Not RMS, transaxle leak plus more

[Timbo2]

Finally got round to looking underneath the car, went up on ramps a treat. Noticed what I thought was a potential RMS leak turned out to be weepy drivers side oil seal on the axle shaft. I'm assuming it has it's own oil supply, does anyone know how to check the level. Also thought this might account for the smell that I sometimes notice as its close to the exhaust. Also spotted a loose heat sheild, one of the fasteners was rusted away, and a bolt on the exhaust flange had snapped off. After about an hour and several drill bits latter I managed to drill out the remains and replace the bolt. So that was saturday! Thought I might take a look at the plugs, do I just remove the allen bolts that secure the coil and disconnect the wires? What size are the plugs, anything else I shouls know befor I do this. Finally, adjusted the handbrake last night, spot on now just 3-4 clicks, thanks to those who gave me advice on that.

 

[SteveW14]

I found that once the bolts holding the coil packs were removed the coil pack could be slid out without needing to remove the leads. When I changed my plugs I went for the Denso Irridium ones, I believe they were IK20's and it ran noticably smoother (although I think this was mostly down to getting rid of the old grimy plugs and replacing them with some nice new ones).

If you car is pre 2003 you will have the plastic spark plugs tubes, so whilst the plugs and coil packs are out it is worth checking them to see if they are cracked. If you find oil in them, then likely they are cracked or one of the seals has gone.

To replace them you will need something like a set of circlip pliers that will allow you to grip the inside of the tube (I beleive Porsche do a special tool to remove them but it's probably expensive for the amount of times you would use it). Be careful when removing it not to let any broken bits of plastic fall down the hole.

Each replacement tube set consists of the plastic tube and a rubber seal at each end, you will also need some of the specific lubricating paste. All 4 items are listed on the attached link and should be available from your local OPC.

http://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/shopcart/996M/POR_996M_ELignt_pg1.htm#item2

 

[Timbo2]

Cheers Steve,
exactly does the oil com from? do they fit through the cam cover? probably a good idea to get them before starting the job.

 

[SteveW14]

The link below should help clarify

http://www.renntech.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=149&pid=422&mode=threaded&start=#entry422

 

[Tool Pants]

Once you have remove the 2 allen screws you can pull the coil away while it is still connected to the electrical connector. But I suggest you remove the connector from the coil so you can remove the coil from the cart and inspect it for cracks. Cracked coils seem to be a common problem on UK message boards.

Once you have replaced the 3 plugs on one side I suggest you start the car to check for misfires before changing the other 3.

 

[Timbo2]

Thanks all, very helpfull, any idea how to check oil level in transaxle? just wondering as the axle shaft oilseal is weeping a bit, car is new to me so I don't know how long its been leaking. Also do I need to check auto fluid levels or are they a lifetime fill.

regards, Timbo