jplyman

I'm about to replace my timing belt on my '89 944 NA that I picked up from a good friend. My question is how often do I need to replace the engine seals? The last time the seals were replace was 7 years ago 45,000 miles when the engine was rebuilt. I'm planning on replacing the timing belt, balance belt and rollers starting next week.

Thank you all for your help.

krystar

if it ain't broken, don't fix it

Potomac-Greg

If you're really anxious to replace engine seals, let me bring you my 944. I'll even deliver it and pick it up. It's an expensive job that you only do when needed. Seals that aren't leaking a LOT are to be left alone!

jstand22

replace when leaking....but if you really want a regiment, do it every other belt job.

Mike C.

If you DIY, I would say wait till one of them starts leaking; then replace them all. My experience is that you will see oil drips before the leak becomes large. And if you do your own oil changes, you'll get a good look under there every few thousand miles. As long as you don't let it go for a long time, there is little risk in my opinion. If I were paying a Porsche mechanic to change belts, I'd certainly ask how much more it would cost to replace the seals and weigh the option.

fireboy92k

I agree with jstand22 that if your looking for a strick regiment, then every other belt job is probably more than sufficient.

If your just wondering if you should do it, I think it depends on how the car was treated, etc. My dad didn't put a lot of miles on the one I'm driving, but it sat outside in his driveway for almost 3 years with him driving it maybe once a month. In my case, the seals were ugly by the time I got the car just from sitting around.

If you're good with a wrench and hope to do it yourself, then you're cost just depends on which seal kit you buy. The cheaper one is about $90 or so I think, and includes all of the rubber for the front, while the more expensive one (think twice) has the sleeves as well.

The mechanic I use charged me $110 for the Porsche seal set, and 9 hours of labor to replace the front engine seals, gaskets and rear cam housing seal and belts. At $90 an hour, that job cost me just over a grand after you add in the belts and rollers. YMMV.

jplyman

Thank you all - I think I will take the wait and see - I'm a decent wrencher and will be working on the timing belt very soon.

Luckily the PO used this as a daily driver and kept her in the garage.

fireboy92k

From what I've been told they usually leak from the balance shafts first in general. You'll know if they do, there'll be oil all over your block like there was mine.

Bruce over at Arnnworx has a short tutorial with pictures at http://www.arnnworx.com/front_seals.htm

Best!