Oil Leak, Possible RMS/IMS? Pics Attached!

[panameras]

Found suspicious oil leak when I was changing the rear wheels today. Seeking help from more experienced members here to diagnose the problem! Please see attached pics.

Car is a MY2000 Boxster S manual, with approx 60k miles. Serviced regularly at 5000km interval.

Oil is not dripping, none found on the garage floor. Car runs very healthy as far as I can tell!

Apperciate any help.

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Edited November 27, 2013 by panameras

[RFM]

I would recommend to clean the engine properly in first place and check for leaks after a while, in that way it is much easier to detect a leak, saves time and is more efficient.

[panameras]

I would recommend to clean the engine properly in first place and check for leaks after a while, in that way it is much easier to detect a leak, saves time and is more efficient.

Thanks, would definitely get on with cleaning it first. So no obvious signs of what it might be at first glance?

[JFP in PA]

From this picture alone, you appear to have leaking spark plug tubes, but I would agree with RFM, clean the engine bay first so you can see what is actually going on:

[brucenoah1956]

I agree with spark plug tube o-ring diagnosis. Had same issue on my 2001 986S at 35K miles, but leaks had not progressed as far as yours. It was simple and inexpensive to replace both o-rings. I decided to replace the tubes while I was in there for a few bucks more. Tubes are plastic and degrade with exposure to temperature over time. Didn't want to risk future cracks by re-using old tubes.

[kbrandsma]

I had similar leaks underneath the car and re-torqued oil sump pan bolts and leaked stopped. 7.5 ft./lbs. Don't overtighten as they will snap off. Clean everything up and re-check for leaks. If that doesn't work you may need a new gasket and sealant.

Edited November 29, 2013 by kbrandsma

[Loren]

No gasket on the oil pan just clean and re-seal with the Porsche sealant (or equal).

[Hosaki Rion]

spark plug tube and the o-ring degrades with heat and time. Mine shrinked and leaked. They also got brittle when removing they shattered. Fairly inexpensive from the dealer

[kbrandsma]

It's a good idea to buy a set of o rings and a couple of tubes and every time you change your plugs you can replace those that are leaking. Fairly inexpensive, I change my plugs every 30K and have changed 1 tube and 3 sets of o rings over the last 3 spark plug changes. MY98 is currently at 180K.

Also a good idea to have a boat plug on hand for popping out the tube. I bought mine from a local boat/marine store for less than $5. It literally pops out like your finger from a coke bottle.