I think you have to remember that this design flaw started in MY99. While it is different metallurgy than the GT3 a casting change wouldn't fix that - machining would have to (alignment) or jig change (that holds material while maching).

I'm sure PAG is pulling it's hair out over this, just don't think they have it fixed.

My curiousity lies with how much Kolbenscmidt (the block caster who makes pistons) does with the engine. Their web site brags about doing assembly in addition to casting. PAG is such an outsourcing *****, it wouldn't surprize me if Kolb. assembles the piston/crank assembly. Furthermore, if that was the case PAG would probably get reimbursed for some of the problems. We're dealing with very smart people here.

Just my speculation.

 

The GT2/GT3 is NOT immune to RMS leaks.

https://rennlist.com/forums/showthre...hlight=RMS+GT3

 

No car is immune from RMS leaks.

 

Correct. The lower sales and different engine type can attributed to smaller reported RMS problems with the TT/GT2/GT3 but they are not immune.

However, it appears that the 996 and Boxster have disproportionate RMS failures than other earlier Porsches.

Rob

 

RR
I have owned 5 Corvettes over 36 years none ever had an RMS leak. The only Chevy's that ever had a RMS leak had a bad rear main bearing as well. Maybe you meant all Porsche's have RMS leaks.

 

The $150,000 Ford GT 40 was recalled for a RMS. Many cars have them, not just Porsche's, and certainly not all Porsche's.

I've had two 911's, with combined mileage of over 70K, neither has had an RMS... looking for wood to knock.

 

I think of this problem, as this . Yes Porsche knows and yes Porsche doesn't care, it is NOT effecting their sales, I mean the sales are up 30% from last year.I believe it is a design flaw, it will not be fixed by replacing the seal, it comes down to some cars are worse then others eg: Barnys car.My 2004 996 C2 had a leak at 18,000 k and was repaired under warranty of course, but please entertain me for a moment. PCNA pays 8 hours to do this job, I know for a fact that it really takes 3 hours(if your good) so why not change everyone thats covered. Correct me if i am wrong but aren't most P-car deals privately owned and operated i know if it were my dealership i would change every single one.I know this will **** allot of people of but come on people get over it, its a flaw if you cant deal with it SELL YOUR CAR. With this being said I don't think its right but what do you expect from Porsche , they are in the business to make money and I hate to tell you but they too cut corners.

 

I think you're absolutely right Paul. BTW car looks sweet, like a 40th with that bumper.
Chris

 

I check my 03 C2 everyday for any leaks and have found none. Today heading home on the 118 fwy (LA) going at 60 mph, the engine suddenly gets louder while obviously struggling to rev. The Check Engine light goes on, I pull over, engine still running but struggling to rev, the shut engine off due to low oil pressure message comes on. I comply and get off the car. There' s oil all over the the road under the car.

I call my dealer Westlake Rusnak and after describing hat happened they immediately told me that it was the main seal. Kudos to them, they did a great job assising me. They immediately called Porsche Road Assistance and within 20 minutes a flat bed truck arrived.

The driver was obviously experience in picking up Porsche. He knew exactly how to carefully load the car into the flat bed. It took him close to 30 minutes to do this as he carefully and painstakingly tied the car down on the flatbed.

On the way to the dealer (30 miles away), I complemented him on how careful he was with the car. He told me he had to actually take a course in a Porsche dealership on how to properly transport these cars.

We got to the dealer, where the manager was waiting for me in the entrance, did the paperwork quickly and I was told that the warranty would cover the cost of the new engine plus a free rental to use for the next 4 days as they expected the work to be done on Friday.

All in all the disastrous event ended up in a very positive note. Can't thank Kimberly Hoover, the Westlake Rusnak service manager enough. She kept me calm and did an awesome job assisting me.

Thanks Kimberly - appreciate all your effort!

 

Wow sqlb
I have never heard of a rear main seal blowing out. Usally they just weep oil a few drips at a time.
In fact on most I think you could just leave them leak to keep the dust down on the hyways if you don't mind a little oil on the garage floor. let us know if you hear any other details. I would be interested if such a severe leak caused oil to get on the clutch.

 

Sounds like a whole lot MORE than just a RMS. Odd to hear of a RMS lasted perfectly for 2 years, then BLAM it explodes and squirts oil (all of it) everywhere then automatically leads to a new engine. That is an EXTEMELY small space for 9+ qts of oil to escape that fast. There was something catastrophic that happened inside that engine other than RMS.

 

Amazing story about the level of customer service at that dealership. We have all heard of dealerships telling the owner to pound sand in some situations. Your a lucky guy. I hope my dealership has the same commitment to customer service.

 

SQLB,

How many miles do you have on the car??

I hope that you get your car back soon, better with a new engine.

 

The car has 19,972 miles. Ran perfectly until now without any kind of mechanical problems since I got it. Someone in 6speedline.com had a similar experience with his 02 C4. No oil leaks of or symptons of RMS then his Check Engine light went on and the rest is exactly like what happended to me.

I love this car and intend to keep it even though I plan of getting a 997 GT3 when it comes out next year. This incident does not diminish at all my Porsche fanatism. LOL

 

What happened to sqlb is a little disconcerting...I, along with others I think, assumed the RMS issue was something that gave some warning rather than a sudden catasrophic failure. I'd be interested to hear if the dealer gives any additional information on what exactly happened. This could get a little expensive for cars out of warranty...