Rear Main Seal leaking

[ssflai]

@ ssflai, in case of several RMS changes, use the factory instructions: 1) check with the special tool set if the crankshaft flange is placed exact in the middle of the crankcase, if not, replace the engine bloc. 2) if this is OK, place the updated seal using the special tools. Check also if the outer surfaces of the engine bloc (hole ware the seal fits) not have been damaged by removing the previous seals. Place in any case the seal without the tool, they will leak for sure after time.

I will pass this on to the Porsche dealer when i see them on Friday. Thanks. BTW, when you mentioned "Place in any case the seal without the tool, they will leak for sure after time", I will be very surprised that an authorized Porsche dealer is not using one when they are installing it?? I also read that RMS issue indeed is haunting Boxster and Cayman up to 2007's models as well, it seems like it really is a design flaw to begin with.

Edited March 16, 2010 by ssflai

[ssflai]

Confirmed leaking from both IMS AND RMS and the following are the highlights of our conversation exchange:

ME: which revision of the RMS seal was installed and are they using a special tool during this process,

ADVISOR: one came from Porsche and didn't reply the special tool question

ME: My warranty is up soon what if it is leaking again.

ADVISOR: when warranty is up, it is up.

ME: What if today is the last day of my warranty and after this fix, it leaks again tomorrow

ADVISOR: that is a grey area and that doesn't happen often

ME: that exactly happened to me two years ago when i first repaired this through Downtown Porsche and it leaks few days later and they told me it was residual from the last repair afterward. That is why I gave up on this dealership and came to you folks.

ADVISOR: SILENCE

ADVISOR: you only drove 3000 km last year, you should drive the car more

ME: i actually spotted a drop or two oil on my garage floor before i stored my can in December, this is my weekend car and i drive it almost every weekend until i stored it.

ADVISOR: you should drive more

ME: Are you telling me the new cars that you have in your showroom and lot are leaking as well

ADVISOR: our cars sold really fast and usually in three months and they don't sit there for a long time

ME: I was about to trade in my car for a 2008 Boxster last year, your 2008 models were still listed for sale on your websites in the new inventory section at the end of 2009.

ADVISOR: SILENCE

ME: please understand my frustration on this situation, including the original one came with the car, this is going to be the "FIFTH" one and two were done in two years in average once per year, it is now becoming a yearly maintenance item, can you imagine you are the one in the situation

ADVISOR: SILENCE

Frankly, I believe the original problem came from Porsche's engineering design on both the engine block and the seal"s", that is why they came up with the measurement process and revised seal few times as the remedies. However, I believe Porsche is now being painted as a scapegoat by these guys now. why? Porsche is offering two years warranty when you fixed it at the authorized Porsche dealer, it becomes a lucrative business to these guys in claiming warranty jobs since it won't cost the customer during the two years period and most of us believe or being educated as it is a Porsche design flaw. It would be in there definite advantage to have the car leak again and return to the shop and feed them. I am so frustrated and disappointed by the comment "YOU NEED TO DRIVE IT MORE", just like the Porsche's dealers here in Toronto keep promoting "Porsche is absolutely drivable in winter and drive it". Apparently, if we are storing it instead of driving it, they have no business or less business on service and that is why the ADVISOR kept asking me to drive the car more and of course, the more i drive my car, the more frequent i have to visit them for servicing and/or repairing. I really wonder does Porsche head office has any compliance policies, internal investigation systems or customer excellence program to monitor, govern, control and reprimand it's dealer's with respect to professional conducts, ethics and professional negligence. or simply they don't care and keep paying any warranties claims whenever its dealer submit it and allow them destroying its' brand, image and customer confidence/satisfaction. I don't have any high hope and expectations from Porsche any more but simply "please don't leak, i am begging you" :(

Disclaimers:

Please pardon me for my subjective opinions, it is not my intention to insult all service dealers and I am sure the majority of the members in this community are up to and above the quality standards.

Edited March 20, 2010 by ssflai

[1schoir]

Steven:

Thanks for the detailed narrative. "Silence" would not be acceptable to me as a response from a vendor who is getting my hard-earned $$.

Have you considered the application of the Lemon Law to your situation?

In some jurisdictions in the U.S. that repair might entitle you to return the vehicle as they obviously not been able to fix the same problem despite repeated attempts.

Regards, Maurice.

[Loren]

You should also ask for an opinion from PCNA (Porsche Cars North America).