Hi Just purchased a 2000 996 Cabrio (C2) from a very unscrupulous dealer in cocoa fl. (Extreme Motorcars).

One of the many issues I was not informed about is when the 996 is warm there is an oil smell and upon inspection oil smoke can be seen exiting the drivers side rear wheel well.

There is no noticable oil leaking when the engine is not running, not a drop.

Being new to the boxter engine my "guess" is a leaky valve cover dripping on the header, does that sound reasonable?

How difficult a job?

if not, any other ideas of what else it could be?

Thanks for your help!

Rick.

 

Having to reseal the covers is a very common issue with the 996. Mine was leaking when I purchased it, but not enough to smoke visibly. Note: The engine is a "boxer" engine, but that's more of a Subaru term. Porsche dorks just call them flat sixes; super dorks refer to them by model (M96).

I'd get it on a lift or at least ramps asap and see where the oil is collecting. Post up a picture if you're not sure what you're looking at.

On the plus side, maybe you could convince the insurance adjuster that your car was actually one of the new GT3s...



I hope the car has some redeeming qualities, and isn't just a leaky POS.

 

Sounds like a spark plug tube leaking. Do a search for "spark plug tube". Plenty of info. You can change it out as a DIY if you are handy if not not find an Indy. Good luck.

 

Definitely getting under there and checking out where the source of the leak may be coming from will help narrow down your issue. If/when you find it, we provide a lot of great in depth Tech Articles that may help you with repairing the leak.

-Luccia

 

Have the same issue with my 2000 C2. Valve cover gaskets and spark plug tube have a small, but noticeable, leak. I was quoted about $1300 for parts and labor from my indy. They estimated about a 9 hour job if I recall correctly.

 

$1300? LOL

On the MK1's it's mostly the Spark Plug tubes/o-rings and less of valve cover issue most of the time. If you can turn a wrench, you can do this in one afternoon yourself and save close to $1200.

 

IF it's just the spark plug tubes.......

 

Actually the valve cover(s) is even easier than the tubes.

 

Well in that case, I'll drop it off at your place tomorrow. There will be a 30 pack of Pabst in the frunk for ya. Didn't realize it was that "easy."

 

A 12 pack of Keystone or Milwaukee's Best is more than enough. Lol.

 

My limited experience is the tubes leak more often than the camshaft covers.

Even after nearly 290K miles the camshaft covers on my Boxster were oil tight. The o-rings were leaking. They were just worn out. Came out in pieces.

Before I messed with the camshaft covers I'd do the spark plug tube o-rings (and while you are there change the plugs if they are due) then clean the engine and drive and check for new leaks.

Frankly, I wouldn't touch the camshaft covers unless they are leaking and need to be resealed. These are more than just covers.