Notices
996 Forum 1999-2005
Sponsored by:

left head leaking

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jul 15, 2011 | 01:03 PM
  #1  
porsches996's Avatar
porsches996
Thread Starter
Instructor
 
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 175
Likes: 0
Default left head leaking

Hello folks....,

My 2000 996 C4 has developed an oil leak at the rear of the engine.
The gasket is probably going south and let oil leaking drop by drop each time i use my car.

I called my mechanic and he ask 20 hours/labor at $80.00/hour. the total rebuilt of both heads will cost $2500.00....what do you think folks...

Any other parts to replace while i'm in there...
I already bought a new AOS....what else....
I was also thinking about guide rail...

Waiting for you comment.
Thanks

Robert
Reply
Old Jul 15, 2011 | 02:01 PM
  #2  
Byprodriver's Avatar
Byprodriver
Rennlist Member
 
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,455
Likes: 177
From: So.CA
Default

It's unlikely that your head gasket is the cause of the oil leak, but if you want/need to have the heads rebuilt & $2500 is the total parts & labor that's a good price.
Reply
Old Jul 15, 2011 | 02:13 PM
  #3  
Macster's Avatar
Macster
Race Director
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 19,035
Likes: 269
From: Bentonville, AR
Default

Originally Posted by porsches996
Hello folks....,

My 2000 996 C4 has developed an oil leak at the rear of the engine.
The gasket is probably going south and let oil leaking drop by drop each time i use my car.

I called my mechanic and he ask 20 hours/labor at $80.00/hour. the total rebuilt of both heads will cost $2500.00....what do you think folks...

Any other parts to replace while i'm in there...
I already bought a new AOS....what else....
I was also thinking about guide rail...

Waiting for you comment.
Thanks

Robert
Find another mechanic. While the head rebuild cost estimate is probably ballpark to want to rebuild the heads for a possible leak that is not even head gasket related is well find another mechanic.

There are too many other sources of oil leaks in that general vicinity to blame the head gasket first.

A good mechanic should be able to determine where the leak is coming from especially if it is that heavy. Just follow the clean area up to the source.

If the source of the leak is still a bit up in the air, a mechanic can use an oil dye adding this to the engine and then send you out for a drive. When you return he'll put the car on a lift and with a black light look for the glow. This will tell him where the leak is coming from and then he can offer you a good idea of what the cost will be to fix the leak.

Unless the head gasket is determined to be leaking or the engine is manifesting symptoms/behavior that point to the heads needing rebuilding the heads should not receive anything more than a good cleaning after the source of the oil leak is found and the leak fixed.

Sincerely,

Macster.
Reply
Old Jul 15, 2011 | 02:24 PM
  #4  
mglobe's Avatar
mglobe
The Penguin King
Rennlist Member
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 9,841
Likes: 120
From: Houston
Default

If there's oil around the head, the first candidate I would suspect would be leaking spark plug tubes. That costs a lot less than $2500 to fix.
Reply
Old Jul 15, 2011 | 02:38 PM
  #5  
fpb111's Avatar
fpb111
Rennlist Member
15 Year Member
 
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,544
Likes: 108
From: Northern NJ
Default

Define "Rear" of the engine and which side is leaking.

If by rear you mean the part towards the front of the car it could be RMS, IMS, if it is on the left side it could be the AOS either side could be spark plug tubes, , cam actuators, or...

If "rear" is by your feet when you stand behind the car gazing into the engine bay it could be spark plug tubes, oil pump, cam actuators, or...
Reply
Old Jul 15, 2011 | 03:07 PM
  #6  
RPMulli's Avatar
RPMulli
Banned
 
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,552
Likes: 49
Default

Pics....please..
Reply
Old Jul 15, 2011 | 08:52 PM
  #7  
porsches996's Avatar
porsches996
Thread Starter
Instructor
 
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 175
Likes: 0
Default

here you will find some pics of the oil leak.
Thanks

Last edited by porsches996; Jan 19, 2012 at 01:17 PM.
Reply
Old Jul 16, 2011 | 07:58 AM
  #8  
porsches996's Avatar
porsches996
Thread Starter
Instructor
 
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 175
Likes: 0
Default

So guys......
what do do you think....
thanks
Reply
Rennlist Stories

The Best Porsche Posts for Porsche Enthusiasts

story-0

7 Porsche Models That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Stunning Porsche 356A Super GT Speedster Auction Fails to Meet Reserve

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Every Era of 911 Owner Explained in One Sentence

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Thinking of Buying a Porsche? Do These 10 Things First

 Joe Kucinski
story-4

Pixar Pals Turned Into 1-of-1 Porsches!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-5

Theon Goes Full Carbon Fiber With Stunning New Build

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Genius Porsche-Themed Gifts That'll Make Any Dad or Grad Smile

 Joe Kucinski
story-7

10 Used Porsches Are Selling for Way Too Cheap

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

Tuner Is Converting Porsche 911s Into Shooting Brakes

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

This Coachbuilt Creation Is A Modern Take on the Legendary Porsche 917

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Jul 16, 2011 | 09:05 AM
  #9  
geetee's Avatar
geetee
Burning Brakes
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,192
Likes: 81
From: 19454
Default

If i'm looking at it right.....straight above from that location is the AOS....it leaks and the bottom point before it drops to the ground is where you circled...
My bet is AOS
can you get a cam in between the arrow and sway bar on that last pic?
Reply
Old Jul 16, 2011 | 09:13 AM
  #10  
redridge's Avatar
redridge
Nordschleife Master
 
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 7,446
Likes: 69
Default

+1 again, AOS....
Reply
Old Jul 16, 2011 | 11:38 AM
  #11  
logray's Avatar
logray
Three Wheelin'
 
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,851
Likes: 9
From: Nor Cal
Default

If those 3 small perimeter head bolts are not tightened properly or have somehow worked their way out that area of the chain box can leak - but I haven't read very many threads of this happening, if any.

