Hoping for some input from the mechanics and mechanically-inclined. My 2014 4S has an oil leak from the timing chain cover. 3.0L V6 TT. Apparently this is a known issue with this engine across the full Porsche line-up (Panamera/Cayenne/Macan). Aluminum bolts fail causing leaks at the timing chain cover or cam cover. Fix is a full engine reseal ($$$).

Here’s the craziness of my situation…I’ve had this leak before! 1st leak was in 2017 at 27 000km (16 800 miles) while the car was still under Porsche factory warranty. Reseal was done at a local dealership under warranty with the engine left IN PLACE. Not the way the Porsche technical bulletin says to do the repair but apparently commonly done to prevent pulling the engine.

Within 2 years I found oil again around the alternator and around the drain pan. I monitored for a bit then knew something wasn’t right. Car is now out of Porsche warranty but have full mechanical aftermarket warranty ($$$) until 2024. I had lost confidence in the original dealer (for completely unrelated issues) so drove further to the oldest and most established dealer in my area. I also had a strong personal connection at this other dealership. I strongly suspect incompetent work at the 1st dealership as the root cause for the early failure so not interested in returning.

Inspection last week (at 2nd dealership) revealed the timing chain cover is leaking (AGAIN!). A/M warranty has approved the job with an estimated repair cost of $12 000 (CDN)! This time the engine is being pulled out to complete the work.

Here’s my question. Because the engine is coming out, any other preventative or routine maintenance to do now? I would pay extra for this work but would likely save on future labour costs. Car is sitting at 62 000km (38 500 miles) so only routine services (oil changes, brake fluid flush, brakes, etc.) up until now. For example, plugs and coils are original? Engine mounts?

Suggestions with a quick explanation would be helpful! Thanks in advance!

 

Here’s the Porsche Technical Bulletin I’ve referenced above.

 

I really wouldn't know what to change with that little mileage I'm afraid. Since your warranty has roughly 3 more years I'd just let them do whatever they plan on doing and call it a day.

I looked at the bulletin and amazing how that looks like the leak is coming from the oil filter! I do know those bolts are Al and once removed need to be replaced with new ones. I think each time I pull the intake manifold on the V8 one gets removed so I've replaced it twice now. I had a lot of spares because I was going to have the timing cover resealed but ended up not...

 

I agree! My leak looked very similar to the pictures in that bulletin. In fact, initially it was thought that my oil filter cartridge was leaking at the o-ring. I then thought it was my oil pan seal.

On the Macan and Cayenne forums, people post about this issue much more frequently. I actually learned about this problem by reading their posts. Out of warranty many just end up living with the leak as it’s such an expensive fix (particularly when done through Porsche).


That was my thinking too. Initially was wondering if I should get them to reseal the oil pan. But if it leaks (in the next 3 years) it’s covered by the A/M warranty. Mainly wondering about the “consumable” items like plugs, coils, etc..

That A/M warranty was super $$$ but turned out to be a smart investment. I’ve now claimed twice as much as I’ve paid and I’ve still got 3 years of coverage remaining. It’s also fully transferable to the next owner.

Speaking of next owner, my car is such a “daily driver garage queen”. Mechanically and cosmetically as close to perfect. After this repair is done, might be time to part ways…the constant fussing takes so much energy…

Thanks for your input!

 

There was someone here recently with an oil leak issue on his V8. I took a peek yesterday evening/last night and as far as I can tell the oil pan is easily accessible when doing an oil change. (I should have checked if it still was with the reinforcement plate in place but I was in a rush, but that is 7 bolts and off so nothing to sweat about). I am hopeful that Porsche designed the V-6 similarly.

I have a feeling if they find anything else of concern that being a Porsche dealer they will bring it up, so nothing to worry about and your warranty seems like a good one, will hopefully cover it.

Please keep us posted I hope your car comes back and never has this problem again! Torquing all those Al bolts properly is almost like a work of art. I bought a special torque wrench that measures torque AND angle just for them. You first torque to a certain Nm and then next to a certain amount of degrees. (I think the term is torque to yield, which to my understanding means at that point the bolt is somehow stretched and not reusable)...

 

Update on this…asked dealership if I should/could do any preventative maintenance while the engine is out. Said I would pay out of pocket for this work. Tech I trust got back to me and says would not recommend anything as all service is up-to-date. Seems honest as they could have gouged me. Said I would pay for new fluids (A/M warranty makes them reuse oil and coolant - how silly!). Also will pay for new undercover panel so not oil stained anymore.

Car goes in in about 6 weeks. 2-3 week job

 

I have a 2014 PTT and in 2019 I had an overheating issue and failed thermostat. There is a newer thermostat housing that you might want to look into. Maybe the 3.0 liter did not have the same issue the V8 did, but worth a look

 

Here's the thing. You're replacing these parts, with parts, of lesser quality, equal quality, or better quality?

IF the repair involves (known) upgraded parts that will likely last longer than your current ones, then by all means go for it. Since yours is covered by your extended warranty then it also makes sense to go for it....

BUT for those who no longer have a warranty if you're replacing parts that fail "early" with same quality parts I'm not sure it is worth it for it to again fail early....

Hence I try aftermarket parts or stop leak.....

 

Thank you for this. Fortunately my car has the upgraded bolt-on thermostat housing already! I believe the bolt-on housing was introduced on the 970.2.

 

Makes sense. Logical thinking! I was mainly wondering about maintenance consumable items like plugs and coils, thermostat, etc.. This aftermarket warranty has a provision saying that all service MUST be done by a certified repair facility. The owner CANNOT do any maintenance. I found this in the fine print! I’m sure they would exercise this clause to deny a claim…especially my upcoming $12K engine reseal!

 

I finally found the Maintenance booklet and made myself acquainted with the Panamera service schedule, at least for the '13 model year. Yours is 1 model year later so everything for you is shifted back to next year (depending on when you originally purchased or it was first bought). From what I can tell year 8 (since you have little miles we'll go by years):

spark plugs change
PDCC reservoir replace (if you have the black reservoir with three connections (hoses)).
air filter(s) replace​​​​
every 2 years brake fluid- replace
(S Hybrid ONLY- replace clutch brake fluid and Supercharger drive belt. These I wasn't sure if it applies to you).

PDK- Change "oil"/ATF/DCT fluid

These would be roughly 1 year early if you want...

 

Thank you for looking this up @jzchen! From that list, spark plugs and PDK fluid change would be the only items to do. I’ll likely leave as is and stay on track with my scheduled maintenance. Thanks again!