Hi,
I am trying to diagnose and hopefully fix oil leaks on my wifes 1990 C2. On Saturday I got underneath it and determined that the worst of the numerous leaks were behind the rocker panel. I unfastened all the connectors I could find but the rocker pannel would not drop. I did reveal several kg of oil soaked gravel. The oil was nice and yellow.

Anyone tell me how to get the rocker panel off? Also any advice on fixing oil leaks around what must be the thermostat for routing oil to the front cooler is apreciated.

Thanks,
Eric (Saving up for the Bently Manual) Fesler

 

Rocker panel? I just went leak hunting, removing the engine and can't identify what you mean by the rocker panel. There's a host of likely suspects for leaks. Chances are, the Power steering pump seal and O ring are faulty. Chain housing and valve covers are likely. Cylinder base O rings are also a possible cause. Lots of areas on a 90 can be weeping.
I'm just drawing a blank as to 'rocker panel'.

 

Fred - he's probably referring to the passenger side sill area (below the door), where the tubes run to and from the oil cooler.

 

Eric,
To remove the rocker panel, first remove the piece by the rear wheel. A couple of screws on the bottom of the panel and two plastic nuts inside the fender well. To remove the main rocker panel, remove the fasteners on the bottom. There are snapon fasteners on the top of the panel. Just start on one end and pop them out.

As for the leaks...that depends on what you find. It maybe as simple as tightening a connector.

Gary

 

The plastic clips usually break so make sure you have them and the platic grommets that fit in the body. Late last week we bought some of those clips direct from Porsche NA; be aware that the white plastic two part clip may be assembled incorrectly, if installed the rocker panel will fall off!!!!!! Compare the old with new first.

clip 999 591 916 40 6 required

grommet 999 702 160 40 6 required

By the way, you oil leak sounds like it may be the oil lines at the oil tank.

 

Wow, Lots of quick responses.

I as in fact referring to the sills under the doors. So when you say they POP out, in what direction should one pull? Horizontally away from the car perpendicular to the centerline?

Also thank you for the part numbers.

It is my understanding that the power steering pump seal IS also leaking. Am I correct in asuming that this requires a complete engine drop?

Thanks again,
Eric

 

The rocker panel pulls off horizontally away from the body.

If the power steering seal is leaking the job can be done with the engine in the car. Make sure you replace the o-ring and the seal. It's easier with the right side heat exchanger off, but apparently that is not strictly necessary. You do have to pull the steering pump to remove the casting bracket that holds the seal.

 

The rockers pull off straight away from the car, the clips are a "ball and socket" design, of sort.

There are some plastic nuts that secure the bottom of the rocker panel to the car if I remember correctly.

...so that may answer your question as to why you popped all the clips out and the rocker wouldn't come off.

Good luck, I was just informed last week by someone on the boards who worked on my car prior to my purchase that my passenger rocker was removed to chase down an oil leak as well...some of the clips were broken and I replaced them some time ago.