I have a 1996 993 that I've owned since 1998.

Oil is becoming a big issue. I haven't looked closely, but it seems that my valve covers are leaking oil, which is dripping on my exhaust and making a foul odor. I need to replace those gaskets and intend to do so this winter.

The bigger concern, though, is that my check oil light will periodically come on briefly, then shut off. The oil pressure gauge indicates decent pressure at the same time. If I check the level with the dipstick, I have what appears to be enough oil. What else should I be concerned about?

thanks for all advice,

mtf

 

Do you mean the low oil pressure light? When does it go on? Is the engine hot, & @ idle? If so that is ok, you can go to a heavier oil, it should go away.

 

It's the only oil light I can see on my tachometer. I'll look into a heavier oil. Any suggestions? Do I have to dump all my existing oil or can I gradually mix it in?

Thanks,

Mtf

 

Oh, and it does happen when idling at intersections and at lower speeds. Rarely on freeway.

Mtf

 

If you are leaking that much, you need to get it fixed ASAP! You need to change it. The car should have a yearly oil change anyway, so do it then.

It should never happen on the freeway! There might be a problem with the pressure spring, I would have a shop look at it.

 

Thank you very much for your advice.

I just had the oil changed less than 1,000 miles and two months ago, so I wasn't planning on another oil change anytime soon.

It's not losing a lot of oil, just a consistent stench when starting from drips onto the exhaust from the valve cover gaskets.

When I say on the freeway, I mean driving at about 20 to 30 miles an hour. I've never seen that light come on at proper cruising speeds.

Really, there's a whole laundry list of things I need to fix on this car, so I should probably bring it into a shop and get the work all done in one swing. I need new shocks, new spark plug wires, and new valve cover gaskets.

thanks,

mtf