Any new RMS failures after Porsche's latest fix?

Just wondering if anyone has had an RMS relapse after getting the latest and greatest Porsche repair procedure (I don't know the protocol name/code for it, I'm sure techies will)? I just had an RMS fix performed on my car a couple of weeks ago, and am wondering what the success rate for this latest procedure is? Thanks.

I'm not certain about the latest fix, but a Porsche Certified mechanic told me a couple of weeks ago that only 10% of the cars that he repairs need a second seal replacement.

not sure what date separates the "latest" fix from the previous iteration, but, for what it's worth, I had my RMS replaced last september and have put a little over 5,000 miles on the new one without a leak yet.

I second that. I have heard the same thing (or at least close) from 2 seperate techs. Chad

Berny just had the latest fix, including the new style seal - his 6th replacement seal. Also the coated bolts. Still leaks.

I spoke with a tech last week in the UK and he told me that the new seals are good, but RMS has no real preference for mileage - apparently they had a guy come in with a 996 with 110,000 miles on it. first RMS! kinda puts the over 30k miles = OK out of consideration

I expect that there are lots of cars on the road that have seals that leak after a 100k miles. Most drivers with older cars simply ignore small leaks.

Mine leaked at about 9.9K miles (fixed in 1/05). I've put 1.5K miles and two track weeekends on since the repair and no leaks yet. My leak was a gusher. Well, a dripper - but you could see the oil drip, drip dripping one day with no apparent leak the day before.

No problems yet. I don't think it's something I worry about anymore. If it leaks, I'll pay the money to fix it. It's not as bad as a engine replacement. Don't frett it!

Just curious as to what exactly are you all referring to by the "latest" seal. I have 2 friends with 996's who've been watching this issue and one owner has a document from about a year ago from a very experienced tech saying that the new seals with the proper installation tool and process are very reliable. Is there something even "newer" than what this guy may have been referring to? I'm following this issue closely since I can't decide whether to replace my '88 3.2 with a 993 or a 996.

yes i'm curious about the date of the latest update. like i mentioned, i had mine done last september and the tech told me everything was well within tolerance and the latest (at that time) seals and installation procedures were very reliable. he at least made it sound like it would be very rare for my seal to leak again.

"New" seal has dimple on them and was introduced a few years ago (starting in 01 or 02). Some new tool allows the seal to seat deeper. Still, it's not a 100% guarantee. I figure if you can't affort a 800-1000 fix, you should own a 996. Not being a snob but that's what it is.

Guess I'm one of the unlucky 10%. First one went at 4,300 miles, the second at 11,850 and the third at 16,000. Going in next week for the third, curious if the dealer will just replace the seal or replace the engine.

Do you really think that the 993 is more reliable and doesn't leak? Looking for a Porsche without an oil leak is like looking for the perfect woman without PMS.

Well I've been driving Porsches and BMW's for years so I think I can probably handle an $800 repair bill but thanks for the advice. Anyway, what would bother me though is to pay $800 - $1,000 for a repair that may or may not be effective and possibly having to bring the car back in...repeatedly. I don't mind a leak or two either but I don't really think I'd put a failed RMS in the same category as the typical leaking my 911s have exhibited. In fact I'm getting ready to spend way north of $800 for new valve guides on my '88 but I KNOW the fix is permanent and effective. That's all I'm asking for.

Just trying to get some data points. Not "fretting" another RMS, but just trying to set realistic expectations. I drove my 993 out of warranty, so I'm quite prepared to do the same with the 996. Thanks again. I'll post if I get another leak.

If the RMS repair is done out of warranty, I'd be curious if the repair shop would charge to repair a RMS leak recurrence. I would expect that many shops would guarantee their work for a reasonable period of time.

The 3rd generation seal just came out. The 2nd generation came out in 2000. Yet another tool to seat the seal came out. The prior version set the seal deeper in the bore. The current version not so deep. From my memory the tool to install the seal has been changed 4 times. http://www.renntech.org/forums/index...&st=0&#entry24

since the rms problem has been a known issue since the early 996 model years, has porsche dealt with it adequately such that the more recent 996's will have a decreased risk of rms leak?

model year doesn't seem to make a difference to RMS leak.

What's the common bill on RMS replacements? And are those bill from the dealer? -Eli