swoop

First, I'd like to mention that I have been following the rennlist for about a year now and this is the most incredible community of people I have ever come across. The dedication, camaraderie and generosity of everyone is terrific.

I have owned my 1980 928 auto with 126000 miles for 4.5 years and have loved every second of my ownership. I am not very mechanically experienced, but I can take care of the basics and have a good mechanic that seems to be honest, affordable and 928 experienced enough for me to enjoy the car.

Unfortunately, I have recently been told that an oil leak that I have developed with the car will require engine removal. The leak is coming from the bolt that secures the cylinder head to the block. With the engine running, it is a steady trickle that drips roughly once every 30 seconds, however stops leaking when engine becomes cool.

The Questions finally are...
1. Is it alright to drive and enjoy the car for many more miles, despite the leak?
(it is the only leak present on the car)

2. Can I expect to see the leak get worse very soon?

3. Is there any external treatment I can do? (bubble gum perhaps)

4. forget about the leak and drive?

5. Oil additive?

6. Sell the car to a good home that won't chop, dismantle or butcher?

I love the car and have replaced and/or rebuilt many items including the transmission/torque tube etc. and I want to hold on to it. However, I cannot afford an engine rebuild. The car is incredibly strong in every aspect and actually makes me question the 220hp rating from Porsche.

Sorry about the length.

Thanks

1980 Porsche 928 Auto (same colour as seen on Risky Business)

atb

Swoop,

Drive on, just don't park in the driveway when visiting neighbors.

If its a trickle and not a drip, you will have to keep a sharp eye on the oil level.

Can you post a pic of where the leak is coming from? Sounds like a cam cover bolt, not a head bolt like what you are describing. I don't think the motor has to be pulled to replace it, but a pic would help.

Don't plug it or use any additives. You don't need a rebuild, porbably just a gasket/seal replacement.

sharkmeister85

I think you need to give us more info on the leak first. Is it coming from a bad head gasket, or is it coming from a bad head or cracked block or what? Maybe you need to pull the head first to find out.
Glenn

drnick

i agree with these guys, try and get a picture of where the leak is coming from to provide more information before deciding whether its a major or minor.

JEC_31

To quote the great Douglas Adams, "DON'T PANIC!"

I thought my ex-shark had a horrendous oil leak, but it turned out to be power steering fluid actually turning black as it trickled down the filthy motor before dripping on the floor. One hose fix and lots of cleanup.

Follow these guy's recommendations and do some more in-depth investigations.

swoop

Wow! you guys are quick. Thanks.

If you look up past the oil filter about mid engine block and towards the drivers side area it looks like a large bolt. It seems to me like it holds the cylinder head to the block and the oil is slowly oosing out from under the bolt when running.
it drips on to the top of the oil pan. It is a tight space up through there and I can't see any other way of getting at it without pulling the engine.

I don't believe the leak to be the dreaded oil pan gasket as I have identified the rout the oil is taking to hit the floor. You'll have to forgive me I am going by memory, as I am at work. I will look into posting pics this evening. I just spoke again to my mech. and he wants to have closer inspection of what's going on.

I will keep all posted.

Thanks again everyone.

FlyingDog

That sounds like one of the oil pump check valve screws, or maybe an oil line to/from the cooler if you have one.

The studs that hold the head on are on top of the block.

PorKen

To further what Matt said, if you don't have an engine oil cooler (likely with early US cars), then an oil cooler blockoff plug.

At most, you may have to remove the alternator, and/or the power steering pump to get a grip on the offending plug.

Methinks your mechanic is taking collections for Christmas.

heinrich

What ken said. Get a real mechanic. That is the oil cooler line blockoff plug. I would get under there and look up the torque in the manuals (someone here may post it) and just torque it to spec. You may need a crush ring (a 5-dollar shipped part). Roll up your sleeves. Your car is not brain surgery. Get a little oil in your mouth and as I say, get a real mechanic - hopefully yourself.

CWO4Mann

It is most likely the oil cooler plug. That is where I have a leak. The Official Porsche 19787-1980 "MOdels, Dimensions, Tolerances" book, 1st Edition, dated December 31, 1979, on page 25 and 26 has torques for various engine parts. The oil plug bolt is not specifically mentioned. However the following may be of help:

"All other bolts and nuts":

Torque Nm (kpm) 6+2 (0.6+0.2) Thread M6
Torque Nm (kpm) 20+2 (2.0+0.2) Thread M8
Torque Nm (kpm) 40+5 (4.0+0.5) Thread M10


Cheers,

hupp

Get a pic of the leaking area. I agree with the other guys, this does not sound like a head stud leak as they are not visible from under the car. An oil cooler plug leaking wil be a blessing.

swoop

Ok. guys.
Upon further inspection of the oil cooler plug, I have actually found that this is not the culprit for the leak. I investigated further and see that the leak is actually coming from the front left cylinder head stud. There are many of these studs that fasten the cylinder head to the block and it is definately leaking from the one mentioned.

I am thinking it might be that the oil is working its way past the threads of the bolt?

Or I have a cracked cylinder head in the area of this bolt/stud?

What should I be expecting in terms of fixing this?

Does the engine come out now?

Sorry about the confusion.
Couldn't get pics this evening.

Weissach

I would drive it and keep your eye on the oil level. If it's small, it's no big deal. But if you need to add a quart every time you fill her up with gas, then you have a problem. Most 928's that I've seen leak a little oil from somewhere. Be happy you don't have a 911 of the same year, those cars are like Niagara falls..

PorKen

If you're sure it's not from the cam tower (ready source of leaks), then it might be a head gasket?

The head(s) can be removed while in the car.

hupp

"There are many of these studs that fasten..." Sounds like you're confusing the cam tower bolts with the head studs. Is the stud you are refering to an 8mm allen, located just above the exhaust header? If so this is a cam tower bolt and the leak can be repaired without pulling the engine.