It would have to be an aftermarket AOS, because the chances I'd shell out $1650 for a Genuine Porsche AOS are practically nonexistent. I much prefer Amazon's $55 alternative:

http://986forum.com/forums/uploads02/AOS1743390727.jpg

https://www.amazon.com/Bapmic-99610702304-Separator-Crankcase-1997-2002/dp/B01MZAEBC6/

Where did you get the $1650 price? Pelican has a genuine Porsche for $192.

https://www.pelicanparts.com/More_Info/99610702304.htm?pn=996-107-023-04-M100&bc=c&SVSVSI=0784

What's more difficult to replace than the AOS with the engine in is the coolant tank. That's a real PITA to do and 100 times easier with the engine out. Just a suggestion, if you haven't already addressed it.

Pelican has that, too. Yeah, it's pricey, but yours is 25 years old, unless it has been changed already. Is it white or yellow? If it's yellow, recommend changing it. If you could only do one, I'd do the tank because in comparison, the AOS is much easier to do with the engine in, plus the AOS won't leave you stranded if it goes bad.

You won't be so happy when it dies after two weeks. We only use the factory part.

Sunset Porsche out in you neck of the woods has them for $156.

Oops! I searched for "986 air oil separator" and it came up with this:

https://www.pelicanparts.com/More_Info/98710792600.htm?pn=987-107-926-00-OEM&bc=c&SVSVSI=

If I hadn't been in a rush I would have noticed the form factor was very different.

I'm gun-shy now. Is this the part of which you speak?

https://www.pelicanparts.com/More_Info/99610614708.htm?pn=996-106-147-08-M100&bc=c&SVSVSI=

I can't seem to find that AOS at Sunset searching for "AOS" and "air oil separator." (I'm not having much luck searching for parts, obviously.) I will go with factory parts whenever possible. Except, for example, when they want $265.48 for an "air tube," and that's with Sunset's $22.59 discount:

https://www.******porscheparts.com/oem-parts/porsche-air-tube-99611311755

(Pelican won't permit links to competitors' products, so replace asterisks with "sunset.")

That's the coolant tank, yes.

Luke at Sunset is a gentleman!

AOS is part # 996-107-023-04 I would also order one of these as it makes installing the lower hose clamp much easier - 999-512-630-00

Give Luke and the crew at Sunset a call, they will hook you up at reasonable $.

So, AOS and coolant tank. Anything else in the "must replace" category?

The new rear main seal has been installed. Getting the old seal out required some determined reefing on the sheetrock screws, but it finally popped out. The tool used to seat the new seal worked like a charm. All in all, it was an easy job, as others who've done it can attest.

I intended to include these photos in the previous message, but I clicked "Submit" by mistake and editing doesn't allow uploading photos, even under "Go Advanced." Mutter, mutter... And I thought I had taken a shot with the seal completely out, but I thought wrong. Not much to see, just blackness surrounding the crankshaft.

As I said, this was an easy procedure. Wish they all were that easy. Wish replacing the cam chain wear pads would be that easy. That's the next project on the schedule. Actually, it might not be too bad, as long as I: (1) fully understand the procedure, (2) take it slow and careful — there's no hurry, (3) be meticulous, and (4) take lots of photos. (Photos kinda come in handy when putting things back together, I've found.)

Removal of old RMS:

http://986forum.com/forums/uploads02...1743555859.jpg

New RMS, ready to be seated:

http://986forum.com/forums/uploads02...1743555884.jpg

Tool in place:

http://986forum.com/forums/uploads02...1743555916.jpg

New RMS, seated:

http://986forum.com/forums/uploads02...1743555939.jpg

Supposedly, the tool actually seats the new seal in a slightly different place, to avoid wear from the old seal. Not surprisingly, I couldn't detect the difference.

You answered my question before I had a chance to ask. So it does seat in a slightly different depth! Very interesting, as the two I have had apart showed a light line where the seal rides, but not deep enough to feel it. Tough stuff!

See the rubber hose connected to the fuel rail? Note the crimp next to its metal sleeve. The hose got munched when they packed the engine for shipping. Haven't priced a replacement yet. I'm afraid to.

http://986forum.com/forums/uploads02...1743653622.jpg

To me that looks more like someone twisted the hose during installation. I can't see how packing would cause that, unless they put a banding strap over it.

What's that hose for? Can't you pull one off your other engine?

That's fuel return at the pressure regulator. It should be easy to pull from the old engine.

That is a fuel line, I think the return.
As suggested by piper... use the old one or:
- has the kink really damaged the line?
- if so a shop that deals in hydraulic equipment may be able to fix it for less than the Porsche part.

That's exactly what they did — it was under one of two wide nylon ratchet straps, strapped tightly around the engine. The hose is the only casualty. All the other hoses, tubes, wiring looms, and connectors look almost new. I really have no complaint. Whoever pulled the engine took exceptional care to disconnect all hoses, etc., making sure they remained intact, rather than simply cutting them for expediency. Had they done that, I probably would have passed on this engine.