964Dawg

Took my 964 in yesterday for a small oil leak at the rear of the car. My mechanic just called and said it was coming form the Chain cover on the left side. He said that he wants to purchase the kit and reseal and replace the O rings and such. Looks like it will be around 14 hours at $75 and hour plus parts. Does that sound right?

Bill Gregory

The chain cover seal on the left side is probably one of the easier parts to replace. Maybe an hour to an hour and a half of labor, and a $20? seal? Now, if he's talking the chain tensioner/cam to engine body seals, that requires dropping the engine and some disassembly. You should ask some more questions.

964Dawg

Thanks - Yes he said that you can purchase a kit to replace the gaskets, seals and O rings for the tensioners, cam and such, and that he would replace all of them while it was apart. I thought he said that he wasn't going to drop the engine though - is that possible?

Bill Gregory

My mechanic drops the engine for that type of resealing - I guess you could do it with the engine in the car, it's just more difficult. Dropping the engine sounds drastic, however, it's not really a big deal.

964Dawg

Yes - I spoke with him. He is going to drop the engine, but not remove it. I just misunderstood his statement. So does 14 hours for a complete reseal of the cam and such sound right?

bhensarl

Just a quick question, 964Dawg:
Do you really want to spend that much just to fix a small oil leak? Granted, replacing engine seals/o-rings is probably good preventive maintenance, but how much are you really going to benefit from this? I don't know much about this piece of maintenance, so I really am simply asking what the cost/benefit ratio might be. I know with my car I instantly want to fix any problem, no matter how slight, but sometimes I have to remind myself that I have to prioritize my upgrades/maintenance items due to my finite budget. Just a thought...

Brian

964Dawg

I do not disagree, but I also don't want the oil to saturate the belts or other components there in the back of the engine. At this point it's not to bad, but it is increasing in volume especially after longer trips. This car is really tight and it just makes me sick to see it.

Good question though - always have to measure the value of repair.

RonnieM

The right side chain cover was leaking on my car and I fixed with gasket and 9 little seals that go around the studs. The left was barely leaking so I just replaced the seals around the studs just to see if it would cure the problem. It has been two months since and no leaks. It is dry as a bone. You might want to try replacing the seals around the studs just to see, it won't cost but a few dollars just to see if that cures the problem.

Jacks911

Dawg,

Ronnie has a good point and my local Porsche expert agrees. I trust he will tell me when he needs more income for his summer house, but for now he says, "it's dryer than most, don't worry about it". If the only "damage" from an oil leak is to the floor in the garage, don't fix what ain't broke. Ask any Jaguar owner about oil spots on the floor ... "that's what saw dust is for!" I would advise you to do the same.

vuugti

I replaced mine on my 993 in no time. No need to drop the motor for that, might as well reseal the entire motor. Total cost for me, $40, including the nine o-rings and don't forget a few studs and nuts. If you need Part Number email me.

Andy

Colin 90 C2

Andy if you have the part numbers close at hand I would like them.
Do you by chance also have the part numbers for the rest of the leak locations, such as the power steering drive.
tia,
Colin

964Dawg

Thanks Guys - it's back from the shop now and yes $1500 later. They did drop the motor, but they had a lot of work to do.. He found multiple leaks when the cover was removed. They replaced

1 - Camshaft O ring
2 Chain Cover Gasket
2 cam retainer gasket
2 chain case gasket
18 chain case stude seal
2 chain tensioner gasket
2 chain tensioner O ring
1 timing cove rgasket
1 camshaft O ring
2 rubber O ring

I have no doubt that I could have fixed this usine your advice. It just came alittle late. The good news is he did a lot of work and I shouldn't see anymore leaks. Anyway, he gives 12 mo 12k guarantee on the work.

Either way, I appreciate your advice and will be trying to perform more of it on my own in the future.

RonnieM

Gee I'm in the wrong business.

964Dawg

No doubt - 12 hours of labor