I have been reading quite a few post regarding this problem. My Porsche is now out of warranty due to years and not mileage. To detect the problem before a engine replacement is needed, do I just constantly check under my car for leaks. Will any sort of lights come on that let me know that it could be a RMS leak.

 

no lights, unless it is major.

 

No lights are given when you have an oil leak. You will see a small amount of oil just under the engine, right in the center. Sometimes you'll see a nickel size drop...sometimes less, sometimes more. I've seen them all with the six I've had.

You might not see oil dripping, but you might smell burning oil...but that could be something else. (Like a cam cover leak) Additionally, a leak does not always warrant an engine replacement. That would factor in only if your crank was out of round. In which no matter how many seals you've had, it wouldn't fix the fact that you are putting a perfectly round seal into something that is not perfectly round. There is a tolerance that needs to be met before they will replace an engine. The oil leak however is not major, however, in my experience, has the chance to soil the Flywheel as the oil drips down and into this area. Whereas you will feel a clutch shutter when starting out at low rpms.

I'm not sure how many miles are on your car, but a 99 without a leak is awesome. Each day you don't have one, the odds are in your favor and you are way ahead of the game. I have a ton of pictures on this stuff and more info if you are interested...let me know and I will post. I can go on and on and on and on...

(Okay, keep in mind I just had a half a bottle of wine over lunch...sorry!! )

 

One sure sign that an RMS is coming is if you have ALL of the following...

1. Speed Yellow C2 with a GT3 look
2. You are blond and called C2babe
3. Your license plate is Ktyktty
4. Your name is Robyn

hahaha if you have all of the above that is a sign that you might have or will have an RMS leak.

 

Lest we not forget... never let me drive your car if you have the m96...or you are toast my pretty! ::maniacal laughter::

 

Eric how come these guys are having to replace their whole engines? Does just a little leak cause enough problems to destroy the whole thing? I just don't want to be looking at a 10k repair down the road for what seems like a faulty Porsche part.

 

engine replacements are usually 2 things, great relationship with your porsche dealler and / or metal to metal wearing.

odds are if you don't have a problem yet, you won't. engine replacements accure where the metal to metal wear is taking place like gray metal flakes in your oil or the the cams might be shearing. i wouldn't worry because even if your car is out of warrantee they would take care of you if you had some type of defect that was major, especially with a 6 speed group backing you up, you have enough friends here that knows someone or slept with someone that has got the hook up. seal leaks are not large issues unless you drive the car without any oil in it. all else fails then put some sugar in you gas tank and tell your insurance company that it was vandalism.

 

Thanks RobynC for all the info. I just wanted to know as much as I can, so I don't get stuck with a huge repair bill. I am going to constantly check under the car to search for leaks. I want to go forced induction next with the EVO Sc kit.

 

But the chances of metal shavings found when you have (or as a result of) an RMS issue are pretty slim. Unless of course you have something else going on at the same time like a cam chain or other internal (IIS,etc)...

Engine replacements happen in the case of an RMS when the crank doesn't meet a concentricity tolerance of .30 mm. Just in case you were interested.

 

That makes me feel so much better. Time for the supercharger