Help with 996 Oil Pressure Regulator required ....

[The Prof]

Hello,

I'm looking for advice on the oil pressure regulator on a 1999 996.

I spotted an oil leak coming from what i thought was a drain plug under the car, but on closer examination it appears to be the oil pressure regulator. See the pictures above, which were taken from the rear of the car looking forward.

The metal washer around the plug has desintegrated and was cracked causing the leak, so i unscrewed the plug a little and removed the washer.

I've tightened up the plug again but I can swear at idle the oil pressure seems to be higher than before, going up to 5 bar at about 2,500rpm.

I haven't driven the car since.

Questions :-

1. Is it the oil pressure regulator ???

2. Is it critical that I have the correct thickness of washer fitted ???

3. Should I drive the car, or wait until I fit the correct washer ???

thanks in advance for any advice.

cheers,

the prof

Edited July 14, 2005 by The Prof

[umn]

Hi,

That's the pressure relief valve, which limits the maximum oil pressure to slightly under 5 bar. If you leave out the washer, you increase the preload on the spring, so you would slightly increase the maximum pressure.

Don't know if it makes a big difference. I'd get a new washer, it's a rubber/metal design.

Edited July 16, 2005 by umn