GRUWEZ

After 13 years of faithful service, the valve covers on my 993 Turbo are starting to leak. The smell of burnt oil on the exhaust does not really entice me, nor does the prospect of a potential engine bay fire.

I had always assumed that you need to drop the engine to replace the upper valve covers. However, last week someone told me it could be done with the engine in the car, provided you remove the turbochargers.

Is there anyone out there who has done the job without dropping the engine? Any pointers on how to tackle this job?

Thanks,
Rik Gruwez

Quadcammer

yup, drop the turbos and access is pretty good.

Use a GOOD allen socket to avoid rounding the heads and yeah, the rest is pretty self explanatory.

wagongotya

as quad said, easy access w/ the turbos removed...remember to properly torque the bolts, too much isn't always a good thing

GRUWEZ

OK, so even the UPPER covers can be replaced without dropping the engine?
Just want to be sure before I start tackling this job...

kanzilai

I done it last march. On the passenger side in pretty easy and you don't need to touch anything but, on the drive side you have to remove the turbocharger (obviously you must remove bumber, mufflers, cats and more).

If you have the right tools you can DIY but, be carefull when remove turbo from exaust manifold.

Ciao Nicola

P.S.: 1st pic passenger side (you can see the turboch.) and 2nd one drive side.

P.S.2.: In meanwhile, I updated the turbochargers oil supply line...

GRUWEZ

Thanks for the input. This looks like a good job to do in one of the coming weekends!

96_993TT

If your uppers aren't leaking I wouldn't bother. Lowers tend to be the leakers. I replaced mine last November (they were the originals) and decided to go with the Hargett billet covers on the lowers. I'll do the uppers with Hargett when the time comes. It was relatively easy, just take your time. I ended up taking both turbos off and adding Kevin's oil return valves. Haven't had one issue since.