The dreaded RMS leak!
 

I would not mention it, and see if the mechanic picks it up. If the leak is minor (not dripping that you can notice on your garage floor), I would just keep driving merrily along keeping an eye on the engine oil level, and keep a quart or two with me on a long trip. I would change out RMS when it was due for a clutch swap, or some other reason...

Don't you want to know if it's leaking? I don't understand why anyone would want to ignore a problem if you've got it. Even if you're unaware of a problem, it won't just go away.

I'd ask for them to check it and see if it's bad enough to need a replacement.

Another good point- the main concern is: Could this leak be the pre-cursor to an RMS failure? Given the potential cost of those, should I even consider taking a chance ...

R

If it were leaking that bad, don't you think you'd see evidence on the floor or the car taking oil? If it makes you feel better hearing it from the Pcar mechanic and paying the dealership x amount to fix it, and that seems to be the prevalent thing to do here, I won't stand in your way. I have the unpopular view of thinking for myself, and seeing for myself. That's just me. What happens when you take the word of an "expert" (MNboxster :chicken: ? more on that later...) You become a slave.


I am aware that things don't fix themselves, but if it's a *slightly weeping* RMS like I have, then for me, it's not a call for RMS replacement. I wouldn't classify mine as a leak, it looks very slightly wet and that's about it, no drips... yet. The dealer would love to service me on this I'm sure. For those folks easily swayed to be on the safe side, I can understand. OTOH, there are those of us that woud like to spend that $$ somewhere else (turbo kit?? :) )


Which brings me to my suggestion. If the mechanic finds the leak on his own, then it's very possible the leak is bad enough to warrant replacement. If he misses it, then there may not be suffiecient oil "leak" to be spotted... (or maybe he's having a bad day)...


Whatever the case, a diligent owner should be able to deduce the signs of a RMS leak on their own. I suppose it comes down to trusting the dealership or trusting yourself. Since I'm fairly mechanical, I trust myself...YMMV.

That's the real meat right there, "chink in the dam" before the deluge?

An RMS leak is the same as an RMS failure. The cost is the same, fixing it requires replacing the Rear Main Seal. Letting it leak for a while doesn't drive the repair cost up, unless you let the engine run out of oil!

I don't recall anyone ever reporting that their RMS just suddenly "failed", gushing oil out and killing the engine. It'd have to pretty much completely blow the seal out to leak that badly. It just leaks... slowly at first, then sometimes getting worse as time goes on. As long as you pay attention to your garage floor and your oil level, you should be OK.

Don't confuse the RMS leak issue with an IMS failure. The two have nothing to do with each other.

Jack,

I think you've hit the nail on the head! Many thanks to all for your contributions- let's see if they mention the leak at the next service!

Thanks

R