Freakin out even more... oil everywhere!
 

Well what I thought was a simple engine mount replacement may be a lot more now...

I drove the car to my folks place tonight to see if I could borrow their extra car for a week or so until parts come in for the engine mount replacement.. well when I get to their house and park, I see a trail of oil behind the car!! talk about a sickening feeling...

I look underneath the car expecting the worse and there is oil everywhere. the drain plug and the filter are clean though?? It appears to be somewhat centrally located (probably where it "settles" as it leaks and a bit more on the passenger's side. I can't pinpoint the area it is leaking from.

I heard no strange noises on the way over to their house (about 20 miles) except for the studdering which I believed to be related to the engine mount.

Dipstick reading read fine (when car was still hot after parking). What should I do first? where to check? I've got that reaaaally sick feeling that this is one of those expensive fixes. The worst part is not knowing what is broken.

I'm gonna try to snap a pic, but the angle is hard to get as I don't have the car on stands or anything.

What about the rear main oil seal? As far as what to do first, just keep her topped off, other than making a mess it will protect the engine till you run it down, good luck.

Get the car up in the air and start looking............

And open the engine compartment top and check the oil filler tube for cracks and oil cooler for leaks.

Some pics. It almost seems like reallllly dirty water. Doesn't really feel like oil. I checked the coolant tank and no milky stuff (looks normal).

Won't be able to get it in the air tonight (got dark fast and don't have the tools I need).

...and go figure, just had the top replaced last week and still in the "let it stretch for two weeks before putting it down" phase... not sure if it's ok to lower the top yet.

I'm gonna let it cool down some more and then try to wipe it all down and then see if it continues to leak so I can pinpoint it.

yup. bad engine mount gets the motor moving and cracks the oil filler tube. hard corner and some oil spashes out the tube and into the metal tray under the tranny. now, every corner or incline (ie, into your driveway) the oil splashes out of the tray. big mess, cheap fix.

Let it cool down so you can check the oil level & determine how much you have lost & determine if it is leaking out between the engine & transmission. Don't start it again till you accomplish this. If it's coming from the trans - engine area by the IMS bearing I wouldn't start the engine again. I've never heard of a RMS leaking that much that fast.

:barf:

Oil filler tube
:dance:

Well I was reluctant to start it again, but I got it into my dad's shop (at least it's covered now) and up on 4 ramps. Oil level on the gauge and stick looked good, but will check it again after while. I'll be able to get under it tomorrow at the earliest.

crossing my fingers for the oil filler tube!

any link to a DIY?

Have you checked the transmission fluid level?

Are you sure it is engine oil and not transmission fluid?

The oil filler tube has a joint right over the middle of the engine and already likes to sag if it gets a chance. A bad engine mount would probably be just enough to break the joint loose. You'll need to get that top up and look at the engine from the top. If it is what we all hope you'll probably be able to just clean it up and put a new clamp on. I just put a new filler tube in (the part from the filler side) and trust me it is not fun unless you have a good tool to hold the clamp...again you probably won't need a new one.

Keep us posted and good luck!!

oh man, that would be awesome if it's just a clamp needing to be replaced and not the whole tube.

I'm about 99.9% sure it's oil and not tranny fluid (eww that sounds gross). It's a Tip so I don't know if they leak like the manual ones do. This is a dark brownish fluid and smells like oil.

I'll keep you guys updated!

I should have the parts in mid-week and hopefully I can knock out the engine mount, water pump, and whatever this is this weekend.

Hope it works out for you...
 

the oil filler tube is not that hard to swap out assuming you can get to the clamp by the rear firewall/dipstick area. I think it is a spring clamp like all the others on the car and odds are the part you need to squeeze is on bottom and very difficult to reach. All I had at the time were pliers so I had a indie change it when they were researching some other things on the car. Get some spring clamp pliers if you can as they will probably make your life a lot easier.

Central ... Possible Rear main seal or ims flange/bolt.

Check your oil filter for any metal flakes or shavings. You can take the filter off without making too much of a mess.

If you don't have a shop in San Antonio, my partner's shop is in south Austin.

Mike

The oil filler tube is apparently 3 pieces. Which piece is it that is most likely kaput? I have a OEM filler tube on hand. I think it is the "top" one with an "accordion" section on it. Should I order the other two?

I would first remove the shield under the engine, takes about 30 minutes. Then you can asses the situation better. Wipe all the oil down good and clean, start the engine and see if any oil comes out. Then start the process of elimination...I agree that it may be the filler tube. But you never know. Be patient and check everything.;)

I went back to your other thread to see how many miles you have on your Boxster...74K. I would recommend the following maintenance's to ward off any costly fixes. I would do the TIP service, replace the fuel filter, replace the spark plugs and tube o'rings, and the AOS, plus it might be wise to do the water pump. I also have a 2000 and have done all this except for the water pump. Replace the serpentine belt if it is original for sure.

Good deal. I'll be able to get under maybe some evening this week.

So far I have done the spark plugs/tubes, AOS, and belt. Planning on doing engine mount, water pump and oil fill tube (if that's what it is) this weekend. I've heard mixed things on the TIP service. It runs amazing right now so I don't want to disrupt the powers that be :)

Fuel filter seems logical. I may add that to this weekend's list.

