[benspeeder]

OK - got my 968 field recovery/parts car running no problem. This car was bought for parts and is way to nice to just leave alone. It runs like a champ but I do have smoke coming from the egine compartment. Looks like oil smoke near the header but I can't see any leakage anywhere.



I haven't had a chance to get it on stands yet - need some suggestion on what I should be looking for.



Thanks,



Ben

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[bob blackwell]

Ben, you can buy some dye additie to put in your oil and it will make the leak more noticeable. Hopefully it is just a leak from the valve cover gasket and you can fix it with no problem. I use Simple Green household solvent to wash my engine and make leaks easier to find. Good luck, Bob Blackwell.

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[blue968]

Ck behind the balance shaft, there is a cap there and it always seems to leak.

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[PorscheDude]

Cam cover gasket.

Check the plastic cam seal plugs on the back side off the head. You may need a dental mirror or compact to see it clearly.

Also check the power steering lines at the resovoir.

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[benspeeder]

I knew this was the place to ask - will report back once source of leak/smoke identified

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[biotechee]

If you have to use a compact to check for leaks, deduct 1000 man points! <img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/laugh.gif" class="smilie" alt="" />



I've got a couple (2-3) minor leaks in the typical spots- I'll be getting these taken care of soon I hope.

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[DaveN]

Also, if you're going to use a compact be careful not to break a nail <img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/rolleyes.gif" class="smilie" alt="" />

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[rob76turbo]

Ben, had exactly the same thing happen on my car. Turned out to be the valve cover gasket was leaking oil and it was dripping down onto the exhaust. Be careful when pulling the bolts and retorquing them to the proper setting (I think 5 Ft LB). Also you will need a new gasket if you pull the cover, as it is not supposed to be reusable. Also you are supposed to put some sealant at the corners, I found that I had oil leak in the front corner, without the sealant.

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[PorscheDude]

7 ft lbs. on the cam cover.

As stated, DO NOT OVER TORQUE THEM!

They are very fragile and snap easily. They are special bolts and cost like $8 each.



Buy the complete cam cover gasket kit. It will have all the needed seal, including the seal for the area around the spark plug.

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[xrad]

The long bolt's shaft will twist slightly when removed. I would buy new ones if you suspect this. Bolts have a fixed length threaded shaft so that the gaskets are compressed evenly. Many people try to tighten them up to stop leaks, but this is useless. As stated above, you have to replace the gaskets. And you can check the upper tensioner pad while you are in there.



Use the correct bit. Plenty of posts on removal tactics.



A dab of orange rtv in the corners at the cam support seals it all up. Be sure to clean the all old crap out of the corners.

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[PorscheDude]

Also in reference to the cam cover bolts,

there are 2 different lengths.



I think rennbay.com makes some in stainless for a little less than factory bolts.

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[PorscheDude]

Here is a link to new cam cover bolts.

I was wrong, they are not SS.

http://www.rennbay.com/engine-c-60.html?os...4e7d2fe625ea27a

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[benspeeder]

I must make sure I skip the manacure this week and grab the compact out of the glove box while listening to Barry Manilow or Cher :-)



Wrapping up a header weld job on the ITS Mazda - that goes back into the trailer (with antifreeze added). Then the 968 goes on the jacks for the leak hunt.



Great suggestions folks. I may go for the oil dye - never tried that



PS - hopefully getting a used 944 hatch today - possibly free from a shop I've spent much $$ with. Why am I fixing up the parts car???? I have the 968 sickness or something.

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[PorscheDude]

Great price on the hatch. I have seen them for as low as $25.

I gave one away last year.

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[biotechee]

968's are amazing cars! It's hard to let them go no matter what condition they are in!



I think the only group of Porsche owners more insane than 968 guys would be the 928 crowd! Those guys lost their marbles a long, long time ago!

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[benspeeder]

Got to love this fix - the smoke went away by itself. No leaks - must have been the engine cleaner stuff or other crap burning off. Also a dry gasket might have leaked. Now that its got oil on it - may have sealed.



We'll see if this comes back again.

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[xrad]

Pic of newly plated bolts in case you are interested:

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[benspeeder]

Love the freshly plated look - I may be calling but hopefully no <img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/wink.gif" class="smilie" alt="" /> <img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/ohmy.gif" class="smilie" alt="" />

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.