2nd drain plug on engine case?

[911dean]

There is another plug on my 3.2 at the right rear, near the transmission. Could someone tell me what's it used for? Thanks.
Dean

[rwest]

If it has a large screwdriver slot, it might be the plug that holds a spring and piston that is for oil pressure relief or bypass, can't remember exactly.

-Rutager

[S2GART]

I am not familar with the 3.2s, but it could be the engine's oil drainplug. Starting in Mar of '83, Porsche moved the crankcase oil drainplug from the sump plate to the side of the engine.

To verify, you could loosen it to the point where fluid starts to drip out and give it a sniff test.

[hcoles]

suggest post a picture, then we will know for sure what you have a question about

[rattlsnak]

Originally Posted by S2GART

I am not familar with the 3.2s, but it could be the engine's oil drainplug. Starting in Mar of '83, Porsche moved the crankcase oil drainplug from the sump plate to the side of the engine.

To verify, you could loosen it to the point where fluid starts to drip out and give it a sniff test.

Yes, 3.2 s don't have a sump plate, and do not loosen it to check. Sounds like the oil relief piston plug which has a big spring inside holding up a small piston.

Take a photo.

[911dean]

Originally Posted by rattlsnak

Yes, 3.2 s don't have a sump plate, and do not loosen it to check. Sounds like the oil relief piston plug which has a big spring inside holding up a small piston.

Take a photo.

That is it. I just wanted to know before I took it out looking for oil to drain. Now I know not to. Thanks.
Dean

[dshepp806]

Don't want to remove that oil pressure relief plug if not necc'y.....a few parts will come heading outward.....! Not something to touch during an oil change...

Doyle
'

[Jack Olsen]

Originally Posted by dshepp806

Don't want to remove that oil pressure relief plug if not necc'y.....a few parts will come heading outward.....! Not something to touch during an oil change...

Doyle
'

And if a previous owner let one of those pistons come out, and then closed it back up, you could be looking at a thrown rod bearing and an engine rebuild down the line.

Ask me how I know.

[tailwind22]

Doing my first oil change on a 89 911 Turbo with headers and custom exhaust. Heater boxes really make it hard (without a lift) to find things. I accidently loosen the plug with the spring and piston and a small amount of oil came out. Can someone verify that this a relief valve for engine oil and comment on the order that the parts get put back in? Thanks in advance. Jeff

[jpl500]

Here is a pic from the 84-89 workshop manual. I assume you are referring to items #29 -33. The picture shows the order of replacement. Intended for Tailwind not the OP.

pat

[KTL]

There's no harm done if either of the oil pressure bypass/relief caps are opened. You simply put it back together the way it comes out. There's no potential for damage to the engine by simply taking the assembly out and putting it back in. I'm not saying it SHOULD be removed as part of an oil drain job. Just saying it's not a problem if someone accidentally removed it by mistake.

As you can see from the diagram, it's a straightforward assembly. Order of assembly is piston, spring, spring guide (only the long vertical one uses a spring guide), seal ring and threaded cap.

The seal ring can be reused. So there's no worry about "breaking the seal" and having a possible leak.