[onevoice]

Originally Posted by specialtyoneinc

I meant the majority of the early engines. Let's say over 50%. Sorry if I offended you. Porsche fixed allot of them under warranty anyhow. Here's a good read.
Early 964 Head Gasket Failure – Instant-G

Once again the dreaded early cars leak oil from not having head gaskets line comes up again. Now it's "OVER 50%" OMG. Total BS.

There is absolutely no evidence, and no reason to state such an absurd number. There is no fluid that the head gasket seals into the motor except a small amount of combustion byproducts, i.e. Water vapor, and an extremely small amount of oil film on the cylinder wall. Inside the combustion chamber just isn't a source of oil. IF a car didn't have a good seal, AND it was driven on frequent short trips not allowing the motor to warm enough to burn off the water vapor, you might get a small amount of wetness at the head/cylinder interface. In no way would you ever get what I would describe as a LEAK, i.e. Something that consistently drips on the floor.

These cars have nearly THREE GALLONS of oil going through the motor, in many cases (sort of) contained by a questionable array of o-rings and seal designs that are obsolete. That is where the worry should be, not a lack of head gasket.

In the grand scheme of things, it's a non issue until you go through a rebuild that requires a replacement of Pistons and cylinders.

These engines were oil leakers, one of the historical books claimed a significant number were rebuilt at the factory, when they were found to leak oil when started for the first time. You are many times more likely to have a leak, and it be a real problem, from numerous other locations.