Engine Coming Out!
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 340
Likes: 85
Engine Coming Out!
Hoping for some input from the mechanics and mechanically-inclined. My 2014 4S has an oil leak from the timing chain cover. 3.0L V6 TT. Apparently this is a known issue with this engine across the full Porsche line-up (Panamera/Cayenne/Macan). Aluminum bolts fail causing leaks at the timing chain cover or cam cover. Fix is a full engine reseal ($$$).
Here’s the craziness of my situation…I’ve had this leak before! 1st leak was in 2017 at 27 000km (16 800 miles) while the car was still under Porsche factory warranty. Reseal was done at a local dealership under warranty with the engine left IN PLACE. Not the way the Porsche technical bulletin says to do the repair but apparently commonly done to prevent pulling the engine.
Within 2 years I found oil again around the alternator and around the drain pan. I monitored for a bit then knew something wasn’t right. Car is now out of Porsche warranty but have full mechanical aftermarket warranty ($$$) until 2024. I had lost confidence in the original dealer (for completely unrelated issues) so drove further to the oldest and most established dealer in my area. I also had a strong personal connection at this other dealership. I strongly suspect incompetent work at the 1st dealership as the root cause for the early failure so not interested in returning.
Inspection last week (at 2nd dealership) revealed the timing chain cover is leaking (AGAIN!). A/M warranty has approved the job with an estimated repair cost of $12 000 (CDN)! This time the engine is being pulled out to complete the work.
Here’s my question. Because the engine is coming out, any other preventative or routine maintenance to do now? I would pay extra for this work but would likely save on future labour costs. Car is sitting at 62 000km (38 500 miles) so only routine services (oil changes, brake fluid flush, brakes, etc.) up until now. For example, plugs and coils are original? Engine mounts?
Suggestions with a quick explanation would be helpful! Thanks in advance!
Here’s the craziness of my situation…I’ve had this leak before! 1st leak was in 2017 at 27 000km (16 800 miles) while the car was still under Porsche factory warranty. Reseal was done at a local dealership under warranty with the engine left IN PLACE. Not the way the Porsche technical bulletin says to do the repair but apparently commonly done to prevent pulling the engine.
Within 2 years I found oil again around the alternator and around the drain pan. I monitored for a bit then knew something wasn’t right. Car is now out of Porsche warranty but have full mechanical aftermarket warranty ($$$) until 2024. I had lost confidence in the original dealer (for completely unrelated issues) so drove further to the oldest and most established dealer in my area. I also had a strong personal connection at this other dealership. I strongly suspect incompetent work at the 1st dealership as the root cause for the early failure so not interested in returning.
Inspection last week (at 2nd dealership) revealed the timing chain cover is leaking (AGAIN!). A/M warranty has approved the job with an estimated repair cost of $12 000 (CDN)! This time the engine is being pulled out to complete the work.
Here’s my question. Because the engine is coming out, any other preventative or routine maintenance to do now? I would pay extra for this work but would likely save on future labour costs. Car is sitting at 62 000km (38 500 miles) so only routine services (oil changes, brake fluid flush, brakes, etc.) up until now. For example, plugs and coils are original? Engine mounts?
Suggestions with a quick explanation would be helpful! Thanks in advance!
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 177
Likes: 97
The official shop is crazy. The reseal should cost a fraction of what they charge, it’s not a big deal of a repair it’s just Porsche being Porsche overpricing the hell out of things they should have recalls for...