Oil Smell and Smoke
 

I've noticed when I stop and shut off my car I get an oil burning smell and some light oil smoke coming from the rear drivers wheel well. It only lasts for maybe 60 seconds. It's a 2001 with 6000 miles. There is never any oil on the floor so it's not a big leak but obviously some oil is getting out of the motor. Anyone have experience with this?

Sounds like you've got a tiny one somewhere. I have one on that side, but it's nothing major and I'm not planning to fiddle with it yet. I think it's a valve cover gasket and it may just need to be tightened a bit.

Get it checked out so you know what you are dealing with. If it's under warranty, make the dealership diagnose and correct it asap.

Dang, 2001 with only 6k miles. Maybe a seal or two dried up?

Yup. Sounds like a valve cover leak. Oil dropping on the exhaust manifold and burning.


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Cam cover!

Thanks all.

Sounds like cam cover or valve cover leak is probably it. I'm new to Boxsters. Can I get to those myself? If so, where/how? I guess worst case is have it looked at during my next oil change.

I believe you need to pull the engine on this but I am not sure. I had the cam covers done under warranty on an S a ways back so I am not sure how much this costs if you are paying out of pocket.

A call to the dealer should clarify.

I bought this used. What is the duration of the factory warranty, and if it's within the duration does it apply to a secondary owner?

4 yrs from the original registration date or 50,000 Miles.

Yes, the warranty passes on to success owners.

:)

A little late on this one, but I am getting my cam cover leak taken care of right now, tomorrow I'll get the car back. Never noticed any loss of oil, but occasionally a little burn smell. My outside warranty is covering everything, so I'm glad I got it after all...and I still have 2 years left on it! I'll see what the charge is on it tho tomorrow.....I believe its at least a 4 hour job if not longer...

That's good news.

Yes Bruce it is :) ......Its been a pleasure to deal with a REAL Porsche dealership, Westmont has been great with everything, and I highly recommend them. Their prices are good, their service has been great, they kind of laugh when I come in I've been there a LOT in the last few months. I've been there so much, they probably think I'm crazy or something.....So anybody in the Chicagoland area, check these guys out, they're good people!

Update on cam cover leak costs, etc....
 

Got the car back, and all is well now :D .....

This is a labor intensive job....Looks like about 10 hours to do. Lots of stuff to remove and install to get at them, such as:
Center and rear underbody panels
Front engine mounts
Both exhaust manifolds

Parts replaced:
New sealant
Rubber O Rings(12)
Cylinder head covers (2)
Oil return pipes (6)
Crankcase sleeve
Cam plugs (6)
Cylinder head cup seal

Pretty involved job, not one for any average joe to take on!

Not a cheap job either, we're talking over $1500.....sure glad I purchased my warranty now!

Lou

Go cheap first. Replace the spark plug cylinder O-rings first. Oil can get by them as they dry up and roll down the side of the engine. It's a $20, 1 hour DIY job.