a couple hundred miles since the second leak repair.

I am curious about:

1) how characteristic is this problem w/996's?

2) both the original (see attached invoice) and subsequent repair included work on rocker shafts. The second repair said "relocate rocker shafts in cam carrier". Is this normal when removing the valve covers or are the rockers moving around and positioning themselves incorrectly?

[group911@aol.co]

964 had some issue with oil leaks like every other 911. Sounds like the PO took care of about all the possibilities.
My guess is the shop thought they found the source the first time but didn't.
The other area common for leaks is at the oil tank and thermostat. See if these were done.

[Kidasters]

It's a 964. They leak. Is it a C2 or a C4? Regardless - same issues with leaks.

Another issue not fixed until later - they tried to do a "gasketless" cylinder on the 964. They failed. Sometimes they leak where the cylinders attach to the case as well.

Plus the valve covers.

Finally - lots of people pull the rear cover to help the engine cool. You'll see the leaks better too.

They leak. Unless it's a lot - don't worry about it.

[Justin@Athens]

Gary,

As I recently bought a 964 I am pretty familiar with some of the problems you want to look out for. As kidasters mentioned '89-'91.5 cars did not receive head gaskets of any kind and experienced leaks of various degrees. The car I bought was also a '90 so I wouldn't say that you should avoid them entirely.

From what I see on the invoice it all looks like pretty routine stuff. I think a PPI is a good idea if you get serious.