Oil Drip -> Valve Cover Gasket - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

Chris_Craft · 05-08-2008, 07:48 PM

I took my Box in for spring maintenance and to inspect a small drip. Tech says it's the valve cover gasket. He said it's not a huge deal and from what i read it's common. It can be done engine in (anyone DIY?) but he recommended to pull it and also do other seals, gaskets, etc... while it's out. '99 2.5 with 6o,ooo miles (96,000km).

What do you think?

blinkwatt · 05-08-2008, 07:59 PM

Pull the engine out?! Heck no.

My local shop is replacing the Variocam gasket for my Dad's 996 for $300 parts & labor with the engine kept in. You shouldn't have to replace seals that aren't leaking,if it's not broken don't fix it.

skip_168 · 05-09-2008, 04:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris_Craft

I took my Box in for spring maintenance and to inspect a small drip. Tech says it's the valve cover gasket. He said it's not a huge deal and from what i read it's common. It can be done engine in (anyone DIY?) but he recommended to pull it and also do other seals, gaskets, etc... while it's out. '99 2.5 with 6o,ooo miles (96,000km).

What do you think?

Well, I was out of the car fixin' before the boxsters showed up.. but I always voted for pullin' engines. as long as there was enough work to do.. usually the anual service was done on the stand. My rule is that when my boxster hits 60k on the odo, I will pull the engine & go through it.. well, because I was a Porsche mech, and I kinda miss the big projects.. I wont split the case, unless I need too, but all seals, gaskets are replaced, water pump, chains, clutch dissassembled & inspected.. bla bla bla... the intakes are cleaned, heads done... I really leat my OCD go on Porsche engines..

From a mechanics view, When you have the engine out and infront of you, everything is easier to get to, less of a pain in the ass, so it leads to better quality work. less chances of a "comeback"... have them pull it, get the service completed, get all the seals done, and be done with it..

Tool Pants · 05-09-2008, 08:07 AM

Leaks from the cam covers and spark plug tubes are common. There is no traditional gasket for the covers. Silicon is used instead. The engine stays in the car.

When I bought my 1997 in 1999 I noticed seepage from one of the covers. I removed the wheel and tightened all the bolts for the cover and it went away. If you try this they are small bolts so just snug them down.