930 Turbo oil leak

[jtag]

I did it,,,I purchased a 930 in Michigan and am driving it back west currently in Denver.

It has been leaking a small amout of oil-driven 1200 miles and car has used about 1/2 quart.

The small leak appeared to bet much higher in volume yesterday: dripping out on the right heater box,,,maybe a 1/2 cup in short order-shut it down quickly once it started "smoking"

No loss of oil pressure, oil tank now about 1 quart down.

Engine oil up to normal temp.

Actions:

I jacked the car and removed right rear wheel to inspect where oil leak has originated.

Appears to be from the oil cooler proper, not any supply or return lines.

The oil cooler attach point to case on motor appears reasonably dry,,,just an oil film build up.

Tightened up the two lines (small and large lines hose clamps) to snug.

Started the car on the jack stands and inspected under pressure.

allowed car to warm up ~ 20 minutes

no leaks,,, revved car,,, a few drips, nothing of volume as observed previously

I have an appointment in Denver with a local shop recommended by PCA members from Rocky Mountain chapter.

Checked on oil cooler price BEHR 91.107.041.00 $1,295.00

Ouch. stranded in Denver

Any thoughts,,,, have any of you on the forum ever observed an oil cooler failure?

Could it be something else. The car has run very well the entire trip up until now.

Thanks,

John :(

[magcuda]

there is also an oil pressure switch at the top middle of the motor, same place as non turbo motors but the turbo oil feed line comes off the same place.

those oil coolers are pretty tough, they do have 3 large o-rings that seal them to the block. make sure they clean the motor and actually find the leak.

[jtag]

there is also an oil pressure switch at the top middle of the motor, same place as non turbo motors but the turbo oil feed line comes off the same place.

those oil coolers are pretty tough, they do have 3 large o-rings that seal them to the block. make sure they clean the motor and actually find the leak.

Hi Magcuda:

Thanks for the pointer,,,I don't have all my tools, so trying to get to the top rear of the motor is somewhat "difficult".

I just ran it again,, no leaking even when hot at idle (oil temp 185), so took it down the road and three miles or so it started leaking again,,,maybe a few ounces on the heater box. I am uncertain now it is originating from the oil cooler. I drove it back and kept my eye on oil temp and oil tank level,, also oil pressure. Seemed to me the oil pressure is reduced somewhat and temp running 210. Oil pressure at idle just above 1 bar, at 2400 about 3 bar.

I drove the car out from Michigan in a steady rain storm and oil temp never got above about 185 degrees : it is hotter here in Denver, about 85F and sunny today I would guess.

Front Oil cooler lines are hot, oil is circulating through the oil thermostat to the front cooler.

I drove the 5 miles back via the interestate and check the car:

no smoke

no oil leaking,,,

This is strange..

I will try to get it to the shop tomorrow: I would much rather have it on my two post lift at home with all my tools.

Thanks for the reply

John

[wvicary]

The oil cooler thermostat seal is also a common source of leaks. It's located on the top,right side of the engine case.

[jtag]

Update:

The shop is replacing the breather gasket, oil thermostat O-ring, and resealing the fitting below the turbo oil supply line and idiot light/oil pressure gauge sender to resolve the oil leaking problem on the top of the engine. I will provide an update with pics later tonight if possible.

Thanks to the forum members for recommendations

John

[jtag]

Final update:

I had Wrights replace the breather gasket, thermostat O ring and replaced the copper seal rings and oil prfessure gauge sender which resolved a significant portion of the leaking,,, Joes shop is in Arvada and he is a porsche enthusiast which I highly recommend.

Made it home just fine to Idaho,

I recently was able to change oil and clean the bottom of the car off. The engine mounted oil cooler does not appear to be leaking, but the base of cylinders 4,5, and 6 are leaking a small amount. Valve covers seem to be tight and dry.

The car has 80K miles on it now, and needs some "freshening". I will drive it through the summer and then pull the engine/trans and start the project this fall.