cam cover gasket DIY

[phillipj]

1999 996 C2 - 68000 miles

I have diagnosed that my oil leak is coming from my cam cover on the drivers side. I would like to replace my gasket myself. I have spoken to a few of my mechanic friends and they told me that I can do it.

Has anyone done this job themselves? It's a common fix on a high mileage 996 so I would imagine that someone has.

I'm not going to tackle it unless I know what to expect.

Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance

Phillipj

[phillipj]

1999 996 C2 - 68000 miles

I have diagnosed that my oil leak is coming from my cam cover on the drivers side. I would like to replace my gasket myself. I have spoken to a few of my mechanic friends and they told me that I can do it.

Has anyone done this job themselves? It's a common fix on a high mileage 996 so I would imagine that someone has.

I'm not going to tackle it unless I know what to expect.

Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance

Phillipj

Anybody???????

[Loren]

There is not gasket on the cam cover - just a bead of sealant.

It has been discussed here before. It is best to borrow or make a "cam holder" but not essential.

[RFM]

Sure that the leak is not coming from the spark plug pipes?

Remove the pipes

Remove both rubber tabs on the end of the camshafts

You can see the circular shaft ends now - each shaft have a notch which is out of the center - there is a special tool to keep the shafts in line, but you can do it without if you are careful, the covers are at the same time the half of the bearing shells

Turn the crankshaft till the notches on the camshafts are in line with cyl. 1 in TDC ( cyl. 1 is the cyl. just behind the water pump ) this is a critical point, in any other possition the shafts can fall out without the special tool.

Remove the cover bolts

Remove the cover gently

Clean the cover and the contact area on the cyl. head intensive ( have to be dry and free of oil )

Use the silicone sold by the dealer, new spark plug pipes and two new tabs for the shafts covering

Reinstall in revers order

Success.

[RFM]

Cyl. 1 in TDC at the end of the compression stroke

[phillipj]

Thanks Loren, Thanks RFM.

Sounds a little above my skill level.

I will do some more research.

Thanks again fo the information!

Phillipj