Bad oil leak 1989 911 3.2

[Steelers]

Took the 911 for a drive today all sudden i see smoke in my rear view mirror pulled over and is leaking pretty bad. I was only 1/8 mile from the house made it back. Jacked up the car Its very hard to see where is coming from it look like its above the rear of engine and front of the transmission I added a picture hopefully it helps If anybody else has has this problem Thanks!!

[mikedsilva]

possibly ruptured oil pressure idiot light sensor?

[proporsche]

Originally Posted by mikedsilva

possibly ruptured oil pressure idiot light sensor?

yup.. do some search on triangle of death..easy fix

Ivan

[jimtweet]

I just lived this exact scenario. Turned out to be rear main seal, and oil cooler

[88911coupe]

Jimtweet, I assume that's an engine out repair? No way to remove just the Tranny I would assume?

[john walker's workshop]

Remove the airflow meter/air cleaner assembly and have a gander at the "triangle" area. Could be simple. That oil light sender can really spew sometimes.

[isby]

In my experience, it's hard to see down into the "triangle" area, even with the AFM/airbox removed. I bought myself an inexpensive borescope for this purpose w/ lighted camera. You can get a pretty good look at the TOD once you get the camera down there.

[boyt911sc]

Originally Posted by Steelers

Took the 911 for a drive today all sudden i see smoke in my rear view mirror pulled over and is leaking pretty bad. I was only 1/8 mile from the house made it back. Jacked up the car Its very hard to see where is coming from it look like its above the rear of engine and front of the transmission I added a picture hopefully it helps If anybody else has has this problem Thanks!!

Steelers,

Place a drip pan under the car and do a visual inspection while the motor is running. With an endoscope camera, you could inspect the areas the oil leak could be coming from. You might be able to fix the leak without an engine drop depending which is the culprit. That’s a big leak source and could be the rear crankshaft oil seal and it will require an engine removal. The oil cooler could also be another source. Keep us posted

Tony

[john walker's workshop]

Originally Posted by isby

In my experience, it's hard to see down into the "triangle" area, even with the AFM/airbox removed. I bought myself an inexpensive borescope for this purpose w/ lighted camera. You can get a pretty good look at the TOD once you get the camera down there.

Never had too much trouble, using a mirror and flashlight. Is the area wet or dry?

[87maniac]

For me, it was the Oil Pressure Switch.
The switch leaked at the plastic/metal crimp.
The switch failed suddenly. Lots of oil.

What I learned (1987 3.2)
- It is possible (and relatively easy) to replace the switch with no engine drop.
- It helps to take off the oil filter first.
- Remove the Air filter, then the airbox, then the AFM. (Airbox clips at rear are PITA!!!)
- Air Box has One bolt in front, One inside airbox, +hose on back.
- AFM is simple, remove support bracket, disconnect cable.
- JB Weld the new oil switch as shown in other posts. At the junction of plastic and metal.

[Steelers]

Ended up being the triangle of death I had Eric Jones out of Eugene,Oregon fix it. Glad it wasn't the main rear seal. Had the valves adjusted and the brake fluid Eric didi a great job!

[mikedsilva]

good result!