944 S2 Oil Leak, Front Engine Area
 

I’ve just picked up a 201k mile 944 S2 that runs well. In fact, just drove it from CT to NC today.

However, it does have a mean oil leak that is coming from the area of the distributor, cam belt cover, somewhere in there. Runs all down on the water pump area, lots of oil, leaked about 1 quart every 400 miles.

I’m new to Porsches, but not to fixing cars. I’ll probably start working on this later in the week, but off hand does anyone know if this issue has a common culprit? I’m guessing the seal that mates the dizzy to the camshaft, but I’ve not looked at the design on paper nor had a peek at it yet.

Thanks much,
Ron

HI Ron welcome and congrats.
From what you are describing i would not drive the car any longer till its fixed.
Yes you are right as to what is probably leaking..but that will probably also mean that your timing belt is soaked in that same oil and ready to snap.<MAJOR DAMAGE
You might as well Redo all the seals in the front of the engine and replace those 2 belts (timing&balance shaft).
All the best
Ps: my s2 has 236kmiles. and still pulls like..like..well the wolds largest 4cyl engine :biggulp:

I checked the inspection hole for the cam belt actually and it is dry as a bone in the area where the belt runs. I can see no glistening in there on either side of the belt. It appears to be coming from just behind the plastic belt cover, up high, maybe the front of the valve cover or lower lip of the valve cover. Looks like I'll be taking all the front area apart and see what is up.

I just didn't know if there was a problem area with the 4V heads that was common. Leaking valve cover or possibly a crack that develops over time in the casting in that area.

Ron

When you take the timing belt cover off, pay special attention to where the oil pump mates with the block. It's a common leak point on that motor.

Thanks for the heads up Tom. I will check that out carefully. I've still not torn into the car as I've got race car work to do, but I do intend to fix it up for a driver so I can evaluate as a race car platform (I know it is good, just need to know if I like it!).

Best,
Ron

I have an 89 944 s2 with the same leak. Did you ever find out what the problem was?

Suggest you pull the cam cover and check the gasket, especially around the back of the cam shaft cover.
It is a completely different design than what most people have experienced on the 8V motors.