Leaky chain box covers

[NickP]

Last August I replaced the gaskets on my valve covers (top and bottom) and now I'm seeing (and smelling) oil on top of the heat exchanger and on the engine tin at the fron of the engine. I suspect it's the chain box cover gaskets.

Is this an engine out fix only? Or maybe a better way to ask is what's the most cost effective way to go about the repair assuming I'm correct about the source of the oil leak. Im suspecting that removing the exhaust and a/c brackets alone still won't provide enough access.

Thanks.

Nick

[Vandit]

You need to remove the primary exhaust, the heat exchanger crossover, the rear engine tin, support the engine w/ a jack stand, undo the motor mounts, remove the engine carrier, remove the crank pulley/harmonic balancer (blocks removal of the a/c compressor bracket, stupid design), and remove the a/c compressor bracket (blocks access to the right cover).

Check this thread by perelet
964 Oil leaks & fixes thread.

And this thread by me.
A photo journal of my recently completed big project - Rennlist Discussion Forums

[NickP]

Thanks for the information; I enjoyed both threads. I'm not sure I have the confidence to undertake this myself. At the very least, I can make sure some of the other oil related repairs are done at the same time though.

[aigel]

I just finished this with engine out and I can't imagine trying with engine int he car. At some point it is easier to just pull the drivetrain and have it on a stand. Maybe wait until something else comes up (Wires, clutch etc.)

JMHO

George

[NickP]

thanks for the input; and after reading and researching several posts and internet sources it sounds like the most cost effective approch is to wait until i need to do a clutch or another job requiring an engine drop and tackle the chain box gaskets etc at that time. With the various o-rings and grommets that should be done as part of this job, it seems logical to me to have the engine out and replace them all.

It's amazing to me how much more is stuffed into the engine bay of a 993 than in an early 911. On my 73, pretty much everything is within reach and an engine drop only take a few hours in experiencd hands.

[aigel]

It can't be more than an hour extra to pull a 993 engine over an early 911. The suspension cross member and the a/c - blower and air box are about the only things that are more complicated. I admit, that once it is out, there is quite a bit more R&R to get to the seals.

G