Product Information
Crankcase Through Bolt O-Ring
Sold each - 24 required per engine
The Porsche Crankcase Through Bolt O-Ring is a
small but critically important sealing component used in Porsche 911 engines
from 1965 to 1989. Fitted around the crankcase through bolts that secure the
engine case halves together, this O-ring helps prevent oil leakage from one of
the most common sealing points found on classic air-cooled Porsche engines.
Fits:
- Porsche 911 1965-1968 2.0L / 912 SWB (F)
-
Porsche 911 1968-1973 2.2L / 2.4L / 2.7L RS LWB (F)
-
Porsche 911 1974-1977 2.7L / 1976-77 3.0 Carrera
-
Porsche 911 1978-1983 3.0L / SC
-
Porsche 911 1984-1986 3.2L
-
Porsche 911 1987-1989 3.2L G50
-
Porsche 911 1975-1977 3.0L Turbo (930)
-
Porsche 911 1978-1989 3.3L Turbo (930)
Diagram ref no 22
Although inexpensive, these O-rings play a vital role in
maintaining the integrity of the engine lubrication system. When properly
installed, they create a reliable seal around the through bolts, preventing
pressurised engine oil from escaping the crankcase and helping to keep the
engine clean and leak-free.
Whether you're performing a complete engine rebuild,
repairing oil leaks, or restoring a classic Porsche 911, replacing the
crankcase through bolt O-rings is considered essential preventative
maintenance.
What Does the Crankcase Through Bolt O-Ring Do?
The through bolt O-ring seals the openings where the
crankcase through bolts pass through the engine case.
Its primary functions include:
- Preventing
oil leaks from the crankcase
- Maintaining
crankcase sealing integrity
- Supporting
proper oil system operation
- Helping
preserve engine cleanliness
- Reducing
oil loss and contamination
- Protecting
engine components from oil seepage
Because Porsche air-cooled engines operate with a
high-capacity dry-sump lubrication system, maintaining effective sealing
throughout the crankcase is crucial for long-term reliability.
Why Does the Through Bolt O-Ring Fail?
Over time, the O-ring is exposed to extreme engine heat,
oil, pressure fluctuations, and age-related deterioration.
Common causes of failure include:
- Rubber
hardening due to heat cycles
- Age-related
shrinkage
- Loss
of elasticity
- Oil
exposure over decades of use
- Improper
installation
- Damage
during assembly
- Long-term
storage and inactivity
As the O-rings age, they gradually lose their sealing
ability and become one of the most common sources of oil leaks on classic
Porsche 911 engines.
Common Symptoms of a Failing Through Bolt O-Ring
Signs that the O-rings may require replacement include:
- Oil
leaks around the crankcase
- Oil
residue underneath the engine
- Persistent
oil drips despite replacing other seals
- Oil
staining around through bolt locations
- Excessive
oil mist accumulation on the engine case
- Leaks
becoming worse as the engine reaches operating temperature
These leaks are often mistaken for rocker cover, timing
chain housing, or crankshaft seal leaks due to the way oil travels across the
engine casing.
When Should You Replace It?
Replacement is strongly recommended whenever the engine is
disassembled.
The through bolt O-rings should always be replaced:
- During
complete engine rebuilds
- During
crankcase splitting procedures
- When
repairing major oil leaks
- During
full engine restorations
- On
high-mileage engines undergoing overhaul
- Whenever
the crankcase through bolts are removed
- As
preventative maintenance during engine refurbishment
Because access requires significant engine disassembly,
replacing these O-rings during rebuild work is considered standard Porsche
engine-building practice.
Related reference numbersRelated, superseded, cross reference or alternative numbers for comparison.
99970100640 19805
99970100640
999.701.006.40
The product you are viewing cross references to these numbers