does a new seal ever stop leaking... eventually?!

[Flojo]

So as you might have followed me, you'll know that I just had a full 915 rebuild and I took some care of the otherwise overall sound engine.

Since putting the engine back in, I've been only driving three times.
First time was 45 minutes back home from the garage, at about max 130kmh.
Second time was an afterwork spin in the suburbs, nothing dramatic, especially used to tweek-adjust that coupler.
Third time was recent sunday with my bunch of #PorscheLeben, practically driving around some mountain roads all day long.

But: since the first drive, I have this issue... it's leaking.
Either from the 915-shaft or from the flywheelseal (both new).









When smelling the oil it smells like trans fluid.. that distinguished smell.
But it could be engine oil slightly burnt from the clutch as well?


Thinking of my new clutch, I dont want to ruin it getting oiled up.
Any chance the leak stops when oils (either or) thickens from useage?
Or drop it again?

edit: is there a way to analyze the oil to make sure ist transfluid or engineoil, so I know which seal?
because if its transfluid, so the shaft seal, it's an issue of guarantee from the overhaul I can claim.

[zedsn]

My high mile tranny and rear main leak a little bit and have been doing this since my engine rebuild and still going on the same clutch disc but seals will not seal themselves over time and will get worse over time. Live with what you have or drop the motor/trans and see why. I have just lived with mine.

[john walker's workshop]

Take the engine out and get it over with. Won't get better. Gear oil is more pungent smelling than engine oil. but tastes about the same.

[Tom_in_NH]

Flo, Did you put a sleeve over the input shaft splines when you replaced the input shaft seal? The splines will damage the seal as it slides over them.

Tom

[Flojo]

Originally Posted by john walker's workshop

Gear oil is more pungent smelling than engine oil. but tastes about the same.

haha, yes tried the taste-test ;-)
But yes, I know gear-/transoil is quite different (like old catpiss). Thaught maybe now its so fresh I cannot make out the difference.

Originally Posted by Tom_in_NH

Flo, Did you put a sleeve over the input shaft splines when you replaced the input shaft seal? The splines will damage the seal as it slides over them.

Tom

sounds interesting, can you please pick me up as to what exactly I must immagine by your hint?
The trans was fully overhauled by the trans guy ready for implant.

[proporsche]

Ok ,boys there is BIG NO in Porsche biss "just live with it"..period...
Flojo,Can you tell if it is engine oil or trany oil?
Trany has a special smell to it.If it is a trany oil .Absolutely tell the people who did your rebuild about it.And try to be nice ,i would not be.
the possibility is that if this is a trany oil smell,they did not change the guide sleeve o ring.
Also remember the we talk about the flywheel seal????if it is an engine oil...
the o ring goes here


This is the o ring i am talking about.

[Tom_in_NH]

The input shaft splines can tear the seal. Take a look at the attached photo....

[proporsche]

Tom in NH..he did not actually replaced the seal.
The rebuild shop did it.Just add o it,i have done hundreds of trany seal replacements and never ever i have i had a problem with the main shaft seal being cut with an installation..on the main shaft of the transmission...

Ivan

[Flojo]

Tom, thanks, now I understand.

Originally Posted by proporsche

Flojo,Can you tell if it is engine oil or trany oil?

not 100% sure, all oils are super fresh and all is "stinking" off from rebuild, sure is: there is transoil in the air, I know that smell.

Originally Posted by proporsche

...they did not change the guide sleeve o ring.

well, right now I'm not really accusing anybody, the trans-guy is an old pro from A-Z. racemechanic.

Originally Posted by proporsche

Also remember the we talk about the flywheel seal????if it is an engine oil...the o ring goes here

placed a new one, tapped in dry, snug fit

[Quinlan]

Jack up the rear of the car. Dry everything off with brake cleaner or some other degreaser.
Have a look at it in the morning. If it continues to leak it's the flywheel seal, since all the engine oil will be at the flywheel end of the engine while all the gear oil will be at the front end of the transmission, away from the pilot bearing and throw out arm.

[Flojo]

I'll test that, thanks.

[NeedSpace]

Flojo

I know it's been a long time since this post, but I am interested in how this was resolved. I am considering splitting my case and replacing my #8 seal, but want to know if there was something done wrong here to avoid having to do it again!