Q – I have a 1985 Carrera and since it is my first Porsche, I probably got in a little over my head but here goes. It has an oil leak at the pipe connecting the engine to the oil thermostat (it’s the one with two solid steel ends and some braided hose in the middle). I was thinking of changing it myself but I discovered that it takes special tools to get it off the thermostat and what’s worse, the hose costs $284.00! I didn’t realize that this car would be so expensive and it looks like a bear to replace. Chuck
A – First, Chuck, I understand your pain. Older Porsches can lighten your wallet faster than a 6 horsepower shop vac. But after 20 years or so, you have to plan to repace all those hoses so don’t be surprised when the next one starts to leak. As a band aid, I have found a simple and cheesy solution to your dilemma. You can rest assured; it is not endorsed by Porsche nor is it a guaranteed fix. But it works.
The flexible part of the hose is probably leaking. It is secured by crimped-on clamps called ferrules. When the hose is new and flexible, these make a fine seal. But eventually the hose ages and shrinks, the fit loosens and seepage begins. You might also notice some discoloration around other hoses on the car that are clamped with ferules. While you are looking, check the two oil pipes under the right rocker panel. They are often damaged and are easily crushed.
If oil is seeping out the ferrules, reclamping might help. To remove the ferrule, you will need to cut them and split them before trying to remove them from the hose. The easiest method for this is a high speed cutting disc. You may have to make three or four cuts to weaken them sufficiently. Do not cut into the hose itself or you will be ordering that hose.
Once they are cut, squash them with Channel Lock pliers and remove the pieces. Replace the ferrules with two hose clamps per end (insurance). After you clean up the mess (with Gunk Engine Brite and a power wash) you can inspect the hose to see if it worked. If it does, you have solved it temporarily for ten dollars and about two hours of your time. — MC