"New to me" Boxster stinks of oil

[BoxsterInTheSun]

My new to me 2002 986 absolutely stinks of oil, inside and outside the cabin, during and after a drive.

A quick look underneath ( I don't have a jack low enough to fit under this car yet ) shows it's leaking oil for sure. I did a bit of research and ordered new spark plug tubes, but this looks like it might be something more sinister than just that. Not the end of the world as I was expecting a project with this car.

A few quick pictures of the underneath in case it's obvious to any of the experts here!

[Starter986]

Get underneath... look for where (how high up) is the leak coming from.

Me? I'm pulling the oil pan,,, doing the usual inspection... and then resealing it. Also... I'm checking the plug tubes.

Another also... bring some rags and wipe off all that oil.

Those would be a good start.

[elgyqc]

Check the oil fill tube that goes from the trunk to the engine. The accordion section, which is in the engine compartment, can split and oil vapour is pumped out. You have to remove the engine cover to check this.

[BoxsterInTheSun]

Thanks so much for the help! I did the spark plugs and tubes this weekend, and they did look like they were leaking, and the plugs looked rough anyway. A quick drive suggests things have improved.****

I also suspect that thing to the left of the "Vario" stamp might be leaking based on the amount of oil around it?

I plan to drop the oil pan next and will reseal it in the hopes of eliminating another possible leak source.

[Gilles]

BoxterInTheSun; Before starting changing parts, you way want to clean the engine first, using a can (or two..) of engine degreaser, rinse with "Low Pressure water", then use Simply Green to remove the oily engine degreaser residue and rinse again with low pressure water, you will be surprised how nice the clean engine will look :-)

Afterwards you should (easily) be able to find the source of the oil leak, and plan accordingly.

Congratulations on your new ride!