Eau de Porsche (oil leak)

[strikee]

Pretty sure this is what is causing my car to stink. I have oil leaks in the middle cylinders (apologies I don't know the correct numerical identification) dripping onto the oil return tubes and then onto the heat exchangers. Both sides (opposing middle cylinders) seem to be leaking in roughly the same place.

Ive checked the triangle of death and replaced the oil pressure switch. Cleaned it all up a few weeks back and it all looks good in that area.

Whats the worst case / best case in this situation? The rest of the car is pretty dry underneath so ideally id like to resolve this problem. If its a case of put up with it or pull the engine and spend shed loads of money then ill put up with it. Oil level at the stick has been pretty constant.

Many thanks
Ed.

[wasserkuhl]

broken head studs?

are you using a thin oil? ie: 5w 30.

thinner oils in warmer climates can create oil leaks.

I would raise the car, drop the oil and remove the cam covers and inspect for broken head studs. they will fall out if they are broken!

top end rebuild in order if its the above, sorry!

[timmy2]

Could just be the o-rings in the middle of the oil return tubes in your pictures. Looks like 1/2 of each is wet.

[Jerome74911S]

It could be all of the above. My car is doing the same thing, and now that it is getting cold outside and I am running with the windows closed, lest I freeze (literally), the smell has increased quite a bit. I about choked with the toasted oil fumes during a five hour drive yesterday.

That said, the last time I had the valve covers off no broken studs fell out, although there was already leakage similar to yours. Every engine is a different story, so I will subscribe to this thread in the hope that I can get some help, and offer ideas.

Best of luck.

[strikee]

I might take the covers off to inspect at some stage. It's an 85 btw. Tks.

[zippy_gg]

Originally Posted by strikee

I might take the covers off to inspect at some stage. It's an 85 btw. Tks.

What's your mileage?

[flatsixjunky]

the middle cylinders (apologies I don't know the correct numerical identification)

from strikee

Standing facing the engine the cylinders run from left to right and back to front 1,2,3, on the left side 4,5,6 on the right. Cylinder 2 is middle left and 5 is same on the right side. Your firing order is 1, 6, 2, 4, 3, 5.

[strikee]

Quote de strikee

I might take the covers off to inspect at some stage. It's an 85 btw. Tks.

What's your mileage?

100k miles

[strikee]

I have finally got round to removing the lower valve covers and checked the lower head studs. No issues found. Quite relieved. From what I have read its more likely to be the lower head studs or did I just make that up?

[db_cooper]

With the valve covers off..did you see any oil coming from the rocker shafts?

Valve cover gaskets OK?

The reason I ask it looks like oil is running down from above the exhaust pipe flange..onto the exhaust.

[CCM911]

+1 Start easy. Everyone always wants to jump to broken head studs and the like.

Start with a good engine clean so you'll be sure to see where the oil is coming from.

Originally Posted by timmy2

Could just be the o-rings in the middle of the oil return tubes in your pictures. Looks like 1/2 of each is wet.

[strikee]

Car was at a reputable Porsche mechanic last Friday for some suspension work. He confirmed it was oil leaking from cylinder 2. Not sure if I mentioned that I have taken the lower covers off and checked the head studs. None broken.

From what the mechanic is saying its unlikely to be the upper head studs as they do not get as hot.

He also said there wasnt much you can do, you can check the torque of the studs but you cant increase it. Only way to resolve is to remachine the head, but obviously thats an engine out / rebuild job.

Bit disappointed as from my understanding there is not much I can do apart from live with it. Its not the end of the world and I guess all part of the ownership of 30 year old air cooled car.

However things like this annoy me.
Ah well.
Ed

[strikee]

Thinking of verifying the head stud torque. Loosen then verify. I had a look through some old reciepts on the car and found that they had been replaced before, but Im not sure if they were ever checked again after 1000 or so km. Could be clutching at straws.

[strikee]

After reading a few threads on rocker seals leaking, I had a quick look under the covers tonight. Picture is of rear of middle cylinder rocker. Obviously doesnt look right. Could this be the cause of my cylinder head to cylinder tower leak? Head studs are fine, although a bit rusty as shown.
Thanks Ed.

[strikee]

^^

Looking to see if above pic is normal???

[timmy2]

Finally, back in the game!
Take a look at my pictures of my moving rocker shafts.( middle of the page)

I'm on my phone so I can't zoom in on your picture.

[timmy2]

Originally Posted by strikee

^^

Looking to see if above pic is normal???

The dirt in there is sticking to something, probably some seepage of oil.

[howard freeman]

Check the torque on the head bolts while you have the V.C.'s off. Could be as simple as heads need re torque. I don't believe in the voodoo of leaking rocker shafts. They just seep unless they are loose or incorrectly installed.

[strikee]

Not had the nerve yet to try retorque. :-( will back off a bit then retorque to spec.

[prebordao]

Use a torque wrench... correct setting is important.