Oil leak

[robert1965]

My recently purchased 1986 911 3.2 Carrera was leak free prior to my storage this winter, when after a few weeks in my unheated garage (temperatures reaching -30 C, -22 F) I noticed a small leak under the lower valve cover. The leak was actually in the form of a line corresponding to the valve cover's seam. It's been off and on, maybe a table spoon or two worth over a month's time. I've heard of this with some motorcycle air cooled engines.

Is this common, am I looking at new valve covers(stiffer turbo covers), replacing the seal, ...

Thoughts?

[wvicary]

This happens a lot when these vehicles are stored in our cold winters, it's nothing to worry about as the oil drains from the oil tank to the engine over time. I would just check the torque on the cam cover nuts. Carefully inspect the covers for warpage next time the valve adjustment is carried out.

[stealthn]

Most lower valve covers will leak and the fix is to replace them with the turbo valve covers which are thicker and have more rigidity. Replace gaskets at the same time of course.

[robert1965]

Thanks for helpful replies.

[stealthn]

Thanks for helpful replies.

Hey anything for a fellow Calgarian! Happy New Year

[robert1965]

Well upon further investigation (crawling aound on by garage floor with work light and mirror in hand), the oil leak I believed to be at the valve cover is actually at the return oil tube. Researching this further I found that the general opinion is that a few drips isn't major, more of a nuisance. Aside from that, it also seems that the fix is pretty straight forward using an expandable oil return tube as discussed at Pelican Parts and "101 Projects for your Porsche".

Has anyone done this fix?

Comments on how "easy" it really is?

Thanks,

[Loren]

15 minutes DIY.