Which one, engine or transmission, is leaking oil?

[Porsche9]

The most common leak that would be in between the engine and transmission is the IMS bearing or the RMS (rear main seal) both located on the back of the engine were it meeting the clutch and transmission. The IMS bearing is serious and the RMS is an annoyance. Both require dropping the transmission to confirm and repair.

Posting some good pictures may help forum members help you diagnose the issue.

I've never hear of a good Porsche shop say "the leak is right where the transmission connected to the engine so it's dealer fix item only". You may want to find a good independent Porsche shop. There are plenty in the L.A.

I would never put a dye into the engine oil. While it may help with finding a leak who knows what it is doing to your engine.

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by Porsche9

I would never put a dye into the engine oil. While it may help with finding a leak who knows what it is doing to your engine.

Actually, the quality dyes from companies like Uview are completely harmless to engine's or other component's, assuming you use the correct dye in the correct place.

[kevinle92618]

I'll take some pictures of the leaks and post it tonight.

FYI, many years ago (when the car was still under warranty), the dealer fixed the RMS leak once before.

How do I know if it's an IMS or RMS leak? Quite frankly, I'm a bit tight with $$$ right now. I'm willing to get my knuckle dirty and I'm just your average DIY. Definitely I can't afford to take it out to a shop. What are my options here? What risks are there if I continue to drive the car while monitoring the oil level? I assume the both IMS & RMS leaks engine oil? Now that I know it could be IMS related, my main concerns are IMS and transmission leak (which I can't really refill/monitor easily).

[BYprodriver]

Originally Posted by kevinle92618

I'll take some pictures of the leaks and post it tonight.

FYI, many years ago (when the car was still under warranty), the dealer fixed the RMS leak once before.

How do I know if it's an IMS or RMS leak? Quite frankly, I'm a bit tight with $$$ right now. I'm willing to get my knuckle dirty and I'm just your average DIY. Definitely I can't afford to take it out to a shop. What are my options here? What risks are there if I continue to drive the car while monitoring the oil level? I assume the both IMS & RMS leaks engine oil? Now that I know it could be IMS related, my main concerns are IMS and transmission leak (which I can't really refill/monitor easily).

The final RMS seal which works well came out in 2005, so assuming you had yours replaced before 2005 there's a good chance yours is leaking now, BUT The IMS could be leaking also.

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by kevinle92618

I'll take some pictures of the leaks and post it tonight.

FYI, many years ago (when the car was still under warranty), the dealer fixed the RMS leak once before.

How do I know if it's an IMS or RMS leak? Quite frankly, I'm a bit tight with $$$ right now. I'm willing to get my knuckle dirty and I'm just your average DIY. Definitely I can't afford to take it out to a shop. What are my options here? What risks are there if I continue to drive the car while monitoring the oil level? I assume the both IMS & RMS leaks engine oil? Now that I know it could be IMS related, my main concerns are IMS and transmission leak (which I can't really refill/monitor easily).

The only way to know if the RMS or IMS seals have failed is to pull the gear box, clutch and flywheel and then take a look. There is no other way.