Ask the expert
Got a question for our Porsche technician? Email us editorial@total911.com
I’m looking to purchase a 993 Carrera and have read much online about shrinking cam cover gaskets and how they leak oil as they shrink, and how the 993’s undertray often hides this. How often have you seen this in your time? Even if the car isn’t leaking, would you recommend having the gaskets changed anyway?
Martin de Zeeuw
Scott’s answer: “I have in fact seen a fair few 993s with leaking cam covers over the years. Often you will see residual oil on the undertray, however, if you are concerned don’t be afraid to take a trolley jack with you to view the car and take the cover off – they are held on with a few 90-degree twist Phillips clips so it is not a difficult cover to remove. You will want to be sure before you buy the car and give it a thorough check, as this can be expensive to replace. Failing that, you could negotiate a ‘check over’ with the seller as part of the terms of the sale with your local Porsche Centre for peace of mind – this is again something we’ve facilitated here at our Centre in the past. However, if the covers are not leaking, I wouldn’t replace them. If it isn’t broken, don’t fix it…”