oil leak

[rockitman]

GT3, 964 case July 8, 2003 build. Here's the deal...No leaks in the past. Changed the oil and stored the car from December till now. Drove the car 25 miles and parked it. Notice an oil spot the size of a quarter today after car has been parked for a week. It appears it is dripping from the center of the sway bar right begind the main support truss. It appears that above the sway bar is where the tranny and motor meet. Any idea's what it could be ? Does the fact that the car did not run for three months contribute to this ? Could it fix itself with driving the car a few times and perhaps the seal will expand and stop the leak. Any idea's would appreciated. I hope this is not the RMS problem. Thanks

[karlooz]

uh oh, that's exactly where an rms leak would be. i've read that, although rare, the non m96 engine are not immune to this problem.

[Eric (Plug Guy)]

GT3, 964 case July 8, 2003 build. Here's the deal...No leaks in the past. Changed the oil and stored the car from December till now. Drove the car 25 miles and parked it. Notice an oil spot the size of a quarter today after car has been parked for a week. It appears it is dripping from the center of the sway bar right begind the main support truss. It appears that above the sway bar is where the tranny and motor meet. Any idea's what it could be ? Does the fact that the car did not run for three months contribute to this ? Could it fix itself with driving the car a few times and perhaps the seal will expand and stop the leak. Any idea's would appreciated. I hope this is not the RMS problem. Thanks

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Can you get up under there and take a few shots? Sounds like RMS or intermediate shaft seal. But could be a number of things.

[aracerx]

RMS leaks are traditionally NOT a factor on this particular engine series. Keep us updated on diagnostic results and correction. I have many clients with GT3's, no RMS leaks-a lot of off-track experiences though-:)-Mark

[1999Porsche911]

One of the worse things you can do to an engine is let it sit for months at a time without starting it. This causes the top of crankshaft seal to dryout and shrink ever so slightly. Upon engine start up, the dry seal is more prone to tearing or deforming and IF (and this does not always happen) ANY oil gets between the seal and the case, the seal will get looser and looser at that point as the oil will not allow the seal to seat again against the case.

If you store your car for months at a time, it is recommended that when you restart it, you only run it at idle for about 2 - 3 minutes and then shut it down. This will help the seal to again expand due to the heat and lubrication. The worse thing you could do is start it and then start driving.

Regardless of what many people say, it is always best to start your car at least once a month and let it fully warm up. This not only keeps all seals properly lubricated, but has many other benefits as well.

Edited May 8, 2005 by 1999Porsche911