reno928s

The previous owner of my 88 turbo had the turbocharger replaced because of an oil leak. The leak is still there and the mechanic now says it's the oil pan. Is it that difficult to distinguish the oil leak between the two or did he actually have two oil leaks? Thanks, Reno

Eyal 951

Can't help you on the fix (not yet at least) but werlcome to the turbo & S forum, you should really enjoy that turbo S, you'll have to post photos and such when you get it.

James Herne

Oil leak is not a serius problem. If you're sure, it's an oil pan, buy a used one and replace it. You can weld the aluminium aswell, but used oil pan will not cost more than welding, maybe $100. 951 and 944 oilpans are same, just remember that from '87 or '88 cars have oil level meter, which means slightly different oilpan. Maybe the oil leak comes from the gaskets? Anyway, oil leak is small issue.

And changing a 928 to a 951 is just a great idea. I have owned both and I think that 928 is for ages starting from 40. OK, I do not know your age...

James (29)

Mike B

Do you mean a leak from the oil pan gasket? Just like most of the tasks with these cars it isn't that difficult but the oil pan gasket replacement is time consuming as you have to remove the cross member.

Also, what appears to be an oil pan gasket could be something else leaking from above and dripping down.

kasturbo

Changing the oil pan gasket can be a big deal. I don't know why people are making it out to be nothing. I'd say about 7 to 10 hours of labor. You have to drop the cross over pipe and then the whole front cross member. Then the motor has to be lifted a bit to get the pan out. I don't know if you plan to do the job yourself or not, but the labor costs will far exceed the parts cost in this job.

kasturbo

Sorry Mike you beat me to the post. I agree with Mike, be sure the leak you are seeing isn't comming from the rear main seal. That's an even bigger job to do.

TonyG

And... not all 951 & 944 oil pans are the same except the oil level sender provision.

The later style has better baffeling.

And I would have to agree... changing the oil pan gasket is not easy.

Jfrahm

If you go in after that leak, it's probably wise to install new motor mounts as well, and maybe even the rod bearings if there is a lot of miles on the motor.

-Joel.

Mike B

Oh Boy...That "while you are in there" thing will get you every time

You're absolutely right Joel...Most of the labour getting to the pan is the crossmember and cross-over pipe.

nine-44

Mine was easy, only took about 30mins. It may have helped that the motor was upsidedown on an engine stand too?

Lee Zook

Other areas to check for oil leaks include the balance shaft cover end cap o-rings, all front engine seals, cam tower rear gasket, mounting plate to which the oil cooler hoses attach to, and even the rack unit. Tough to tell until you get the area clean and then start the looking.

Ask me how I know (have replaced all the above except the seals associated with the "mounting plate to which the oil cooler hoses attach to" which is next on my list.
Good luck,
Lee

reno928s

Thanks for the replys, The previous owner's mechanic told him the turbos were leaking so he had them replaced. After all that the owner told me it was still leaking and that it was the oil pan gasket. My question is how can you mistake the oil pan leaking with the turbos leaking? What else is in that general area? Thanks again, by the way anybody in NJ with a lift? Reno

944Fest (aka Dan P)

Welcome "reno951S", adios "reno928s".

Peckster

There's only one turbo, and there's an oil feed to the turbo that can leak. Get a PPI done by someone who knows these cars. The fact you've already placed a deposit may make it harder to get the owner to agree to it, but hopefull your deposit isn't too large.

You can use the PPI results to bargain the price down.

reno928s

How can you mistake the turbo charger leaking vs the oil pan? or did he have two leaks? Reno