48,800 miles and 3-1/2 year old 987 with an RMS leak?

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bapcha

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Hi fellow Babblers:

I took in my Box [2005 987] today for some "final" touch-ups as the warranty will expire in another 1200 miles [broken visor, reading lights], and guess what? The car has the dreaded RMS leak.....

Steven's Creek Porsche says that they need to measure some "spec" after the engine is out - to determine if I need a new engine. Do all RMS leaks need a new engine ? Is it better to get a new engine for RMS leaks ? Or is it OK to fix the seal - if everything is to spec anyway?

Confused, and do not want a Porsche Induced bankruptcy. Replies may be posted here, or mailed to bapcha@bapcha.com

Thanks,
Bapcha
http://bapcha.com
 
if the car is under warranty you should have no $$$ issues.
you will even get a free loaner car.

if it where me, I would want the crate motor....and while you are in there I would pay for a new clutch....you should only have to pay for parts on that since they have to separate the motor/trans anyway.

good luck, but since you are under warranty you should be good.
 
Sure I am under warranty, but the question is - if the engine is within spec, should I accept a RMS replacement - (as opposed to a new crate-motor) ?

Thanks,
Bapcha
 
Docdanracy said:
if the car is under warranty you should have no $$$ issues.
you will even get a free loaner car.

if it where me, I would want the crate motor....and while you are in there I would pay for a new clutch....you should only have to pay for parts on that since they have to separate the motor/trans anyway.

good luck, but since you are under warranty you should be good.
Click to expand...

Bapcha, sorry to hear about the issues - but, as Doc Dan said, you are under warranty and so everything should be good.

Regarding the measurement, they use a factory-supplied device to determine whether the engine is still under spec or not. If it isn't, you get a new engine (in other words, fitting a new RMS seal won't help). However, if your engine is in spec, you get a new RMS seal under warranty. Porsche calls the shots on what you get - you don't have a choice (unless, of course, you want to pay out of pocket).

Regarding the tool used to check in/out of spec, per my understanding, it has undergone revisions over time (the RMS seal itself has been revised ~6 times or so!!!). The latest revision, I was told, has a much lower 'failure' rate.... it shows most engines to be in-spec.

Other things you may want them to check are:
* IMS - is it leaking? If there is a newer/revised version, perhaps get the IMS seal changed as well.
* If you end up getting a new engine, will it contain the latest/greatest version of the IMS (not just the seal)?

The benefit with the new engine of course being that you get an extra 2 years of warranty on it. The downside being that it will be a new M96 engine :)
 
This proves Porsche did not fix this issue with the new models. I wonder if the 2010 models are ok.

Who did your last service and oil change? Was it the dealer?
 
Last service was at 40K miles, less than 12 months ago, at Fremont Porsche [40K service].

Bapcha
 
cas951 said:
This proves Porsche did not fix this issue with the new models. I wonder if the 2010 models are ok.

Who did your last service and oil change? Was it the dealer?
Click to expand...

the new motors have no IMS, so that wont fail, and I believe they went back to dry sump oiling system.:)
 
cas951 said:
This proves Porsche did not fix this issue with the new models. I wonder if the 2010 models are ok.
Click to expand...

the "fix" came on cars made after May, 2005 I could be wrong by a month, but I remember on ppbb this was discussed and my car was made two months before the fix was started, and mine was built in March, 2005. oh, well. :(
 
baxter said:
the "fix" came on cars made after May, 2005 I could be wrong by a month, but I remember on ppbb this was discussed and my car was made two months before the fix was started, and mine was built in March, 2005. oh, well. :(
Click to expand...

Ouch.
 
cas951 said:
This proves Porsche did not fix this issue with the new models. I wonder if the 2010 models are ok.

Who did your last service and oil change? Was it the dealer?
Click to expand...
Ah ah ah Buckwheat, as the previous poster indicated the new seal went into play after this car was produced. To my, admittedly limited knowledge, I haven't heard of any leaks with the new seal. Now IMS issues, well...:D
 
Stevens Creek treated me pretty well with my leaky RMS. However it was replaced 3 times over course of 4 years! Then I sold the car.
 
Don't get too bent-out-of-shape about a leaky RMS.
Most people do, but it's not a big deal. It's not even a deal at all.
Two things all but cure it short of replacement (which involves removing the transmission, clutch and flywheel):
a) Drive it often. That keeps the seal more pliable.
b) Use a little heavier motor oil. I use Mobil 1 15W50.
Both of the above cured my (never replaced / 178K miles) leaky RMS.
Happy Boxstering,
Pedro
 
these are Porsches after all. I agree with Pedro on this one. I think Boxster drivers sometimes expect these things to be bone dry...

don't all Porsches leak a bit of oil, it is part of the mystique like Lucas electrics on old British Sports Cars.;)
 
Especially aircooled Porsches... Take that one step further and look at air cooled VWs. If there isn't any oil visibly leaking in the engine compartment it means you're out.
 
newbie owner.

hi,well ive just joined this site,a newbie owner of an 02 boxter s,,,,,,,and dont think i will sleep tonight!
after what ive read,,,,,,,,its a good job the thread starter is inside his warranty.

but can someone please tell me what an RMS seal is?
before i bought car, i was concerened about the amount of lowish miled cars with new engines,,,,,,,,,think this thread has explained it.

drive safe.

Terry.
 
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