Oil Smell and Smoke

[rconde]

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?

[RandallNeighbour]

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.

[Adam]

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

[Lux]

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


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[Brucelee]

Cam cover!

[rconde]

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.

[Brucelee]

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.

[rconde]

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?

[Brucelee]

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

Yes, the warranty passes on to success owners.

[bigislandboxster]

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...

[Brucelee]

That's good news.

Originally Posted by bigislandboxster

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...

[bigislandboxster]

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!

[bigislandboxster]

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

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

[deliriousga]

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.