AOS external leak detected... need opinion.

[986JDD]

So, my car (00 986 Boxster 2.7L manual) is currently at the Porsche dealer for the 30K service. They suggested a few additional maintenance items (brake fluid flush, fuel filter replacement) which I am glad they are changing.

However, they noted an EXTERNAL leak from the AOS (dealer claims that AOS failure is VERY uncommon... clearly they are smoking crack) but currently the AOS leak is not creating any codes, there are no drips/oil on the garage floors, etc.

I told them not to change it ($665 at dealer) and that I will have an independent shop do that work (Rennology) after gathering opinions.

Does anyone have any opinions on this?

:renntech:

[larez2]

Do you get any smoke out of the tailpipes at startup or while driving (a common effect of a bad AOS)? If you don't you could probably go a little longer without changing it and without hurting anything. But my recommendation is to determine for sure that there is a leak and replace it ASAP; a leak will only get bigger. $665 actually doesn't sound bad... you could DIY it for cheaper too as an option. Also even though you are low miles, if it's the original it's 9 years old there have been some updates/improvments to the AOS since then.

good luck,

Larez2

[dr914jr]

Do you get any smoke out of the tailpipes at startup or while driving (a common effect of a bad AOS)? If you don't you could probably go a little longer without changing it and without hurting anything. But my recommendation is to determine for sure that there is a leak and replace it ASAP; a leak will only get bigger. $665 actually doesn't sound bad... you could DIY it for cheaper too as an option. Also even though you are low miles, if it's the original it's 9 years old there have been some updates/improvments to the AOS since then.

good luck,

Larez2

I agree that $665 isn't crazy but I'm sure you could finad a reputable indy in Chicago. They will warranty the work and probably save you a couple of hundred bucks in the process (mmm, Tire money). As soon as the guy claimed that the AOS failure was " VERY uncommon" you should proceed carefully. If that statement was made by a Porsche technician or service writer you know immediately that he's blowing more smoke than your exhaust is going to in the next month or so. I say track down a good independent and have him offer his opinion on the OAS.

[986JDD]

Do you get any smoke out of the tailpipes at startup or while driving (a common effect of a bad AOS)? If you don't you could probably go a little longer without changing it and without hurting anything. But my recommendation is to determine for sure that there is a leak and replace it ASAP; a leak will only get bigger. $665 actually doesn't sound bad... you could DIY it for cheaper too as an option. Also even though you are low miles, if it's the original it's 9 years old there have been some updates/improvments to the AOS since then.

good luck,

Larez2

I agree that $665 isn't crazy but I'm sure you could finad a reputable indy in Chicago. They will warranty the work and probably save you a couple of hundred bucks in the process (mmm, Tire money). As soon as the guy claimed that the AOS failure was " VERY uncommon" you should proceed carefully. If that statement was made by a Porsche technician or service writer you know immediately that he's blowing more smoke than your exhaust is going to in the next month or so. I say track down a good independent and have him offer his opinion on the OAS.

No, there is no smoke at all, ever. He was very specific when he said the leak was external and not internal. He still felt that a tiny oil leak would not really amount to much but that it would eventually be problematic. Honestly, maybe he meant that EXTERNAL leaks were very uncommon.

Though $665 is not an astronomical charge, I thought I could get it done less expensively. I planned on using Rennology in the Chicago suburbs.

[mikefocke]

About $120 in parts and 2 hours of your labor

why not do it yourself.

There are instructions available here.

[986JDD]

Mike, I have to be honest... though I am a gear-head to the core, I am not mechanically inclined... I don't want to risk doing it wrong and ruining the car.