Oil Leaks from Rear Covers

Andy B Aces High · Jan 10, 2010

Guys,

Just wondering I have some small oil leaks form the rear covers on the engine, I believe these cover the cam drive sprockets. The black steel surround (tray shaped item) that runs around the engine bay masks some of the fixings and also would stop these covers from being removed. Can this tray be removed with the engine in situ, this would also make getting at the spark plugs easier a job I intend to do this winter ?

I did notice several 993's on the ramps at the Kent Region Winter Health check had the same problem so would assume the cars are getting to an age where this job is going to be needed on more and more cars.

Andy B.

clyde · Jan 10, 2010

I don't think you need to remove any tin work to get at the lower cam cover gaskets. I've just had these gaskets replaced on mine and I'm sure it's pretty straight forward assuming the bolts come out. I think its the back bolts (ie towards the front of the car) that can be difficult sometimes. The top cam covers are more awkward and a fair bit of tinware has to come off. The problem arises because the covers aren't removed for an annual tappit adjustment like the 964.

There's a good walk-through on the p-car site http://p-car.com/diy/valvecover/

The main leak on mine though wasn't coming from the cam covers, these were just starting to get a bit moist. The issue with mine was the small oil filter had rusted slightly and was leaking. This was a Porsche part and only about 18 months old. My mechanic said that he had seen this a few times but only on 993's. He put it down to inferior metal used in the American manufacturing process [

].

Porker993 · Jan 11, 2010

Clyde, I get the feeling Andy is talking about the timing chain cover gaskets, not the cam cover gaskets as such.

The cam cover gaskets are an easy fix, as you have described, but unfortunately it is an engine out job to replace the chain cover gaskets, so not really worth doing until you need a new clutch or something.

Andy B Aces High · Jan 11, 2010

Mark is right, I have already done the cam covers. So engine out for the timing covers...dam !

Guards Red · Jan 11, 2010

The chain covers can be done with the engine in place though it is still very labour intensive. The rear bumper, cat, hot air pipe have to be removed together with the A/C pump console as Porsche call it (the big ally bracket it sits on). The A/C pump does not need to be disconnected - it needs to be unbolted and hung out of the way. Finally the engine would need to be jacked and the engine hanger removed together with the rear engine tin. The chain covers can then be removed.

However the covers have two types of gasket, one that runs all around under the cover and round grommet type ones that go over each stud under a metal cap. Many have found changing just the grommet ones has cured the leak. You cannot change all of them due to access but all the ones at the bottom where the leaks are can be changed. To do this you just need to undo the 10mm nuts at the bottom remove the metal cap (washer) and remove the seal /gasket on the stud and replace with a new one. Careful tightening is important here.

Finally what oil are you running?

Not an expert here, but I hope the above helps.

Andy B Aces High · Jan 11, 2010

Cheers GR, will take a look and see how many I can get to. I already have the nuts and round sealing washers.

I am using Motul X-Cess 5W-40 oil.

Andy B.