Spark plug tubes

[Shadow_40]

I am a noob to Porsche maintenance (though not to car and engine work in general)

I have oil all over my head cover area (both sides) and am having to add 1 litre of oil every 300 miles or so, so I ordered a tube of sealant to refit the head covers, a set of plug tubes and seals. It's a 2002 Boxster S by the way.

having found this thread I suspect I might have wasted some money on the sealant. Do you good folks think just replacing my plug tubes will fix the problem or do I actually need to remove, clean and refit my head covers? (I mean is it likely all my oil loss is from the plug tubes/O-rings?)

If I fitted the tubes and seals and found that my head covers were leaking would the plug tubes be reusable or need replacing again?

[healthservices]

Originally Posted by Shadow_40

I am a noob to Porsche maintenance (though not to car and engine work in general)



If I fitted the tubes and seals and found that my head covers were leaking would the plug tubes be reusable or need replacing again?

No sealant is used when installing the sparkplug tubes so yes they can be reused


Please note that if you decide to remove the valve cover there is a danger of the cams falling out without something to hold the cams in place. And yes you can make a simple tool to hold those in too.

[Heiko]

Originally Posted by Shadow_40

I am a noob to Porsche maintenance (though not to car and engine work in general)

I have oil all over my head cover area (both sides) and am having to add 1 litre of oil every 300 miles or so, so I ordered a tube of sealant to refit the head covers, a set of plug tubes and seals. It's a 2002 Boxster S by the way.

If that much oil leaks out every 300kms you must be able to see where its coming from... if not wash the outer cam shells off (or spray them down good with brake clean) and see where the oil comes from.... If the tubes leak just replace the tubes (they should come with new O-rings) The old rings get hard after a while and don't seal well... common issue... IF the oil is leaking at the cam shell seam itself you will need a proper cam hold down tool before you attempt to loosen off the shell (its not just a cover) as its actually the outer support housing for the cams.
H

[Shadow_40]

Thanks for the info guys you've saved me from making a serious mistake!

I'll change the tubes, clean the engine up, monitor oil level and look for signs of further leaks.