Massive oil leak -- 2002 996 Tiptronic

[Matt Holcomb]

A friend of mine, Shannon Moffitt (Pelican alias: Weapon Of Choice), sent me the following images. The car is a 2002 996 Tiptronic, and is owned by his father, who's only been able to put 1,200 miles on the clock since he took delivery of the car. He is the first owner.

The engine is currently in bits at the Porsche Center Melbourne, awaiting replacement parts from Zuffenhausen.









According to the service manager, the leak is coming from one of the gasket-less cam covers and the crankcase through-bolts.

What would cause something like this?


Matt Holcomb
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[Adam]

I heard that Rob (owner) was told it was an assembly/manufacturing error and that the motor had to come apart. Sounds like a co$tly warranty claim.

[speeder]

Wouldn't know what would cause that, but it is certainly unusual I would think.

Being a water boiler car it obviously felt a strong need to mark its territory.

[ChrisBennet]

A couple of data points:
I was at my local dealer a few weeks ago to pick up a part. While I was waiting I could see a Boxster up on the lift with the rear bumper and muffler removed and CV joints hanging down. I assume the engine was removed but I couldn't see from my angle.
I asked the parts guy what the story was on the Boxster and he said it was leaking and they were resealing it.

I thnk it was Eurpean Car magazine that had the motor in their 996 go after something like 8000 miles.

-Chris

[jabb]

I would get the Porsche factory rep involved with this problem.
I thought in most cases like this Porsche was providing replacment motors vs repairs.

[Weapon Of Choice]

Originally posted by Matt Holcomb
What would cause something like this?

I have some concern as to the state of German engineering after this little incident, actually that and I heard somenew M3s are having some problems as well.
According to the Porsche center Melbourne, Porsche no longer use gaskets at all, but rather a sealant a bit like a two part resin glue. this bit is what is not working around the crank case seal, as well as a few other seals that are more like o-rings. those bits are being flown out from germany and should be here now.
they are going to steam clean the engine and put it back together. I suggested that dad also get a written report from porsche explaining the faul with the car, so when he passes this car on he can show anyone who thinks he has cooked the motor (oil stains never fully dissapear) that is was a warranted fault.
there is also some leaks froms bolts that go from the cam cover as well that go down to the crank case.
sounds like a mess for the techs to fix up...
as you can see the oil that is covering the right side of the motor is fairly clean, so you know it is new oil and it hasnt been driven hard....yet lol.
In the mean time they have given him a 996 targa to drive. This was something he was thinking of buying to start with, but with out days warming up he is glad he didnt.
keep you posted with any more news regarding the 996

[Weapon Of Choice]

Well, dad spoke to the Porsche Center Melbourne, where the car is currently in bits.
According to the service advisor, the parts still havent arrived . this makes me wonder what else is wrong with the car
after all normally when excuses like this are flowing, there is normally something else behind it.
Oh well looks like I will take his targa for another hot lap while we wait.
keep u guys posted

[boyo]

Go to 986board.com and post a poll: has you Boxster had an oil leak? Probably 50/50.

Mine WAS this bad at one time. A few small part changes fixed the problem. I had some seal problems too (early '97) but you'd think all of those things would have been fixed now.

Besides...as the "technician" at Carlsen Posrche/Audi/VW (but motsly VW) told me, "all Porsches leak oil".

-Boyo