Do you have an issue of heavy smoke or high oil consumption in your Porsche? One of the most frequent issues Porsche owners often encounter is air-oil separator (AOS) breakdown. If you have seen blue smoke from the exhaust, high oil consumption, or poor engine performance, your air-oil separator is likely to be faulty.
The air-oil separator is a small device in your Porsche crankcase ventilation system. It is designed to separate oil mist from crankcase gases and ensure that only air goes to the intake system when the mist returns to the engine. When it fails, the oil may drip down where it is not supposed to, and this can cause damage to the engine, poor performance, and costly repairs. Let’s explore the usual causes of failure of the air-oil separator and how to avoid the same thing from happening again.
What Are The Factors That Lead To Porsche Air-Oil Separator Failure
- Age: Like other engine parts, the air-oil separator wears out with time due to heat, pressure, and contact with oil. It is also important to note that the older the Porsche, the higher the chances of experiencing AOS failure, especially if the car has high mileage.
- Clogged or Failing PCV System: The positive crankcase ventilation system is directly linked to the air oil separator. If the PCV valve is blocked or defective, pressure will accumulate in the system, which can cause the AOS to fail.
- High temperatures: Porsche engines run at high temperatures, which puts a lot of pressure on the AOS’s rubber diaphragm, which is likely to wear out over time. When the diaphragm is worn out, the separator cannot perform its function, and oil leaks into the intake.
- Short Trips: Using your Porsche for short trips is another way in which AOS failure can occur. This is because the engine does not reach the required temperature for burning moisture and oil vapors, resulting in accumulation in the separator.
- Oil Contamination and Poor Maintenance: Dirty oil or oil not changed frequently may cause sludge and carbon accumulation within the air-oil separator. In the long run, this build-up compromises the unit’s functioning and ultimately leads to its failure.
- Vacuum Leaks: Since the AOS system is based on vacuum pressure, any break in the vacuum hoses could lead to malfunctions. This may lead to oil entering the intake, causing the engine to misfire and be less efficient in its use of fuel.
How to Prevent Air-Oil Separator Failure
Porsche car owners are advised to ensure they service their AOS regularly to avoid failure. High-quality engine oil should always be used and changed according to the manufacturer’s recommended intervals to avoid sludge formation. Short journeys result in the build-up of moisture and oil vapors in the intake tract, so it is beneficial to take longer drives once in a while.
Since the AOS is integrated with the PCV system, maintaining the PCV valve in a clean condition will increase its durability. Another area that needs to be checked frequently is vacuum hoses and connections because they may crack or leak, which compromises the vacuum pump’s normal workings and may lead to its early failure. If the vehicle emits high smoke from the exhaust or the oil consumption increases, the AOS should be examined.
Carotech Automotive Can Help Porsche Owners in Los Angeles And Beyond
Suppose you are experiencing any signs of a 
faulty air-oil separator in your Porsche. In that case, it is recommended that you seek the services of a professional so that you can have it fixed before it causes further damage to your engine. Carotech Automotive is a company that focuses on Porsche car repair and maintenance to ensure that the luxury car is in its best condition.
Our team of experienced technicians is based in Los Angeles, CA, and is equipped with the best diagnostic tools to determine the nature of the air-oil separator issues and fix them. As a company that has existed for many years, we have the expertise to handle your Porsche models. Do not wait until the AOS failure results in severe engine problems. Call us today to schedule an appointment to have your Porsche checked.
* Porsche Macan Car image credit goes to: Different_Brian.
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