Assuming I get everything cleaned up, I'm still not very clear on where exactly the oil filler tube is inside the engine bay or what I should be looking for (top or bottom). All the DIY's show really closeup images and it's hard to know what angle/direction it's looking from, etc.

The oil filler tube runs from the rear firewall to the top of the engine block under the intake tubes. Easiest way to find it is to look right between the right side of the throttle body and the intake tubes. Its a thick plastic tube. Run your hand underneath it and you will see if its cracked or leaking.

Did you get the cover off the engine yet? The filler tube is on top of the motor and can be easily seen. Lean over the engine from the right side of the car and the oil tube starts from the lower left turns toward the center of the engine then goes diagonal toward the left side of the engine behind the drivers seat. You'll really only see the tube from the filler in the trunk to where goes under the air intakes. There is a joint just to the lower right of the throttle body (as seen from side of car). Mine leaked at that joint and the dealership says it happens a lot. I've not heard many complain about it on the forum though. I didn't know there were 3 pieces, thought there were only two.

Here is a picture. The circle is the joint.

http://986forum.com/forums/uploads01...1326758383.jpg

Mine leaked there. Radiator hose clamp solved the problem. Can't stand those spring clamps.

and it can leak oil from there? is there actually oil in that tube during operation or is it "residual"? seemed like it leaked a puddle, then when i started the car again, i got another little puddle after parking it again.

note: i haven't had a chance to clean anything or inspect anything yet..

Gents,
In this middle of this large project and ready to tackle the oil issue. I've cleaned up the underbody, replaced water pump, replaced thermostat, and replaced engine mount.

I'm not real sure how to replace the oil filler tube. The one I ordered is the one on top that is visible on top of the engine. Will running the car stationary cause it to leak oil as well or do I have to go drive it to see if it still leaks before replacing?

Will I have to do anything with the coolant tank/coolant to do this replacement? Someone mentioned it was just a clamp that could be loose. Where would I find this clamp? I haven't put the drained coolant back in yet, but wanted to make sure I wouldn't have to redrain it to do the oil tube.

Thanks guys!

This should help:

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d6...t/P7080610.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d6...t/P7080641.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d6...t/P7080647.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d6...t/P7090675.jpg

The cooling system and the oil tube should have zero nexus, two separate systems, go ahead and fill the cooling system. As for checking the leak, if a broken mount allowing the engine to torque or twist is what fractured the oil tube you might not see the event repeated. If you have already ordered the part, I would research it's replacement, look at the part itself when it arrives for clues as well. Then execute the repair, fill all fluids and check it, otherwise you might re-soil the area you just cleaned with a still leaking yet to be replaced tube, hope that helps good luck.

ah, those pictures do help. the more i look at it though, the more i think that the oil is coming from somewhere else. the tube looks rather clean. the oil cooler is clean.

is the skid plate on the bottom of the car removable without any problems? does it support anything or keep alignment in spec? i'd like to remove it to get better visibility but didn't want to mess up an alignment or have something fall on me.

anything else i should check?

dumb question (sans manual): how do i check the transmission fluid level? (Tiptronic)

Here is a closeup of the tube I replaced and it sounds like you got the part for. I added another circle for where the tube attaches to the filler. I'm not on expert on how much oil is in the tube while the engine is moving but it must spray up there to have leaked at both joints on mine. There would not be oil in there while the car is not running.

If the leak came from the joint on top of the engine it should be obvious...just look for a puddle on the engine under the joint or feel for oil on the bottom side of the joint clamp. If your leak came from this joint it should be obvious considering how much oil you say was on the ground, to create that much spilling oil the engine would be a mess under this join.

To see if the leak is coming from where the tube attaches to the filler you'll be able to see it with a flashlight looking up from under the car, there are a lot of things in the way but you'll find it. You could also reach under from the top and see if your hand is covered with fresh oil.

Based on the things you just replaced you'll be able to replace this tube too. It is not fun but with right tools can be done. Obviously the end that connects to the filler is the hardest. Look at it closely from underside so you have an idea what to feel for when you reach in there to open the clamp, you'll need something that can hold the clamp open while you work it loose. You might need a mirror to see well from the top. I used regular hose clamps when I put my new one back in. I had the transmission out while doing mine so I could do it from the underside a little more easily. Not going to lie to you, this was not fun. Let's see if others have some good ideas, my way might have just been beginner bad luck.

As for what the pipe does from the middle of the engine on I'm not sure. You could remove the air intakes and look.

http://986forum.com/forums/uploads01...1327263566.jpg

running out to shop to recheck all joints! brb

Paul - Great pics...that first pic is perfect.

