andrewjt19

Basic Info
2002 Porsche 911 Carrera
Coupe C2
Manual 6 speed
US

So my friend and I started to the process of changing the IMS to the Solution and noticed while we were removing the second from the top left bolt of the transmission (facing the rear of the car) that there was a lot of corrosion. The bolt was very difficult to get out and actually took some of the threads with it. Once we removed the tranny we saw inside the housing of the tranny and the crank crystallized particles. It was also around the bolt that was tough to get out. After a closer look it appeared that the oil cooler had leaked antifreeze at some point which over time, seeped around the tranny/crank housing (did not enter the tranny though). It (the flakes) also was near where the cooler mount to the crank. This led us to believe that possibly the oil cooler is bad or going bad or possibly the oil cooler o-rings. Any ideas or comments? This is where I plan on getting the replacement parts. I can post some pics even if it would help.

fpb111

Do a search before you start tearing it apart. That area catches water and corrodes. It is normal. Not the oil cooler.

Look at ~35 seconds. Corrosion in that area is common.

Here

Ahsai

Agree with Frank but I'm still trying to understand why.

andrewjt19

Thank you for the videos. That's exactly what mine looks like as well. So this is normal? Just curious how moisture would get trapped there? Thanks so much though.

fpb111

My theory is that water sits on the flat ledge in the casting next to the cooler and works on the trans/engine seam until it eventually wicks into that void.
When the engine gets hot it turns to steam and further corrodes the cavity walls on the way out. Rinse repeat and you have a mess.
Winter driven cars would have the added bonus of salt added to the mix.