I read one thread where after the head was removed someone discovered a small pebble on the gasket sealing surface, which was the reason for the leak at the gasket.

I agree on getting additional diagnosis before committing to pulling the heads. That's a big job to not get the diagnosis 100% spot on.

If you do get have the heads removed, and if you have a lot of miles on the engine, consider having the heads sent to a machine shop for a valve job with new valve seals (cheap), cleaning, pressure test, measure tolerances, valves 3-way cut, etc. The cost should not be great. Perhaps 200 to 300 per head, if you offer to walk the heads from the repair shop to the machine shop (unless they'll do that for you and not pass on tremendous costs).

If the $2500 includes a valve job, NEW HEAD BOLTS (required because they are single use - consider buying ARP studs which are re-usable), and NEW HEAD GASKET(S) that is a great price indeed! If it is for just one side that is not so great a price, but not out of the ballpark.
Reply
Old Jul 16, 2011 | 11:45 AM
  #12  
porsches996's Avatar
porsches996
Thread Starter
Instructor
 
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 175
Likes: 0
Default

Hello folks....

Thanks for all and i think you are right....

I had a look at the engine this morning and the oil is seeping from the AOS on top....the oil drop from the AOS to the bottom of the engine....that is a good news just before vacation...i probably saved $2000.00...Wow...i will let you know when i'LL BE BACK.
Thanks once again
Reply
Old Jul 16, 2011 | 12:25 PM
  #13  
ivangene's Avatar
ivangene
Parts Specialist
Rennlist Member
 
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 16,326
Likes: 30
Default

congrats on the less expensive repair but please ask your shop how much to remove the head and re-seal...your $2k thoughts might be a tad off
Reply
Old Jul 16, 2011 | 12:51 PM
  #14  
porsches996's Avatar
porsches996
Thread Starter
Instructor
 
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 175
Likes: 0
Default

Hi !

My mechanic, a Porsche specialist, said to rebuilt both heads took around 24 hours at 80.00/hour plus gasket sealant new head bolt= $2500.00 canadian money.

This garage has probably one the best reputation in town and most of the mechanic who are working there were working for Porsche dealer before so you can trust them with no problem.
Thanks again

Robert
Reply




All times are GMT -3. The time now is 07:47 AM.

story-0
7 Porsche Models That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Some Porsches have become icons with age, proving that great design doesn't follow trends or expiration dates.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-16 13:40:23


VIEW MORE
story-1
Stunning Porsche 356A Super GT Speedster Auction Fails to Meet Reserve

Slideshow: One of the rarest Porsche 356 Speedsters ever built has resurfaced, offering a glimpse into a little-known chapter of the model's competition history.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-15 17:16:00


VIEW MORE
story-2
Every Era of 911 Owner Explained in One Sentence

Slideshow: Every generation of Porsche 911 attracts a different type of enthusiast, and each one comes with its own very specific personality.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 12:49:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
Thinking of Buying a Porsche? Do These 10 Things First

Slideshow: Before you start shopping for your dream Porsche, make sure you've checked these 10 items off your list.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-10 15:28:29


VIEW MORE
story-4
Pixar Pals Turned Into 1-of-1 Porsches!

Slideshow: three Porsche 911s inspired by three iconic Pixar characters!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-09 17:22:06


VIEW MORE
story-5
Theon Goes Full Carbon Fiber With Stunning New Build

Slideshow: Built around a carbon-bodied 964 and a naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six, this bespoke commission highlights how far the restomod formula has evolved.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-06 14:41:46


VIEW MORE
story-6
Genius Porsche-Themed Gifts That'll Make Any Dad or Grad Smile

Slideshow: Looking for gift ideas for you Dad or your newest grad? Look no further than these Porsche-themed ideas.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-12 10:37:13


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Used Porsches Are Selling for Way Too Cheap

Slideshow: These 10 used Porsches offer more driving thrills than their price would suggest.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:11:13


VIEW MORE
story-8
Tuner Is Converting Porsche 911s Into Shooting Brakes

Slideshow: A Polish Porsche specialist is moving ahead with one of the most unusual 911 conversions in recent memory: a shooting brake version of the 991-generation sports car.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-01 19:46:47


VIEW MORE
story-9
This Coachbuilt Creation Is A Modern Take on the Legendary Porsche 917

Slideshow: A Porsche Carrera GT has been transformed into a one-off coachbuilt machine that blends analog supercar engineering with styling inspired by the legendary 917 race cars.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-01 17:06:04


VIEW MORE