1999 996 - oil leak? Where is it coming from?

[RichTJ99]

Hi,

 

I have my 1999 996 that I have owned for two years.  I noticed a very slight oil leak, drops on the floor.  I stuck my phone under and grabbed these photos.  What does this look like (aside from wet)?  Any ideas on if this is the RMS/IMS leaking or something else?

 

Thanks,

Rich

[DBJoe996]

You did not give any information on mileage or recent work.  However, two places that are above this area on the engine, although slightly forward, are the oil pressure sending unit and the oil cooler.  The sender unit is easy to replace.  The oil cooler has two O-rings underneath it that have been known to go bad with age.  Unfortunately you have to drop the engine to replace the oil cooler O-rings.  I would clean up that area completely and see if you can back-trace where the oil is coming from up above.  Good luck!

[RichTJ99]

The mileage is 82,000, it was very well maintained by another forum member.  It has regular service & is in great mechanical shape.   

 

 

Do you have a suggestion on getting under it?  I dont have a lift. 

 

I see things like this:

 

http://www.amazon.com/RhinoGear-11909-RhinoRamps-Vehicle-Capacity/dp/B006EGAIII/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1419607751&sr=8-1&keywords=auto+ramp

 

 

I dont know if thats safe or unsafe, or what others are doing.  

 

Thanks,

Rich

Edited December 26, 2014 by RichTJ99

[kbrandsma]

Those will certainly work and are very safe.  However, you can't elevate the car and remove tires with the ramps.  I would invest in a floor jack and a good set of jack stands.

 

Jack Stands here:

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=jack%20stands&sprefix=jack+st%2Caps

 

Floor Jack here (should be low clearance):

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_c_0_10?url=search-alias%3Dautomotive&field-keywords=floor+jack&sprefix=floor+jack%2Caps%2C207&rh=n%3A15684181%2Ck%3Afloor+jack&ajr=0

 

Sears:

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-3-ton-high-lift-jack-stands/p-00950159000P

[judibake]

Hi,

I have a 2001 C2 that had a similar problem. I realize that there are many articles and threads written on oil leaks and I don't profess to be an authority but I found a simple solution in my case. I spent several hours cleaning the undersurface of the engine to try and identify the source of the leak. It appeared to be coming from the front ends of the cam covers. My car has 140000 km on it and city driving with potholes etc that are inevitable. I understand that the cam cover bolts are not torqued very aggressively and found that MOST were loose but not to the point of turning them with your fingers.

I GENTLY tightened all of them no more than 1/4 turn and voila - no leaks for more than 2 years. Just an instance that resolved my problem but may not be for others. Hope this helps.