tasman

Asking this after search and reading multiple threads.

Recently bought low mileage '11 RS which has not been driven much last year or so. rear main seal is leaking. Engine is out to do coolant pipes. What is consensus for repair. Leak is small.

1. Leave it and drive it more?

2. Fix it? If so what are latest recommendations. I have read multiple threads and answer is not clear to me. 997 turbo seal, updated Rs seal, or what?

3. Does using a different weight of oil help?

Thanks in advance.

Tal

Spyerx

Engine out? FIX IT.

I don't know what my shop uses, but knock on wood it doesn't leak and hasn't. where is that wood desk ...

And yes, drive it more.

Macster

If RMS is in fact leaking and it should be obvious if the engine is out of the car and the transmission removed from the engine replace the RMS. My info is while the leak won't get severe it won't get any better.

In the meantime the leak makes a mess under the car and will spot the garage/driveway wherever you park the car for any length of time.

The RMS does not leak from a problem with the oil it leaks from a problem with the sealing.

The RMS in my 2002 Boxster leaked and was replaced -- under warranty -- at 25K miles. I used 0w-40 before the seal leaked and after up until a year or so ago when I switched to Mobil 5w-50 (not a typo for 15w-50!). The Boxster now has almost 309K miles and the RMS has been oil tight since it was installed at the 25K mile mark.

My Turbo's RMS leaked at over the 100K mile mark and I had it replaced and it is fine now with over 152K miles on the car. Like the Boxster I used 0w-40 in the Turbo before and after the RMS was replaced and then a year or so back switched to Mobil 5w-50. The RMS is still oil tight and I expect like the Boxster it will remain oil tight for a long long time and many many miles.

My advice is to after you get the seal replaced run a Porsche approved oil of the proper (multi)viscosity grade suitable for where you live and drive. Don't run the oil too long.

Modena 1

My understanding is that this is almost always related to driving (not enough). If engine out reseal it but don't be surprised if it leaks again with time and less use.

jonwb

There are many here with much more educated opinions than mine, but I would be inclined to just have Dave's guy replace the seal while things are all apart.

I have a couple part numbers that you may want to look into:
997.102.264.91 seems to be the most common one, but I've also seen people mention 999.113.264.40

Best of luck for a smooth procedure. Spring is coming!!!

Flashoir

My understanding is that they are engineered to leak if the engine is not started for some time. So, as stated above, even if you fix it, there's a chance it'll leak again if you don't use the car very frequently.

MJSpeed

Make sure whomever does it, has the tool to seat it at its proper depth. The correct depth is 13mm from the crank. We use the tool and haven't had any issues.

bergx7

MJ do you use the updated 997 part number or the 996 turbo seal?