2006 Rotary Drive
2006 Rotary Drive
There are many issues that can affect your Porsche’s performance, like an air-oil separator failure. Although this issue is not well known to many drivers, it can cause serious complications for your car’s engine.
The Air-Oil Separator (AOS) helps to remove oil particles from the crankcase’s air-oil mixture. This provides oil-free air that can be returned to the engine for combustion. The oil is also collected and returned to the oil pan. The best way to keep your engine protected is to recognize early signs of AOS issues and fix them before they become serious.
What are the Causes of Porsche Air-Oil Separator Problems?
Before we discuss the best ways to recognize or diagnose air-oil separator failure in your car, let’s look at why there is such an issue in the first place.
Natural Wear & Damage
This is the leading cause of failure in many car systems and components and the air-oil separator is not left out. When you first get your Porsche, this component will perform its functions adequately, effectively separating oil from the air-oil mixture in your engine. However, as time passes the separator becomes less effective in performing its functions due to wear and damage caused by aging and consistent use.
Clogging
Once the air-oil separator gets clogged by a buildup of oil particles, then it will fail to perform its functions. Usually, clogging happens overtime as the AOS works, but it could be exacerbated by the use of low-quality oil or contaminated oil. When this happens, the AOS will fail to properly filter out oil from the air.
How to Recognize a Failing Air-Oil Separator in Your Porsche
1. Excessive Exhaust Smoke
One of the signs you will notice in your car if there is an air-oil separator issue is excessive smoke from the exhaust. This usually results from oil getting into the wrong places in the engine, causing the production of white or blue fumes from the exhaust.
2. Poor Engine Performance
Another way to know that your Porsche’s air-oil separator could be failing is a decline in the Porsche’s engine performance. The engine needs an intake of clean air for its combustion process. However, a faulty separator will prevent this from happening, thereby affecting the combustion process and leading to engine problems such as poor acceleration, rough idling, or stalling.
3. “Check Engine” Light Illuminates
If the “check engine” light comes on your dashboard, you may need to check the air-oil separator for damage. Usually, the “check engine” light illuminates when the engine control unit detects a fault that could impair the engine’s function. Because of the effects that a failing AOS has on the engine, the CEL can get triggered.
4. Increased Oil Use
If you find that you have to refill your Porsche’s oil levels more often than you used to, it could be due to air-oil separator damage. Usually, with a working AOS, the filtered oil (separated from the air-oil mixture) is collected and sent to the oil pan where it can be reused for lubrication or cooling in the engine. This helps to conserve oil. However, a faulty AOS will fail to do this, increasing the need for more engine oil.
Although all of the above signs point to a likely fault or defect in your Porsche’s air-oil separator, this is not the guaranteed culprit. Symptoms like above can also result from other engine problems. For example, poor performance could be due to faulty spark plugs or ignition coils.
Where to Get a Professional Diagnosis for Your Porsche’s Air-Oil Separator Issues
If you notice signs like poor engine 
performance or excessive exhaust smoke in your car, your car’s air-oil separator likely has issues. However, the best way to diagnose air-oil separator problems in your Porsche is to have a professional take a look at the car’s AOS and engine. They have the best experience and tools to figure out the exact cause of the issues your car is facing.
MW4 Outfitters is a top auto service shop in Humble, TX. We have certified technicians who are well-skilled and experienced in making precise diagnoses. We also have high-quality diagnostic tools to guide our technicians in their decisions. Not only do we make accurate diagnoses, but we also have the best hands and equipment to fix or replace your car’s faulty air-oil separator. Book an appointment with us today and let’s help you save your Porsche.