The pipe on the motor has a red plug in this picture, it does almost a right angle into the top of the block.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d6...t/P7090670.jpg

Maybe a dumb question here but if you still are not sure if it's oil or tranny have you tried looking at the stick level for clues?

dumber question: how do i check the transmission fluid level??

i just let it ran and revved it a few times.. as soon as I revved it (while still on ramps), the puddle came back... about 5 inches around.. then it stops leaking (not a continuous flow)

what else can I check?? it's starting to look more and more like a RMS thing, but that might mean a tow...

there is no oil above the skild plate and it is still clean/dry. The oil drip is right at the lowest point of the tranny by that steel cable that connects the engine and tranny together...

gettin' scared guys... how can I further diagnose a RMS? seems like that would leak without me revving no?

ps: i checked the manual and it doesn't tell me how to check transmission fluid level

remove the transmission fill bolt and stick your finger in - you should be able to feel the fluid. pelican is your freind here:

Pelican Technical Article: Boxster Differential / Manual Boxster Transmission Fluid Change - 986 / 987

perhaps info here also:

http://986forum.com/forums/performance-technical-chat/33349-leak-around-transmission-linkage.html

There are a number of technical articles on the Pelican Parts site that you might find useful.Click here

The link to checking and changing the transmission fluid can be found here.

I often try to review sequence of events to help troubleshoot a problem. If I understand you correctly you found:
1) a large trail of oil and a huge puddle under the car.
2) no drop in engine oil when looking at the dipstick.
3) no drips while the car is just sitting.
4) as soon as you started the car, another huge puddle.

Questions I would try to answer are:
1) Is there a drop in engine oil now? If not, I would DEFINITELY check transmission fluid level.
2) Do you see any obvious damage like a crack in the transmission or a hole? Have you put the car up on jack stands to have a look? (dont crawl under it with just a jack).
3) Have you looked under the car while it is running to see where the leak might be coming from?

I would not run it again unless you have made sure there is enough engine oil and transmission fluid that would ensure that you dont fry the engine or transmission.

But that is just me.

car is up on ramps the whole time. i did not see a leak with the car idling, it only started to leak when i revved the engine. I am unable to identify where it's coming from while the car is running and underneath it.

should i have it towed?

stateofidleness,

I had something similar happen to me last month, in the drive through of Pizza Hut. In a matter of a few minutes, I managed to lose over half of the oil from my engine. When I went to pull up to the window, after the car in front of me left, I heard a loud ticking sound and that was when I noticed my oil light flashing. I pulled the car around to the back, parked it, and got out only to discover a 6 inch wide trail of oil leading all the way through the parking lot and out to the intersection. After verifying the obvious culprits, I had the car towed back to my house. At first, I thought that I blew a seal on the oil cooler, as it appeared that oil had sprayed from the that area down the driver side of the engine. But, once I got it up on jack stands and cleaned up a bit, I discovered that lower camshaft seal on the rear driver side of the engine was missing. There are a total of six of these seals, 3 on each side, with 1 front, 2 rear on the driver side and 2 front, 1 rear on the passenger side. Since your leak appears to be located more towards the center, it probably is something else, but it doesn't hurt to at least verify that these seals are not leaking or missing. Below, is a photo of the missing camshaft seal.

http://986forum.com/forums/uploads01...1327271792.jpg

Ubii, how's your AOS? These seals can be popped by excessive crankcase pressure.

Oil and transmission fluid smell completely different. Transmission oil has a smell that makes me sick...oil well it just smells like oil..kind of sweet with a scent of gas.

Sounds like you have pin pointed the leak at the bottom of the bellhousing. Wipe things down again real good if you still need to double check the location.

well fellas, i started flying the white flag about an hour ago and put the bottom cover panels back on in prep for a tow some time this week.

in looking at it a bit more, the seam between engine and transmission has caked oil on it and now fresh oil from the testing. also, it looks like it's coming from the passenger side mid-transmission area. for instance, the little heat shield on the exhaust pipe behind the cat was smoking during the idle testing (had fluid on it), while the driver's side was PERFECTLY clean. this makes me think it it's not the RMS, but I'm too much of a novice to be definitive...

i'm gonna have it towed this week and ask my indy to diagnose tranny fluid and rms possibility. either way, i'll get it fixed professionally and i'll report back. i hate admitting defeat, but it's outside the realm of expertise... quite frankly, i'm proud that i got the water pump, engine mount, and thermostat replaced without much fuss.

i really do appreciate the help everyone has given, so I will definitely report back so as not to create another "cliffhanger without resolution" thread.

last question: is it safe to drive it about 15 feet to get it out of the garage and positioned for the flatbed?

For what it's worth, it's only a failure if you are a Porsche mechanic and can't figure it out. Additionally, it's probably fine to drive 15 feet, but I wouldn't chance it. The car weighs less than 3,000 pounds and, mine at least, is a breeze to push. I would push it out or let the flat-bed winch it out.

Paul,

Those camshaft seals were recently replaced, because I had the engine tore apart to replace some chewed up chain tensioner paddles (see photo below). The car was in the shop at the time getting an IMSR, RMS, and new clutch. They did look at the AOS while it was in the shop and replaced the vent line and bellows, but felt that the AOS itself was ok. Either that seal was not pressed in all the way or the mechanic may have got a bit excessive with the sealant on the camshaft cover and some might be clogging up the oil return. I called the shop, who suggested that I simply replace the seal for now and if it happens again, they will resolve the issue for free.

-ubii


http://986forum.com/forums/uploads01/31327278435.jpg