jimkuhr

Quick question, I took my '02 996 in for it's first service a couple of weeks ago and the dealer told me the main seal had started to leak. They did the replacement under warranty but I didn't think to ask what might have caused it to leak at what seems to be a pretty early stage. Anyone have any thoughts on what might have caused this and if it should be of a concern?

Thanks very much for your time and input!

DonW-Cape Cod

I think you'll find plenty of info on this subject by doing a search.

Waz996

this is the problem,,,,

make sure your clutch disc and plate were not affected...

waz

gsanders

Waz...where is the picture from. I looked under my 99 996 and cannot see anything like this.

Thanks!

Scouser

Hopefully you wont!

Its between your transmission and engine.

Its a common problem. But keep an eye on it after its done. If it happens again, you get a free replacement engine!

jimkuhr

Thanks for the help and the info, I'll keep an eye on things!

buckdr1

Jim, Don's correct. You might even see something I posted back when I first got my '02 C2( miss it) in Jan '02, leaked twice before they got it right.
1 more and I'd have gotten a new engine! It should be fixable. Good luck.
Bill

Hey Don, long time no post here! How's things in Fla? Are'nt you there full time now? I thought I saw your Vehicles being moved.

Webtool

My experience with seal failures would suggest that premature wear can be caused by misalignment or if the casing was bored non concentric to the shaft. If either of those exist the seal will always fail early and replacing the seal will only be a temporary solution. It is commendable that Porsche will replace the engine after a second failure eliminates simply a bad seal (or bad seal install), as that is the only true solution.

rpratt

So I just got the news that my '00 996 C2 is getting a new engine due to the rear main seal problem.
The good news is that its under warranty, so Porsche is paying for the new engine. It also makes the 30,000 mile service I was due for much cheaper, since most of it goes along with the engine anyway.
I've got a couple of questions. From searching the forum, it sounds like I should at least have the clutch checked, and replaced if its worn, since the labor will be much less. Is there anything else I should have done at the same time?
Also, any thoughts on how this will effect resale value? I'm planning on keeping the car, so its just curiosity on my part. On the one hand, its a new engine with 30,000 miles less wear on it (that's good), but on the other hand its not the original engine that came with the car (that's bad). What do you think?

Thanks,
Bob

PS: I'm driving a Boxster loaner in the meantime, and I can't believe how lousy the visibility is to the driver's side rear (with the top up). I can't see anything between the seat back and the side of the top.

Charlie C

Is this a new Boxster? I had heard that the '02 and newer with glass rear windows had less visibility.

Charlie

rpratt

its got the glass rear window and 830 miles. Seems nice enough with the top down, but can't see anything with the top up.

Bob

Gery NJ

They should also provide you with additional warranty on the engine, and ask to cover tranny as well for the same period. Never hurts to ask

Webtool

rpratt

For what its worth, I originally went to Porsche looking at the Boxter S but the so-so acceleration and HUGE blind spots killed that idea. I liked the general light agile feel of the Boxter, then you get back into a C2 and you know this is a very serious automobile indeed. Can't imagine the TT!

rpratt

Well, I have to say I'm impressed with Porsche NA and Carlsen Porsche's speed in fixing this. I dropped my car off Tuesday morning, they confirmed the RMS leak and need for a new engine later that day, and I just picked up my 996 on Thursday with a new engine in. 2 day turn-around for getting an engine from wherever Porsche's closest warehouse is, plus actually installing it, is pretty good in my book.
And I'm not stuck with that Boxster any more, although to be fair it does beat the heck out of the usual rent-a-car, it just doesn't stack up to a 996, especially during a cold, rainy week.

Bob

Marcel911NL

Rpratt,

Did you get the NEW engine with 320HP or exactly the same as the old one 300HP?

I might have the same issue on the RMS case with my 99 cab 996.

Marcel