Changing Pads ... Found Engine Problem ... Help

[skymast]

I just finished changing the brake pads on my 99 C4. Thanks for all of the assistance and a greate DIY page.

During the process, I noticed an engine related problem on the drivers side. Not sure what it is other than 'not good' so I took a photo.

Can someone help me target the problem?

For unknown reasons, I am unable to attach the picture but it is posted at www.mccormack.us

Thx.

Edited August 20, 2005 by skymast

[PorschePRH]

I can only recommend that you clean the area very well and then over time watch exactly where the leak is coming from and how fast it is leaking.

In the pic, there's just a little bit of oil spread everywhere.

[Highlander]

I don't know what the problem is, but here is the image.

[REDLINE WINS]

The leak looks to be mostly the Variocam lifting element seal. Really easy to replace.

The leak also can be coming from the oil separator just above the cylinder head and running down. Not easy to replace.

Also oil can be leaking from the oil pump o-ring and the green seal for cam timing reference. The cam cover can also be leaking.

[1999Porsche911]

Torque down the 2 bolts that hold the small cover on (wire coming out of it). This most often stops the sweating of oil. This is a very common area of leakage for the 996. Nothing to worry about.

[Izzy]

Do you have the torque it should go to? I believe I have a similar situation. Where in the picture if the cover? Thank you

[1999Porsche911]

Do you have the torque it should go to?  I believe I have a similar situation.  Where in the picture if the cover?  Thank you

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

It's the cover that has the wire coming out of it in the top center of the picture. Don't know the torque spec.

[skymast]

The leak looks to be mostly the Variocam lifting element seal. Really easy to replace.

The leak also can be coming from the oil separator just above the cylinder head and running down. Not easy to replace.

Also oil can be leaking from the oil pump o-ring and the green seal for cam timing reference. The cam cover can also be leaking.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Can the lifting element seal simply be tightened or does the seal need to be replaced? if it needs to be replaced, what is the process for doing this?

While it looks like this is one of the problems, it appears from the picture (as you pointed out) that there is leakage with closer to the front of the engine or above this point. Is their a way to further isolet the problem?

Additional thoughts? TIA

[PTEC]

I would say your best bet would be to clean it thoroughly and then recheck it often. On the upside, you can get the variocam solenoid seal and the two green plugs for probably a few dollars. The green plugs will just pull out. For the variocam seal just undo the bolts and undo the connector for the wire that comes out of it then pull the old seal off and replace. That will take care of the basic things that can cause a leak like that. After that you're looking at the o ring on the oil scavenging pump or the cam cover.

Hope its something simple.

[skymast]

What are the two green plugs?

[PTEC]

What are the two green plugs?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Ooops. I messed up when typing that, there is only one green plug on that side of the engine. Anyways there is a round green rubber plug (not much bigger than a quarter) that seals a bore formed between the head and the cam cover which can be removed to check cam timing/position.

[REDLINE WINS]

The leak looks to be mostly the Variocam lifting element seal. Really easy to replace.

The leak also can be coming from the oil separator just above the cylinder head and running down. Not easy to replace.

Also oil can be leaking from the oil pump o-ring and the green seal for cam timing reference. The cam cover can also be leaking.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Can the lifting element seal simply be tightened or does the seal need to be replaced? if it needs to be replaced, what is the process for doing this?

While it looks like this is one of the problems, it appears from the picture (as you pointed out) that there is leakage with closer to the front of the engine or above this point. Is their a way to further isolate the problem?

Additional thoughts? TIA

I would replace the seal then clean all the leaked oil residue.