1985 911 Cabriolet - Oil Leaks ONLY in cold weather (NE Winter)

[MikeyD]

I've searched and can't find any topics...

My 85 911 does not shed a drop of oil during the warm months (either on the floor or burning).

But during the fall/winter (below 50 deg F) I must put a pan underneath the engine to catch all the oil I lose.

She will easily lose 1 qt p/month during the below 50 months.

I don't have a lift, so I'm limited in what I can do and when I can do it, so if anyone has any ideas for what I need to check (or do), I can at least schedule some "quality" time with my mechanic.

Thanks.

[Loren]

I would start with the valve cover gaskets and oil return tubes are the top spots for oil leaks on these engines. I would start there.

[Scott C]

How many miles are on the car? I ask because the valve covers are a likely culprit and you should probably have a valve adjustment done while the covers are off.

In addition to Loren's comments, the other prone areas are the breather vent gasket, oil thermostat gasket and oil return line on the top of engine under the air filter.

The valve covers and oil return tubes are fairly straightforward. The three items I mention usually facilitate an engine drop or intake removal.

Let us know what you find.

[drymartiniwi]

I had the same problem on my 87 Carrera. Turned out to be the oil return tubes. The o rings shrink quite a bit in the cold. Easy job to do on a set of ramps if u don't have a lift

[MikeyD]

Thanks for the responses... I just got a Quick-Jack lift which raises the car around 22".  Not enough to drop the engine, but certainly enough to do most work.

Does anyone know if there are any DIY's on how to replace the O rings on the oil return tubes?  Sounds like the easiest of the repairs, so I think I'll start there.

[drymartiniwi]

Are your tubes original or have they been replaced with split tubes. If original you will have to buy 2 piece tubes to replace. There are treads on pelican forum to replace them. Not hard to do 1 1-2 to 2 hours including clean up.