r14

I was told by a mechanic to change lower valve cover gaskets ,because there are some oil drops on to left exhaust to cause some smoke.Ist of all I was quoted for $1350 for the parts and labor(15hours).Does it sound right?
I know this job have to be done soon or later on 10yrs old 993TT.Is it safe to continue to drive for a while as itis? Oil drops are about 5 drops per day.I dont have to add much oil.The car has 43K miles (county road drive). And If I do this repair ,What are the other things should be checked at the same time to reduce future problems and expences?Thank you.

Full Boost

1350!!!

RUN FOREST RUN!!!!

WHB Porsche

^^^ Ditto! That's absurd! Get another mechanic, NOW.

As far as things to be checked, the plastic valve cover should be placed against a flat surface to ensure it is warp-free. If the cover itself is warped, that should be replaced as well. The valves should be inspected to check for valve guide wear while they are observed. Parts for mine was about $215 while stuff was already off for a leakdown test. The leakdown/compression was quoted at about $100, so consider 4-5 hours of labor appropriate.

EDIT: Edited to add that parts included a full oil and filter change w/ Mobil 1 as oil needs to be drained to open the valve covers.

kurtv

This is a common problem. Some people have found that replacing the gaskets alone fixes the problem.

http://www.993faq.com/archives/cat_known_problems.html

Each of the plastic lower valve covers costs around $200 and the gaskets around $25. In my experience they leak around the bolts. There are companies that sell metal (billet) versions for around $500. Here is one source. On the 993tt, I believe that the turbos have to be removed to install the new valve covers. I saved some labor costs by combining the installation of rebuilt turbos around 90,000 miles.

http://eagleday.stores.yahoo.net/993bilovaco.html

r14

Thank you guys for the INfO.What does a dealer charge for such job? I was told that this job requres to remove all the exhaust system and turbos etc.
And would you replace valve covers to metal ones even the originals are still good to prevent future problems?

kurtv

My mechanic charged approximately $220 for the parts and $400 for the labor for each side.

r14

Kurt V
Thanks again!!

Jay993turbo

Replace your Hydraulic lifters! They fail. When I changed my Valve covers, every one of my lifters had failed, on some, the rubber seal had completely vaporized. I did the entire job myself, and it was not that hard at all.

TT Surgeon

Won't replacing worn lifters and not the equally worn cam create more problems? I always thought that was a no no.??

Barney1

I just did that on my car. The car has never been so quiet...

911/Q45

The lifters don't wear out from cam contact, it's more internal seal problems.