944 Oil Leak - Tackle it myself, or take it somewhere?

[Fairfax 944]

Hi, I have a 1986 944 Turbo track car, not street legal. Engine was completely rebuilt by Stienel in Ohio a couple of years ago, and has about 35 hours on it since the rebuild. There was a slow oil leak coming from the front of the engine on the passenger side when I got the car a year ago. After sitting since November, I pulled the car into my garage and see that the leak has increased but it's still not intolerable.

The leak appears to be coming from above the oil pressure sender, but it's really hard to tell exactly where it's coming from. From what I've read, it seems likely that it's a seal around the front balance shaft, although it could also be the oil cooler housing.

I have a well equipped heated garage in Fairfax Station and have tackled or assisted with some fairly big jobs. However, I'm getting tired of car work, need the Porsche back together in 4 weeks.

If someone has done this job before and is willing to spend a half day or so getting me started, it would be greatly appreciated. Without an experienced person who can look over my shoulder (and having the necessary specialty tools), I'll probably take it somewhere.

Comments and advice are appreciated.

Jim

[Geoff Daniels]

Jim,

There are several possibilities for the leak such as balance shaft seal, oil pressure sender, oil filter, oil pressure relief valve, etc. I would suggest cleaning the area with Gunk or some similiar degreaser. Once it is really clean you should run it for a while and then inspect it again for the source of the leak. It may be an easy fix or a hard one depending on which one is the culprit.

Good Luck.

Geoff

[Trak Ratt]

I'd do it. My guess is heat exchanger. IIRM the test for the ballance shaft is to push in on the end. If it "rattles" the seals bad... course oil leaking out would be a give a way too.

[Fairfax 944]

Once it is really clean you should run it for a while and then inspect it again for the source of the leak.
Geoff

Thanks for the quick advice. The first problem I'm having is what angle to view it from.

I can't see anything from above.
I pulled the belly pan, and looking up, I can see that the leak is above the oil pressure sender, but then I can't see any higher.

What angle should I be looking from to get the best view above the oil pressure sender?

Even if I clean things up, I know I won't be able to see the leak. If it's leaking from behind the timing belt cover, I can't see in there. So, where do I look?

[VaSteve]

All the stuff is right below the filter so it's possible that the mess comes from there. I have all the specialty tools if you want to bring it by to get them. Tool to remove OPS is a stubby 24mm (or 15/16) wrench..I have that too, but so does Sears. :)

[Potomac-Greg]

I think I have the same leak! It's been there since I bought it and it pretty much lubes my right control arm, sway bar and steering rack. I cleaned a lot of it off today. The shop that did my pre-buy found it post-buy (nice) and said it was a big job to fix it.

I can vouch for Jim's garage. Anyone who wants some heated, cozy lift time, and might be able to help, should consider this opportunity!

[jerome951]

The oil cooler seals are not for the faint of heart with the header on. Like Steve said, rule out the oil filter first. The balance shafts are below the oil cooler on that side so (luckily) likely not the cause. Also check the cam tower seal to rule that out.

I replaced my oil cooler seals a few weeks ago while I had the head and header off. Kinda a pita even with those things out of the way. Besides some big wrenches for the oil lines and sender, I think the only other special tool is the relief valve alignment tool.

Greg, that oil will ruin your sway and control arm bushings in short order.

[Fairfax 944]

Well, it does not sound like a lot of fun or easy fix. :( Thanks for the quick comments.

I've had the leak for the last year, and oil has been changed twice in that time period, so I doubt it's something as simple as a loose filter. But, I'm going to check out the oil filter. If it's not loose, the car gets packed into the trailer, and it's off to some place I can throw money at. (Thanks for the offer of loaner tools.)

The car has been to IMA, but my experience has been that those guys are really really busy and have a lot of things going on. I think I'm going to try ASG.

Any comments on IMA vs ASG or any other place that would be good in the NOVA area?

Jim

P.S What's the cam tower seal?

[APKhaos]

Jim,
Its probably worth your while to identify the leak source.
- Clean the area thoroughly. Simple Green, some light scrubbing if its really bad, and rinsing should do it.
- If you don't already have a multi-jointed inspection mirror, get one.
- Run the engine up to temperature, while keeping a close eye on the suspect area with your mirror and lots of strong light.

Its highly likely that the source will be visible. With this info, you can make your call. Eric S builds good engines, BTW!

[VaSteve]

The oil cooler seals are not for the faint of heart with the header on. Like Steve said, rule out the oil filter first. The balance shafts are below the oil cooler on that side so (luckily) likely not the cause. Also check the cam tower seal to rule that out.

I replaced my oil cooler seals a few weeks ago while I had the head and header off. Kinda a pita even with those things out of the way. Besides some big wrenches for the oil lines and sender, I think the only other special tool is the relief valve alignment tool.

Greg, that oil will ruin your sway and control arm bushings in short order.


Oil cooler seals can't be done with the headers on. Can't really be done with them disconnected either. What a PITFA! :XX I have always thoought of covering that bushing with a piece of tin foil or similar to keep the oil off. Sure it's ghetto, but it will protect the bushing won't it?

[jerome951]

P.S What's the cam tower seal?

Seal between the cam tower (where the cam is located) and the head that is just above the oil filter. Could be the cause and is easier to replace than the cooler seals.

As Tony suggested, clean the area then inspect. Would also suggest pulling the belt covers to check behind there. Could be coming from the front seal on the cam.

Forgot to mention. Last time I was at IMA a month or so ago they weren't as busy as usual.

[Potomac-Greg]

Greg, that oil will ruin your sway and control arm bushings in short order.


Understood, and probably already toast. I'm replacing the sway bushings, but probably ought to fix the leak first!