Oil Leak

[masterbm]

Friends,

'99 Boxster with 160K miles has oil leak. Similar to others on this board, seems like it's right under the engine, maybe a tiny bit to the passenger side. Sent it in to shop, they "re-sealed" everything, plugs, blah blah blah. Thought it was fixed, took it out for a drive, and they discovered it was leaking again. They say it's the "main seal", and they have to take out the whole transmission to get at it. $1000 work to install a $12 part, ha ha. I did repair my AOS, what about a year ago? No engine code, no white smoke, so I assume it's not AOS associated like last time. When I get the car back, I'll try to take a look and see where it really is, put down some cardboard to map it, etc. Question is this: is there any kind of goo I can dump in there that will auto-seal itself but not hurt the engine? Any other suspicious places where leaks pop up on these cars that maybe the shop guys don't know? If I do gotta get to the tranny, anybody know of or wanna post a "how-to" on how to fix this seal?

Anyway, I'll post again when I know more. . .just don't want to spend another 1-2K if I can avoid it. Might be a fun project to do with my dad, anyway.

B

[wvicary]

No "mechanic in a can" will repair a leaking rear main oil seal, it must be replaced. The IMS cover is also a common cause of leaks.

[Wayne R. Dempsey]

Friends,

Might be a fun project to do with my dad, anyway.

Music to my ears!!!

Here's what you need - you *CAN* do it yourself.

Jacking up your car:

http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/Boxster_Tech/01-BASICS-Jacking_Up/01-BASICS-Jacking_Up.htm

Removing the transmission:

http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/Boxster_Tech/37-TRANS-Drop/37-TRANS-Drop.htm

Replacing the seal (see the clutch article):

http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/Boxster_Tech/44-TRANS-Clutch/44-TRANS-Clutch.htm

It's all very doable. Let me know if you have any questions!

-Wayne

[Wayne R. Dempsey]

The IMS cover is also a common cause of leaks.

Also very true. I'm working on the article for the replacement this weekend. I would replace this seal, possibly, while you're in there, but you also need a special procedure to make sure that the camshaft timing doesn't get messed up.

-Wayne

[masterbm]

WD,

FANTASTIC! What fun! Thanks so much! Book looks great! I looked on the Pelican website to buy the book, but there was no link for it. How can I get one?

B

Friends,

Might be a fun project to do with my dad, anyway.

Music to my ears!!!

Here's what you need - you *CAN* do it yourself.

Jacking up your car:

http://www.pelicanpa...-Jacking_Up.htm

Removing the transmission:

http://www.pelicanpa...-TRANS-Drop.htm

Replacing the seal (see the clutch article):

http://www.pelicanpa...RANS-Clutch.htm

It's all very doable. Let me know if you have any questions!

-Wayne

[juniinc]

There are some stop leak stuff out there,,,supposed to make the seals swell & at the same time probably ruining some other seals.

Auto or manual? your clutch replacement job coming up anytime soon?