Optical TDI

While changing exhaust I found one leak from the motor, and when pulling the heat shield to the coils, I found another leak. Neither leak to the ground though. However I just bought the CPO'd car, so I'd like to have the dealer fix them. But I would like to know what's leaking if any of you can tell. This way, I'll be more knowledgeable when I discuss it with the dealer and show them the pictures. Thanks.

Motor leak:


Other leak on part inbetween coils on passenger side:

ivangene

the second one looks like the cam solenoid... if it is and is leaking the fix is pretty involved. DHarn55 has been in there...

though on the 3.4 that is not where the solenoid is, so I am not sure.

The first one looks to be right in line with the tranny/engine split. Could be a numer of things in there RMS/IMS seal or maybe something above those on the outside.

Since it is a CPO coverage, point to them and say "Fix these" then ask for a loaner 7GT3

Optical TDI

The sensor item that's leaking in the second picture: there are 2 sensors each side of the 3.6l motor that are on both sides of the most rear coil. These are different sensors (or whatever part they are), but have similar connectors. The one that is leaking is closer to the front of the car on the passenger side. The driver's side is dry.

Another picture is here for reference:

Dharn55

The black pipe in the first picture is actually a coolant line. However the oil seems to be coming from the center of the engine where it joins the trans. Could be the RMS, or the IMS flange. Could also be from a cam cover. To check the RMS and IMS flange seal you have to drop the trans and pull off the flywheel. At that point you may want to consider the LN Engineering IMS bearing and flange update. The parts are only about $600, and maybe an hour labor beyond what you have already done in removing the trans and flywheel. However, the dealer may want to get more than this.

The second picture is a cam solenoid, but it is one from a 3.6 VariosCamPlus engine. My experience is with a 3.4 engine. However replacing the seal at the solenoid is not that involved. The green ring is the seal. I think you just pull of the actuator (the black plastic part) and then the seal, which is part of the metal cap, comes right off with the two hex head bolts. Not a hard job to replace. I actually use some additional sealant (permatex RTV Copper) on these seals and they are a common leak.

With CPO this should all be covered (not the LN upgrade).

Optical TDI

Yes, it's on the metal part to the right of the coolant line and coming from were you describe. Well, it's off the dealer. I agree about the IMS upgrade from LN engineering and will discuss with the dealer if they do pull need to replace the RMS and/or IMS.

My other option is to let the dealer fix whatever is leaking now and then do my clutch (at an indie) at the end of the CPO along with the LN upgrade since the car will have around 35-40k miiles on the odometer in 2 years. That's if I keep it for more than 2 years (just bought it a few weeks ago). I have a bad habit of buying a car every 2 years.

Hopefully a loaner car is included from the dealer.

gota911

If the first leak is RMS or IMS then teh dealer will have to drop the engine to install the new seal. Have them check the clutch for wear. If it is 50% or less, consider replacing the clutch. They can install a new clutch without any additional labor, so it would be cheaper to do it now rather than later.

PTEC

Looks like you have a Rear main or intermediate shaft seal leaking in the first picture. Judging from the presence of the old style hex head case half bolts you're probably running the old style seal as well. The new style seal is a revalation and has been the cure of probably 95% of rear main leaks.

The second picture looks like a Variocam solenoid leaking. It could just be the seal around it but there have been issues where the solenoid themselves must be replaced due to a problem were oil can leak through the electrical connector. If you pop the electrical connector off and you see oil inside either end of it, you'll need a new Variocam solenoid.

Also you might already know this but in your third picture, you're missing a screw for one of you coils, it looks like it might be cyl. 4.

GaryAZ

I'm not convinced #1 is RMS/IMS. When my RMS leaked it looked like this. The drops made a bullseye on the sway bar. Unless you're parking on a pretty steep hill, your fluid is much further to the rear. Are you certain it's oil? It could be coolant from the hose.

porsche52

+1 ^^^ If only the REAL PTEC were of any assistance!!

Optical TDI

It's not even a drip that's collected, but definitely oil. I showed the picture to the local dealer and they said it's likely the RMS, but will want to verify on a lift of course. How could the selling dealer check the "Pass" box for oil leaks just 4 weeks ago is beyond me - he must have been 3/4 asleep that day. Won't PCNA be a bit suspicious of the selling dealer when a 4 week old CPO develops 2 oil leaks?

If the RMS needs replaced, will it be with the new seal? I hope Porsche has a new part # that dealers will know to use.

Yes, just thought to take pictures as I was putting the coil back in, but the bolt is in there...thanks for heads-up though. I couldn't get that rear passenger plug out without the wobble extension. I'm going to order the SK wobble spark plug extension kit from Sears.com. Someone here pointed it out and it looks nice for the $35...no way for an extension to come loose from the plug socket.

Pac996

The wobble is normally called a universal unless I've been deployed too many times for too long

You list the car as a 2002? Could be it sat for a while and normally seals will get strange after a car is run in then sits for extended periods. With just pictures it looks like old seepage that was partially cleaned off then baked on. I was told by a local friend today that giving the dealer the VIN and asking if it's had the IMS done is what I should do.

Seeing the wiped clean portion of the sway bar I'd wonder if the leak could be from the trans and blowing back. Your best bet is a brush with something like castrol super clean and start with a clean slate and see where things go from there. Then you'll know the origin besides being happy with a clean engine. I'd even be guessing front main is seeping stuff down. Class 1 leak in military terms.

Optical TDI

[QUOTE=Pac996;7163929]The wobble is normally called a universal unless I've been deployed too many times for too long QUOTE]

The wobble lets the extension articulate up to 16 degrees, which is different than the universal (I just learned about it because Porsche recommends a Snap On extension with a part # and it's a "wobble"). There are probably others ways at it, but I ordered the KD 3 set magnetic kit from Tooltopia for $35.

Pac996

Thanks for letting me know. There's a lot for me to learn for sure. I do know the germans taught me to wobble with veissen beer

Optical TDI

I just got back the results of a few items including these leaks from the dealer.
1. 1st picture leak on this post is the RMS - covered under CPO
2. 2nd picture leak is a valve lift actuator - covered under CPO
3. Yellow gunk in oil filler tube - they will replace tube, cap, and associated parts - covered under CPO
4. Power steering leaking at the filler neck, o-rings, etc - not covered by CPO, $45 in parts and 2 hours labor. At least winter labor is discounted to $95/hr. I would have thought this would have been covered...oh well can't have a PS fluid leak.
5. Rear spoiler make strange sounds like it's binding when manually opening/closing - dealer said it could clean the tracks for 1/2 labor. I'll figure out to clean them myself since they said it's not causing harm.


I've been almost regretting paying a higher price for a CPO...until now. This service may come close to paying for the $2k CPO fee.

Barn996

You did ok, got lots fixed, and very little $ out of pocket. Yea!