Oil Leak

[stephentodd]

My 2017 Macan S with just 17K miles on it has developed an oil leak, this was picked up during the 4 year service recently carried out by the supplying OPC. I understand that this is the dreaded Timing chain cover/cam box oil leak, Fortunately my car is covered by Porsche's extended warranty. I understand talking to the technician who undertakes this work, that this is an engine out job.
I must say that this is not what I thought that I would get when I decided to buy into the Porsche premium brand that sells itself on world class engineering! in fact I feel very let down by this issue.
I wonder how many other PCGB members have had the same issue? & was it sorted out to your satisfaction?

 

[Lancerlot]

Early Macan V6 owners sometimes experience oil leakage from the timing case cover seal. Oil leaks occur with failure of seals around engine components and leakiage generallly manifests itself around the oil pan. Identifying the actual source of the leak is therfore of primary importance.

Macan timing cover issues originated from fastener problems during engine production, although this was addressed in later models. The timing case seal can still fail and repairing it is not easy. Its location and difficulty in accessing normally involves removal of the engine - a 40 hour labour charge! [] Some experienced indpendant workshops seem to be able to shortcut the process and reduce the cost.

You are fortunate to have Extended Warranty in place since, as with all high speed mechanical devices of any make and type, defects can sometimes develop - it's just that they tend to be quite expensive in Porsches!

Regards,

Clive

 

[alternativemtb]

Hi, yes, this happened on my (former) 2015 Macan S after 4 years and was picked up in a regular service. My local Porsche dealer were super helpful arranging a complete engine out rebuild, which took about a week in total. They were also able to provide a new Macan as a loan car! So glad I went for the extended warranty, as the repair invoice ran to 5 pages of parts!

 

[stuartclarke]

Also happened with my 2017 Macan GTS. I was already aware of the potential problem and was noticed at my 4 year service. My OPC were very helpful, provided a new Macan (sadly on the base model), and undertook the work within a week. I was told that it would have cost around £5k so I am definitely renewing my warranty next month!

 

[Chappelle]

Me too. Took 3 weeks to fix. The bolts were over tightened and shear. Mechanic told me he does at least one a week. Had an issue afterwards that I think was connected. All god since both fixed

 

[stephentodd]

Update on the Macan oil leak, OPC collected car this morning back to Leeds, I then received several phone calls regarding this repair, Porsche have on Friday or over the weekend issued a bulletin regarding these repairs, they are now being done without taking the engine out of the car, the retaining bolts for the timing chain cover are changed, engine cleaned down, reassembled and car returned to customer. This will be the first one the OPC have done in this manner, don't you just love being the guinea pig! The car is expected back tomorrow, all being well. Fingers crossed.

 

[Second_MLC]

Hi all,
This is my first post, and sadly may end up being a very expensive one…??
I recently bought a 2016 Macan GTS, and after a recent PDK service, my independent specialist informed me of an oil leak on the timing chain cover. The vehicle was bought outside of the Porsche network, as the previous owner had only serviced the vehicle at the OPC for the first service.
I have contacted my local OPC who have informed me they can diagnose the problem formally for a fee, but despite this being a well-known issue, as the vehicle is nearly 7 years old, it seems unlikely, Porsche would assume any of the costs to repair this manufacturing defect.
Does anyone have any experience of OPC paying or at least contributing to fixing this issue under similar circumstances (the car having been maintained outside of the Porsche network) ?
Many thanks in advance ????

 

[Lancerlot]

I would try another Porsche Centre - one that is not part of the same trading group.
Regards,

Clive

 

[Neil1911]

I would try another Porsche Centre - one that is not part of the same trading group.
Regards,
Clive

Clive, I don't understand why you say that, explain please.

 

[Lancerlot]

Porsche Centres are individual trading units employing different personnel and trading policies, so may offer a different approach to an owners in difficulty in order to achieve another potential customer.
It's certainly worth a try! []

Regards,

Clive

 

[Lancerlot]

BTW - I seem to recall Porsche issued a bulletin on this and how to effect repair without the need for engine removal (with a commensurate reduction in cost). So this may be worth investigating too! ????
Regards,

Clive

 

[stephentodd]

Clive, try reading my earlier post number 6.

 

[Lancerlot]

Well done for calling it, Stephen. I'm the numpty! []

Regards,

Clive

 

[Second_MLC]

Thanks Clive - sounds like a good idea. I may even contact the original OPC who took the car in part exchange (against a new Macan GTS), as they passed it onto their generic used car sales arm, I had presumed because of the lack of a full OPC history, rather than an oil leak…
I’ll update the thread once I hear anything.
Many thanks again ????

 

[tonycoughlin]

I am thinking of purchasing a V6 Macan, but have heard of many cases like this.
Can I ask if your repair (no engine out) was successful? It would also be useful to know the approx cost if not under warranty. Finally, do you know if they fit uprated bolts to combat the issue?
Many thanks, Tony

 

[stephentodd]

Tony,
The no engine out repair was successful, car has done 6k miles since then, no obvious signs of oil leak, also car has not used any oil in that time. I believe that there are improved bolts fitted, however as I understand it, the original faults were caused by over tightening of the items @ the factory. If it is any consolation the technician @ Leeds OPC who did mine said he had never done an engine twice. I have no idea of the cost as it was under extended warranty.

 

[polar964]

I've just purchased a Porsche approved used 2016 (registered Dec) Macan GTS with only 28k miles. During it's preparation and in readiness for collection, the service department noticed an oily patch on the floor!
Turns out collection is now delayed until they have established where the oil has come from and thus rectified the leak. They mentioned having to remove the engine to establish exactly where the leak originates. I suspect it will be the timing chain cover seal as mentioned in this thread. Pleased they have caught it now before I've taken delivery. I may also add, the service and communication from the OPC has been excellent.

 

[Second_MLC]

Quick update - so after several months, I’ve managed to have all the timing chain cover bolts replaced under the warranty that came from the non-OPC dealer. Initially the warranty company wouldn‘t cover the claim as oil leaks were excluded. But as there was a mechanical failure of the bolts they covered it as a goodwill gesture. I had my independent Porsche specialist do the work (Porsche bolts obviously) which was done without removing the engine. They sell a lot of Macans of this age and this is a common problem, so they‘ve got plenty of experience. Hence I’m confident the problem is solved and better still, didn’t cost a penny.
BTW couldn’t be happier with the car (2016 GTS in Carmine Red) - it drives amazingly well and I regularly get compliments on how nice it looks & sounds. Obviously not so happy with the MPG but you can’t have it all ??

PS. I also learnt that the PSE switch only controls the left hand exhaust valve (on the GTS & Turbo). The valve on the right exhaust is managed by the ECU - this was found when the right hand valve was also replaced under warranty.

 

[stephentodd]

My oil leak was only discovered by the OPC when they were servicing the car and had the undertrays off, there was no oil under the car. There was only a minor leak from the timing chain bolts. The OPC cleaned all the timing chain case up, & I had to drive it for 500 miles & then take it back so the exact leak could be identified.

 

[polar964]

Good to know you got it sorted. I read in your post that the timing cover bolts were replaced.
Would you happen to know whether a revised torque setting for the bolts was applied? Seeing as there was previously (factory install) potential for overtighting and possible mechanical failure which led to the oil leak!