Does this look like an RMS leak?

[pfbz]

Does this look like an RMS leak? It is on a 03 996 I am looking at...

Is about $1K right for a repair, assuming it isn't the dreaded 'block out of spec we need to replace your engine" problem?

[FPB111]

That is where they show up.
That one is so light it is more like a little sweat.
If you do buy it, and have the trans pulled for the RMS, go for the LN engineering IMSB. The labor is only ~1/2 hr more and the engine will be much stronger.
Intermediate Shaft IMS Upgrade and Retrofit Kit for Porsche 911, Boxster, and Cayman models

[pfbz]

Thanks for the quick reply. Good to know it is on the light side of how these leaks go.

I would definitely do the LN engineering if pulled the tranny, probably the clutch as well if it doesn't look great.

How often do RMS leaks get into the clutch and cause issues?

[LanceGT4]

Hard to tell from your photo.
Here's a few shots of mine after I dropped the C4 trans for a trans rebuild, clutch, flywheel and RMS.



I was not dripping any oil under the car. about 88K on the engine when i changed it.

Beware; my block did not have the tabs mentioned in the manual to use for setting how far in to seat the seal.
If you can afford it do the Intermediate Bearing at the same time.

[pfbz]

OK, was reading a bit more on the LN website you linked to...

Any oil leaks at the rear of the engine should be checked out immediately - it is common to think you have a RMS leak, but in fact, a failing bearing will allow the IMS flange seal to leak.

That doesn't sound good... I have some IMS bearing questions, but I think I'll put them in a separate thread.

[FPB111]

Never, unless it is pouring out.
How many miles on the car?
My RMS was like yours when I bought the car, '03 cab. It was at a high end dealer so replacement was part of the deal.
They damaged the first one and it leaked, a lot. The second one has been dry for 3 years 21K miles. No oil got on the new clutch I had them put in at the time. Car only had 31k and did not really need clutch but "While you are in there"

[FPB111]

Originally Posted by pfbz

OK, was reading a bit more on the LN website you linked to...

Any oil leaks at the rear of the engine should be checked out immediately - it is common to think you have a RMS leak, but in fact, a failing bearing will allow the IMS flange seal to leak.

That doesn't sound good... I have some IMS bearing questions, but I think I'll put them in a separate thread.

Just be aware that they tend to be a little alarmist. There is ~$600 involved for them.

[FPB111]

Join renntech and read this tread for much good info on IMSB replacement etc...


Casper Labs Ceramic IMS Bearing - 996 Series (Carrera, Carrera 4, Carrera 4S, Targa) - RennTech.org Forums

[pfbz]

Originally Posted by FPB111

How many miles on the car?

About 85K miles.... Clutch was done once at 38K. Do these guys really eat clutches every 40K, or was one of the original owners slipping the heck out of it?

[FPB111]

Hard driving in stop light to stop light grand prix
I think 80-90k on one of these clutches is reasonable.
There is at least one Boxster owner on Rennlist with over 250k on all original drive train. Many consumables, AOS, water pump etc used but no engine trans drop yet.

Mine did not really need one but it was open so...

[DaveBerry]

Originally Posted by pfbz

About 85K miles.... Clutch was done once at 38K. Do these guys really eat clutches every 40K, or was one of the original owners slipping the heck out of it?

Had my 2000 Carrera in for the LN Engineering IMS Retrofit at 40,000 miles.
The clutch was 99% spent and had it replaced along with the Rear Main Seal.
So 40K sounds about right for a clutch.
BTW, I purchased my 2000 Carrera with 20K miles on her, she is now a 3 owner car.
I do not know how the previous 2 owners drove her. First owner put 10K miles on her in year 2000,
second owner put 10K miles on her in 10 years. I suspect 2nd owner had no clue?