997-1 Oil Leak

[kherlingshaw]

Can anyone help me with the likely source of an oil leak on the left hand side of my 2005 3.6L 997-1 (USA/Manual/Coupe)?

The car is one of the very first 997s and thus susceptible to RMS/IMS failures but this doesn't seem to be in the right place.

I have marked the flow of the oil with four red paint daubs (which unfortunately is a similar color paint to that used by Porsche on the anti-roll bar fixing bolts).

Because of various personal health problems the car has only done 2,000 miles since I bought it new in late 2004, which is why everything looks so new.

There is no warranty!

Thanks.

[phillipj]

I can't tell the source of oil but be patient and one of the members will have some suggestions. Porsches do not like to sit for that long with no activity.... RMS leaks are common on P cars that are rarely driven. But I agree that is not where one would find oil from the RMS.

[PAULSPEED]

Maybe it is not oil but power steering fluid. The

supply should be above this leak. I would look

at the power steering fill connections.

Paul

[Dharn55]

Best guess is the seal around the solinoid on the VarioCam advance mechanism. This is located directly above where you are showing the oil coming down. Not an uncommon leak to have and it can be easily sealed.

[Dharn55]

That is the left side, front of the engine. The power steering connections are on the right side, back of the engine.

[PAULSPEED]

Youre right. I was not looking at the sway bar close enough.

Paul

[kherlingshaw]

That is the left side, front of the engine. The power steering connections are on the right side, back of the engine.

Thanks.

I agree, it is nowhere near the power steering.

I have had a good look around and it is obviously not something I cannot fix.

I will take it to the dealer on Wednesday.

I was kind of hoping it was RMS as at least once that is fixed it is probably fixed for ever.

As it is RMS failure might still be a prospect.

Edited November 10, 2009 by kherlingshaw

[Dharn55]

Actually if it is the solinoid for the tensioner it is not hard to fix. Mine used to have some expoxy on it, maybe JB Weld, from a mechanic. But I have had the cam covers off so I now have some Permatex copper on there. If you clean it off well before you put it on it will seal the leak. I wll try to post a picture tomorrow.

[kherlingshaw]

I took the car to my local dealer today, Porsche of Tysons Corner and this is from their worksheet:

Seal on camshaft adjuster bank 1 folded causing oil leak

R&R cover for spark plugs

Replaced cap for camshaft adjustment

One part was used: 996-105-244-03 lid, hydraulic.

Much to my surprise the repair and the loaner were free of charge, a nice gesture on a car that is 5 years old next month and has no warranty.

[phillipj]

That's great news. Good to hear a "good" dealer story. :D

Glad you got it fixed. Now you can make up for lost time and drive the he** out of it! :lol: