2002 Porsche 911 (996) Oil Cooler Leak

[andrewjt19]

Basic Info

2002 Porsche 911 Carrera

Coupe C2

Manual 6 speed

US

 

So my friend and I started to the process of changing the IMS to the Solution and noticed while we were removing the second from the top left bolt of the transmission (facing the rear of the car) that there was a lot of corrosion. The bolt was very difficult to get out and actually took some of the threads with it. Once we removed the tranny we saw inside the housing of the tranny and the crank crystallized particles. It was also around the bolt that was tough to get out. After a closer look it appeared that the oil cooler had leaked antifreeze at some point which over time, seeped around the tranny/crank housing (did not enter the tranny though). It (the flakes) also was near where the cooler mount to the crank. This led us to belive that possibly the oil cooler is bad or going bad or possibly the oil cooler o-rings. Any ideas or comments? This is where I plan on getting the replacement parts. I can post some pics even if it would help.

[andrewjt19]

I posted this question in Rennlist as well and one user said it is normal for water to trap in the area near the oil cooler? Has anyone else heard of this theory? If this is a common thing then I'm more inclined to believe the cooler is not leaking but if not then I'd rather just change it... Feedback???

tApPeD fROM mY nExUs 6

[JFP in PA]

We have not really seen water collection as an issue, plus from your description, it sounds more like dried coolant.

 

I would suggest running a cooling system pressure test to see if the system is tight or not.  I would also clean off the area first to see if more coolant shows up.