Oil on floor

[masiuwai]

I am new to forum. Really need your help. I just bought a 99 Boxster S (00 Model, with 41,000KM on it) from trader in Hong Kong. We are still working on the paper and the boxster hasn't delievered to me yet.

The boxster is 100% accident-free. However, I found two drops of engine oil on the floor ( I think the boxster has parked there for one to two days). Then, I requested to jack up the car and have an inspection by myself.

I found the engine compartment is leaking (not serious, just two drops about to drop). But I can't find where is the exact leaking point. The drops are located at right hand side (very close to the middle). Any idea? I have a test drive of this boxster for 45 minutes including highway and city with traffic jam. No overheat was noted. The Temperature Gauge is around 85 to 90 even during traffic jam.

My mechanic told me that a lot of Porsches are leaking. Is that truth for 986? Is it a MUST for repairing if it has two drops a day? How much for the repair?

I am so worry the boxster has serious engine problem. If it is leaking frim o-ring, head gasket, is it serious? or most of the boxster does?

Thanks for your help.

[70Sixter]

If it is the Rear Main Seal (RMS) it is not fatal, but is not cheap to repair. If I'd had the car for a long time, I would not worry too much about a drop or two. But for a "new" car it is something that should be checked out before money and papers change hands. IMO.

[subwiz]

I had a 02 Boxster which dropped just a couple of spots of oil on the floor, which ended up with a new motor due to the cast warping and the dealer was not able to replace just the gasket. Good news for me it was under factory warranty at the time.

I would certainly get the car checked before taking delivery.

[Toby]

I am new to forum. Really need your help. I just bought a 99 Boxster S (00 Model, with 41,000KM on it) from trader in Hong Kong. We are still working on the paper and the boxster hasn't delievered to me yet.

The boxster is 100% accident-free. However, I found two drops of engine oil on the floor ( I think the boxster has parked there for one to two days). Then, I requested to jack up the car and have an inspection by myself.

I found the engine compartment is leaking (not serious, just two drops about to drop). But I can't find where is the exact leaking point. The drops are located at right hand side (very close to the middle). Any idea? I have a test drive of this boxster for 45 minutes including highway and city with traffic jam. No overheat was noted. The Temperature Gauge is around 85 to 90 even during traffic jam.

My mechanic told me that a lot of Porsches are leaking. Is that truth for 986? Is it a MUST for repairing if it has two drops a day? How much for the repair?

I am so worry the boxster has serious engine problem. If it is leaking frim o-ring, head gasket, is it serious? or most of the boxster does?

Thanks for your help.

Sounds like the Rear Main Seal (RMS) is leaking. It's quite common for Boxsters (and 996's). If you see the oil droplets between the engine and the transmission, that would be the likely cause.

Repair costs ~USD$1000 here. (Don't know whether there is heavier markup in HK) Many (including me) would wait to repair if it's only a couple drops once in a while, until you are replacing the clutch.

I wouldn't go in to buy a car knowing it leaks. Given the heavy clutch use in HK (I grew up there many years ago), I would probably ask the seller to pitch in for 50% of the cost for a new clutch and RMS. (But that's just me, and I am cheap :D)

Cheers,

Toby