Emulsion In Filler Tube_Advice Needed.

[Mrkjblue]

Hi All
I just went to look at a 996 that seemed to be quite a good buy for the money, except.
There was quite a bit of Mayo-Emulsion in the oil filler tube, a little bit of vapour from the left bank and when taking the water cap off from hot the water erupted.

Now I'm 99% sure that this is related to a cylinder wall issue but I would like to know for certain, Just read the buyers guide on here and it state a little emulsion in the filler can be normal, and I know from my SC that this can happen on small journeys.

Is there a diffinitaive test for known engine issues.

 

[Richard_Hamilton]

Water WILL erupt if you take off the cap when hot. Lucky you didn't scald yourself. Too used to air cooling I guess![][] A small amount of mayo is perfectly normal too.

From what you've said there doesn't sound like there is anything wrong. Unfortunately there isn't a definitive test - you have to wait for it to go BANG! (JOKE!!!! [][])

Edit: Sorry, just noticed the water vapour issue. Any water in the oil or vice-versa? Did the vapour disappear when warm?

 

[Mrkjblue]

Hi
The water cap issue was in a buyers guide in this (or last) months Total 911, it states that you should be able to gently remove the cap when hot allowing the steam to gentley leave, but the increase in presure as the cylinder pressure bleeds into the water jacket is what will make the water erupt violently. as for water in the oil it had just had an oil change so that was bottle fresh, but the Mayo in the pipe did seem heavy.

As for the BANG are you saying that once the cylinder wall has gone then this will be well known to all around and undriveable or could they still be driven (and bought) with this issue.

Maybe I should arrange a leakdown and pressure test.

I am used to aircooled but was very pleasently surprised by the water pumper, the charcter of my old SC could be felt not too far under the surface.

 

[Richard_Hamilton]

If the cylinder wall is cracked then it usually loses a chunk at the top edge eventually, which is disasterous as water is drawn into the cylinder. If it was a detectable crack, pressure from the cylinder at 1000+ psi would be building up in the coolant stsyem all the time, and I would expect the relief valve on the filler cap to be blowing off all the time. The other possibility is a cracked head, which is also a rare event but not impossible.

I would have thought that a coolant system pressure test would be wise. If you get a cylinder leakage test done, maybe they could keep an eye on the coolant system pressure by leaving the gauge on the cap. Otherwise, I'm not sure they could detect the difference between the ring/valve leakage compared with a possible crack. Hope this helps.

They are very different to the air-cooled cars, but you are right that the spirit is still there.

Edit: What's the year and mileage, by the way?

 

[Mrkjblue]

1999 67K FPSH Silver / Black.
No issues except the emulsion, high water pressure and vapour, and usaul paint around door catches, but just doesnt seem right.
Looking at a few more on Mon so it will be good to compare.

Never rated these cars when they came out but really seem to be warming to them, maybe getting old, or wise, one or the other, but do not want any 10k engine issues.

I have read that neither the Porsche inspection nor the Porsche warrenty cover engines so I want to be 110% before purchasing.
If any one has a good 996 in Watford / Bushey and wants to talk me round it please feel free to get in touch.

 

[oceancarrera]

If there is emulsion in the oil filler cap, the car hasn't been driven enough. Insufficient heat generated to evaporate the condensation build up.

 

[Rodney Naghar]

I have read that neither the Porsche inspection nor the Porsche warrenty cover engines so I want to be 110% before purchasing.

The engine is certainly covered under warranty

 

[Richard_Hamilton]

The pressure relief valve of the cap is set to 1.4 bar. Above that it will open and 'vent' excess coolant into the catch tray at the top of the coolant tank. The early caps (part number ends with 00) tended to blow off too early, and they were superceded with a new cap (part no ends with 01). If there is evidence of coolant residue around the tank catch tray, and/or you are getting water vapour from the exhaust on one bank after the engine has warmed up then you might have a problem.

There are plenty of good cars of that year around with similar mileages, so I'd keep looking if you are concerned about it. Personally, I wouldn't consider anything of that age with ultra-low mileage (that's why I asked), as almost all the horror stories you hear happen below about 25k.

 

[pwafer]

My oil filler pipe has loads of mayo in it, but I got my local OPC to check it last time it was in and it was fine.

Good luck finding your next car.

Paul

 

[Mrkjblue]

Thanks all

Yes after looking at loads more the emulsion is in all and the reasons for it make sence with the design of the spout, although none has had any where near the amount of the first.
All the other I looked at you could remove the cap when at operating temperature, certainly an issue with that first car and I'm glad I walked.
I have now bought the one below and fingers crossed it seems a good'en. [], look forward to joining in with any 996 festivities.