I am going my salesman tomorrow morning to spec out my GT3 allocation (Sept 10 build), and I'm concerned about what I have read in EXCELLENCE and this forum re RMS leaks. Does anyone know if this issue has been addressed in these later cars though the use of a difference seal and or design? I did use the search feature, but could not definitively tell if this was an issue for the earlier GT3s or if the problem rages on. Thanks!

 

Actually, from what I have read the 996 GT3 is the GT3 with fewest RMS issues. Can't remember the reason but Excellence listed a good one. I think the article also mentioned that the Turbo RMS can fit on the GT3 engine and is a little beefier.

Furthermore, RMS issues are a result of the car sitting and not being driven. The RMS actually relies on vacuum from the operating engine to stay oiled and thus moist. Apparently, a sitting engine will cause the RMS to dry-up and eventually develop cracks. Porsche develops these cars to be driven and driven hard.... listen up garage queens.

Be advised, a leaky RMS is really just an annoyance. If your car develops a leak in the RMS that DOES NOT mean that you have to repair it just monitor your oil level. I believe several owners on this forum have leaks and are just careful about monitoring their oil level.

Hope this helps.

Jason

 

Perfectly and correctly said !

 

Guys - perhaps my post was not clear..I'm well familiar with the history of the failures and why (mentioned having read the EXCELLENCE and 6-speed articles), but my question is whether anyone knows if the later 2010 and now 2011 GT3 cars still have this problem, i.e has their been an updated seal installed, new design, etc?

 

Okay to be clear, every car with an RMS can develop RMS problems and the 2011 GT3 will as well if not properly taken care of.....driven

Jason

 

Also, as far as I know there has been no updates to the 3.8L RMS on the 2011 and later GT's.

Jason

 

If you refer to this post, you will see that the original owner literally drove the sh*t out of his car and it still had an RMS issue... TWICE. So, it is not just a function of whether the car is 'driven'.

http://www.gt3rsregistry.com/2007GT3RS/vin/2569.htm

 

Yeah, that was a result of a defective crankcase that was not realized until the engine was actually opened. Engine was replaced and RMS issues were no longer a problem.

Jason

 

bow down to jellis on this issue - he is right

 

It will always be an issue as long as Porsche uses the split crankcase block. My 2007 GT3 had an unrepairable RMS leak. I now have a 2010 GT3 and it is fine so far. My previous GT3 only leaked when I drove it. It never leaked when just sitting.

 

I have a 2010 GT3, so far so good. No RMS problem, fingers crossed.

Even if there is a RMS leak, it is not a deal breaker. I had a RMS leak on my Boxster S before. It was just a half day job at the dealer (dealer gave me a brand new Boxster as a loaner car) and the seal replacement was done (under warranty.) The RMS is really not a bid deal that one should avoid purchasing a 2011 GT3.

Regards,

 

Still an issue no matter how you drive your car but may dry out from lack of use. Turbo, NA does not matter split case is the issue and how well the factory tech installed the first one. Oil level is not a way to effectively manage this issue.

 

that's my ex car.
my 08 RS was garage queen, it also leaked.
there must be some sort of GT3 diapers we can buy.

 

My 2010 GT3 had leaky RMS with 800 miles on the clock, and it was driven every day since delivery at that point. I disagree with "RMS is due to cars not being driven" sentiment based on my personal experience with two 911s.

And to the original poster, yes, 2010-11 GT3s can develop RMS leaks.

 

I have to agree, some cars leaked no matter how often they were driven. Here is the offical response from Porsche regarding RMS leaks. And I know of a new 2010 GT3 that is leaking in the dealer showroom so I don't think the problem is fully addressed with the new cars. The reason for the leaks is the seal is held by a vacuum which apparently weakens when the cars are not used often, the vacuum weakens and oil seeps. I would imagine that there is a better than 50% chance that the RMS will leak on the new RS. My 2008 RS has not leaked so far "knock on wood".

I received this letter today from Porsche Cars North America, Inc. in response to my email:

Dear Mr. Greco

We are in receipt of your inquiry addressed to Porsche Cars North America. As the person in charge of customer
satisfaction in your area, I am responding to your request. I would like to address concerns you raised regarding the oil
seepage issue on your 2008 Porsche 911 GT3RS.

Please be advised that GT3 engines have a design which is unique from other 911's because of it's exposure to very high
RPM's. The rear main seal of these engines is held tight by a vacuum created inside the engine block. If the vehicle is not
used for prolonged periods of time this vacuum pressure may decrease allowing a small amount of oil to seep past the
seal. Due to this special design, oil seepage can occur in GT3 vehicles that are not driven on a regular basis.

Your warranty manual indicates that your responsibility for normal vehicle use is for your vehicle to be driven daily over
a distance of several miles. Your vehicle was designed with the assumption that it would be used within these guidelines.
If it is not, you may experience some oil seepage; however, this is not a defect in the vehicle but simply a result of lack of
use.

Thank you for allowing us this opportunity to explain.

Very truly yours,

Kristina L. Nyman
Customer Commitment Specialist

770-290-3500”