2001 twin turbo with mild oil leak at rear of engine

brock · 02-11-2007, 08:51 PM

Guys, its been a long time! Of course most of you may not know me since I was a 951 owner for years. Well, I guess I skipped a few models and got the ultimate car (to me anways

).

The car has 31,000 miles and serviced well. The previous owner spent a ton of money on upgrades. It has the GT2 (OEM) front fascia and carbon fiber wing as well as an EVO air intake.

The leak is makes a few drips at a time and seems to come just above the rear sway bar. Oil consumption is negligible. My question is this someting to really be concerned with? Any ideas of what seal may be leaking?

I will try to get pics for you soon.

Its good to be on the forum again! Thanks for your help as always!

450knotOffice · 450knotOffice's Garage

Welcome back! I just looked at your pics. Beautiful!!

cdill · 02-12-2007, 01:48 PM

Sounds like a rear main seal I believe it is a pretty common problem with the 996 cars. Porsche has an updated seal that should solve the problem for good.

450knotOffice · 450knotOffice's Garage

The 996 Twin Turbo uses an adaptation of the old split 911 case. It's a completely different animal than the 996 engine. Same case that the GT3 uses, btw.

99C4CAB · 02-12-2007, 07:33 PM

My guess would also be a rear main seal. If you haven't replaced the clutch yet I wait to do both when your clutch goes out. You can save a ton of money on labor if both are done at the same time. I guess a good drip pan should be on order.

450knotOffice · 450knotOffice's Garage

I wouldn't be so sure about that. Remember, the 996TT's are not known for Rear Main Seal leaks as they do not use the same engine as the 996 (which of course is very well known for its RMS leaks). The engines are not even remotely similar other than the fact that they are water cooled flat sixes and are made by Porsche.

Don't get me wrong, it could be from the crank seal, but it may very well be from a number of different areas as well.

Ask a professional shop to look at it. They can give you a proper assesment.

brock · 02-13-2007, 02:00 PM

I have a buddy with a 04 GT3 and he said the same about it being the same engine as his besides some internals to save mass....I will have the dealersip look at it in Tulsa. I really know my way around a 968 or 944 turbo but this is a different beast. Also kinda expensive if you screw something up!

You guys are the best. Thanks a lot Scott!