Product Information
AOS Oil / Air Separator
Keep your Porsche Boxster 986 running smoothly with this OE
Match Air Oil Separator (AOS). Designed for 1997-2002 Porsche
Boxster 986 models equipped with the M96 flat-six engine, the Air Oil Separator
is a vital component of the engine's crankcase ventilation system.
Fits:
- Porsche Boxster 986 2.5L 1997-99
-
Porsche Boxster 986 2.7L 1999-02
-
Porsche Boxster S 986 3.2L 1999-02
Diagram Ref No 1
During normal operation, combustion gases and oil vapours
accumulate within the engine crankcase. The Air Oil Separator separates oil
particles from these gases, returning the oil to the engine while directing
cleaned vapours back into the intake system for combustion. This process helps
maintain engine efficiency, reduce emissions and prevent excessive oil
contamination within the intake tract.
The Air Oil Separator is one of the most recognised
maintenance items on Porsche M96 engines. As the internal diaphragm ages, the
separator can lose its ability to regulate crankcase pressure correctly,
resulting in a variety of performance and drivability issues.
Manufactured to OE Match standards, this replacement unit
restores proper crankcase ventilation and helps maintain the performance and
reliability expected from your Porsche Boxster.
What Does the Air Oil Separator Do?
The Air Oil Separator forms part of the Positive Crankcase
Ventilation (PCV) system.
Its primary functions include:
- Separating
oil from crankcase gases
- Returning
oil back into the engine
- Regulating
crankcase vacuum
- Reducing
oil consumption
- Supporting
emissions control systems
- Maintaining
engine efficiency
- Preventing
excessive oil contamination of the intake system
A correctly functioning AOS helps the engine breathe
properly while minimising oil carryover into the intake manifold.
Why Do Air Oil Separators Fail?
The internal diaphragm and valve assembly are constantly
exposed to engine heat, oil vapours and vacuum pressure.
Common causes of failure include:
Diaphragm
deterioration
Heat
cycling
Age-related
wear
Oil
contamination
Internal
valve failure
High
mileage
Crankcase
pressure fluctuations
Long-term
exposure to engine vapours
Over time, the separator loses its ability to maintain the
correct crankcase vacuum levels.
Symptoms of a Failing AOS
The Porsche Boxster Air Oil Separator often provides several
warning signs before complete failure.
Common symptoms include:
- Excessive
white smoke from the exhaust
- Increased
oil consumption
- Rough
or unstable idle
- Whistling
noises from the engine
- Vacuum
leaks
- Check
engine warning light
- Oil
contamination within the intake system
- Excessive
crankcase vacuum
- Difficulty
removing the oil filler cap with the engine running
These symptoms typically indicate the separator is no longer
functioning correctly.
When Should the AOS Be Replaced?
Replacement should be considered when any of the above
symptoms are present.
The AOS is also commonly replaced during:
- High-mileage
maintenance
- Engine
rebuilds
- Intake
system servicing
- Preventative
maintenance schedules
- Crankcase
ventilation system repairs
Many Porsche specialists recommend replacing the AOS before
complete failure to avoid more serious drivability concerns.
Why Replacement Matters
A failed Air Oil Separator can significantly affect engine
performance and reliability.
Benefits of replacement include:
- Reduced
exhaust smoke
- Improved
idle quality
- Lower
oil consumption
- Correct
crankcase pressure regulation
- Improved
engine efficiency
- Reduced
intake contamination
- Enhanced
reliability
- Restoration
of factory engine performance
Replacing the separator early helps prevent secondary issues
and maintains the health of the M96 engine.
Related reference numbersRelated, superseded, cross reference or alternative numbers for comparison.
99610702304 996-107-023-04
99610702304
99610702301
99610702302
99610702303
99610723752
The product you are viewing cross references to these numbers