Charlie

I have a leak on my 968. It is located where the front housing of the lower balance shaft bolts to the balance shaft housing. I think if it was the lower balance shaft seal it would be leaking out of the lower cover which is not.

I have just put new seals on the lower balance shaft including new o-ring. I have also put new gasket for the oil cooler and O-rings for the two oil cooler hoses.

If you have had this leak and solved the problem or have an idea please respond. Thanks

In the picture you can see oil forming where the lower bolt of the front housing bolts to the balance shaft housing.

Stephenwz968

I'm trying to trace a similar leak after a front end reseal...I'll let you know if I find what it is!

Humboldtgrin

You need to replace the sleeve as well as the front seal and the translucent seal on the back side of the housing. Once there is a grove made in the sleeve that sets on the ballance shaft from the seal its done for and won't seal right. I found a new set on evilbay.

Charlie

I did replace the sleeve. The oil is not coming out the front of the lower balance where the sleeve and seal is. I think it is coming from where the large oring on the housing is. I replaced it but I believe that is where the leak is. I even pulled the housing and put in a slightly thicker oring and think it is still leaking. Haven't had much time to look lately.

Humboldtgrin

Now that's a bummer!

mytrplseven

One of the most valuable tools I have in my tool box is the cheap flourescent dye tracer kit, available at most autoparts stores. Pour some dye in the oil, drive the car for a couple of hundred miles to make sure the dye has migrated to the source of the leak, then using the magic glasses and uv flashlight, you'll know precisely where the leaks are. This also works in brakes, power steering, cooling system and A/C.

MattSlay

Same. Exact. Issue! (Feb 2020)

1990 944 S2

Did you ever solve this issue??

Charlie

I gave up, never found the source.

jimbo1111

I had a similar leak on that spot on the 951 and it turned out being the oil cooler housing gasket. Try torquing the 4 housing bolts. If the leak slows down or stops. You will know for sure.

thomasmryan

There is a small bracket on the back side between the lower balance shaft front assembly and the actual balance shaft cover. This bracket should be left loose until the front cover is tightened to specs. (when you fix one leak the next weakest point reveals itself)

michaelmount123

Finding the source of an oil leak is easy with this method (tried and true):

Clean the area with BrakeClean and blow it off.
Dust the area with Baby Powder. It will stick and stay.
Run the engine. The leak will show itself very quickly and be wettest at the source.

No need for complicated/expensive dyes and google glasses.

MM