Mark944na86

I've traced a minor engine oil leak to the lower balance shaft rear seal. I've verified that the "cap" at the rear of the balance shaft housing is a bit loose -- I understand this is from o-ring shrinkage, which is the source of the leak. Have I got it right so far?

Anyway, the "quick fix" for a minor leak is RTV around the cap (at least that's what I was reading). Just verifying before I do this -- the cap doesn't have to be able to move at all? RTVing it in place is fine? Just checking before I apply the glue...

xsboost90

we did this to the Dragon w/ the first motor and it worked. Get some brake cleaner and spray the area down real good, then put a glob of RTV on there and smear it around. Should hold till you fix it right.

Mark944na86

Thanks Dan.

Mike C.

My temporary fix has worked for years...

M758

Yes, Not ideal, but it can work so give it a try.

chris_v

its standard protocol now on all of our "new" 944 motors to put some permatex gray on both balance shafts. hasn't failed now on at least a dozen motors.

FRporscheman

Permatex Ultra Grey FTW. Worked for me, make sure the area is really clean and dry first.

Jay W

I had an extremely loose lower balance shaft plug on the lower one and oil was gushing out. So I went the long route and replaced the o-ring, totally insane amount of work to replace a one dollar o-ring. Then when I started up the engine I heard more clacking. Turned out that the upper one was doing the same thing. So instead of doing the whole job again on the other side I chose to do the clean and seal method. Strange thing is that the brake cleaner I used seemed to tighten the plug up in the rear of the housing. I still wonder if the cleaner caused the o-ring to bloat up enough to seal and tighten the plug itself again. I still put on the sealant and have not seen it leak since.

Mark944na86

Interesting theory about the cleaner. I blasted it with some brake clean and applied the RTV after it had dried off -- we shall see!

Thanks all for your advice and tips.

minho78

Mark, did that work?

Mark944na86

Yes, it did. Well, at least so far no leaks...

M758

Yes give it a try. It is simple quick fix. It may not last, but considering the alternative give it try.

PorscheDoc

I've seen rtv hold for years and years without any problems. In fact, I don't think I have ever sen that fix actually start to leak again. Most people won't pay to pull the covers to replace a cheap oring, so that is usually the standard solution. It isn't the most pretty, but it works.

CurtP

When I putting together my replacement engine, I coated the O-ring and plug with Yamabond-4. I also used Yamabond-4 on the oil pan gasket.

FRporscheman

Is there anything wrong with doing that? I've often wondered why people don't just coat every damn thing with gray silicone or yamabond/hondabond, and avoid leaks for a decade.