Phil McBlaine

I have an 86 944T with a small leak from the oil pan gasket. Unfortunately, the leak is directly above the exhaust manifold. It doesn't leak all that much, but still it's irritating.

The pan gasket replacement proceedure is INCREDIBLY expensive due to the fact that the exhaust manifold, crossmember, power steering rack, fuel rack, injectors, etc. need to be removed. The engine also needs to be lifted... Yikes!

Is the following alternative procedure possible?

1. Drain the oil pan
2. Remove the pan bolts
3. Lower the pan (it looks like it has an inch or two of space)
4. Remove and slide the old gasket out
5. CAREFULLY clean mating surfaces: pan and block
6. Prep the mating surfaces with gasket sealant
7. Slide the new gasket into place
8. Position and "seat" the gasket carefully
9. Replace the oil pan
10. Tighten and torque the bolts in the proper sequence.

Phil McBlaine

PS: This is a really nice 944T. I'm the second owner, and it has a documented 65k miles. Outside of the above issue, the car is a real gem. Gorgeous. Sadly, I have to sell it. Other obligations, etc... I'm open to offer, but I really need to get around 10k for the car. Pic's on request.

Luis de Prat

I think the emeritus PhD on this subject would have to be Ahmet... Look up oil pan gasket in the 951 forum. He got all kinds of input on stuff to consider when doing this job.