One of the things about buying a used car that I always find enjoyable is the mysterious past. I have been tracking down a minor oil leak from the driver side turbo with no luck to-date. Today I noticed a visible copper washer on the engine oil drain plug, but no easily visible copper or aluminum washer on the turbos (driver and passenger side). I have two questions:

1) If you look at the attached picture (*picture to come as 6speed keeps timing out on me), do you see any sign of a washer? If possible, can you post a similar pic from your 996tt turbo drain plug.
2) Is it possible to remove the drain plug with an 8mm hex wrench to verify if a washer exists without draining all of the engine oil? Or, must I drain all engine oil prior to removing the turbo drain plug? It would be great to see what's going on without having to drain & replace all the oil.


Thanks again,
Ben

 

drivers side turbo picture

 

I believe that on the turbo tanks you can't see the washers. Only a small amount of oil will come out if you want to take it out and inspect it. Just be aware that you will need to replace the washer if you remove it as it has conformed to the shape...

If one looks like it is deeper in than the other, then it may be missing on one side.

 

Just noticed you were in CO. Where at if you don't mind me asking.

 

Thanks for the info and letting me know that I don't need to worry about catching ~9 quarts of oil!

I bought some new washers and drain plugs from pelican parts a while back so I will remove the plug, check for the presence of a prior washer, and replace with a new washer. Worst case, I will be out 15 minutes of my time and a washer; best case the slight leak goes away.

I'm a bit north of Denver, so I head west of boulder if I feel the need to drive some canyons roads. I see your signature says Colorado Springs. Did you get a chance to watch the pikes peak hill climb this year?

 

Sounds like you have it under control! I watched it online, but not in person. Would love to go, but not so sure about getting up that early and spending all day on the mountain!