AHEDAU

Looking at a 996 that has a rear main seal that has some seepage. Apparently its not leaking very much, but I need to budget for it or ask questions.
I've searched the achieves, and threads range from data suggesting to stay away from 996's all together to just driving them with minor leaks and living with it.
I have an 86 3.2 Cab for pleasure use and its never leaked a drop, but I guess I'm spoiled. I'm now looking for a daily driver and hope a 996 will not be a costly mistake.
The 996 has about 30K miles. Any advice would be appreciated.

1999Porsche911

Seepage (not dripping, but sweating) of the RMS on any car is not uncommon and many do so for all eternity. It is not necessarily a sign that the seal will give out completely or cause any dripping of oil in the future. Check the history of the car to see if the seal has ever been replaced. It is also very common for the oil that leaks from the cam cover on the front side of bank one will find it's way down the engine and drip from the area where the RMS would. I know of 2 cases where the tranny was pulled to replace the RMS and it was bone dry. Turned out the oil was from the top of the engine. This cover (and the one for bank 2) has a habit of leaking and it has an easy fix too.

ElTorrente

An RMS leak isn't too big of a deal.

Just wait until you need your clutch replaced, and have the RMS done at the same time - you'll save lots of money.

AHEDAU

is a PPI really essential?

kilrgt

The new RMS fix . seems to be working out real well,

JasonAndreas

Find another 996 without any history of a leaking RMS, there are plenty of them out there. You already know this car has a potentially serious $$$ problem so why make it your own?

pl

well, what if the car in question is priced right? like 10K below private party.

Vulture996

Is that where they change the RMS and the auxilary seal ? That's what's happening to my car this week. Dealership said it wasn't apparent at time of PPI.

Eli K

I think the latest is the Cayenne seal...

djantlive

Check RMS history by looking up warranty history and calling local dealers around. If it's a repeat RMS, I'd steer clear. Otherwise, I'd duct 2-3k off of the value. Also, get a PPI to be sure all the leaks are checked out. Other prone failure inclue MAF, coolant tank, manual tranny, rattles.

searching4996

If it's 10 k below private party value just buy it and put 4k aside for a 4 new rms's!

SteveFromMN

Any 996 you buy no matter the year might develope a RMS leak. I agree with the guy that said wait till it needs a clutch and replace both at that time. Same labor cost parts are cheap.

Nutbeem

Under 10k? I'm thinking it's going to need a lot more than an RMS fix.

vove

I would get a PPI and check the history of the car to see if the RMS is a reoccuring issue. If it checks out then just buy the car and get the RMS fixed. Hope things work out, good luck.

Eli K

RMS discussions should be against forum rules, seems like we get a post a day..