Both air and oil are essential for your Porsche’s engine to run smoothly. Oil ensures proper lubrication of engine parts while the air plays a key role in combustion. During the engine’s running, oil from the crankcase can get into the air intake and this can reduce the efficiency of the intake system. This is why the Air-Oil Separator (AOS) exists in your car’s system, to remove oil from the air intake and return it to the crankcase for its lubricating function.
If this AOS fails, your car could begin to face serious problems such as emission issues. This guide will provide a direction on how you can handle the situation.
Symptoms of a Failed Air-Oil Separator in Your Porsche
The air-oil separator in your car can fail due to various reasons such as natural wear and damage, engine overheating, poor maintenance, or the use of low-quality oil. Whatever the cause, here are some signs you may notice in your car to show an air-oil separator failure.
Poor Engine Performance
This is one of the leading signs of a failing air-oil separator in a car. Your car’s engine needs the right air-fuel mixture balance for combustion and thus, the engine’s smooth running. However, the presence of oil in the air intake system due to a faulty air-oil separator can affect this balance, leading to incomplete combustion and thus, poor performance. You may notice rough idling, misfires, or slow acceleration in this case.
“Check Engine” Light Illuminates
The “check engine” light is one of the warning signs on your car’s dashboard to let you know when something is wrong with the engine. As explained earlier, an AOS failure can affect engine function and this can trigger the CEL to illuminate on the dashboard.
Thick Smoke from Exhaust
Because of the effect that an AOS failure has on the emission system in your car, this is one of the common signs you may notice to show a fault. Once oil gets into the air intake, per the engine’s function, this oil will burn off and this typically results in the production of thick smoke from the exhaust.
Best Ways to Deal with Air-Oil Separator Failures in Your Porsche
If you suspect that your car’s air-oil separator could be faulty, here are some ways you could deal with the situation.
- Start with an inspection. Carefully inspect the engine area, and look for visible signs of wear or damage around the intake manifold and the air-oil separator. This can give you a clue of what the issue is with the car. It also helps to make your diagnosis process easier.
- Find the cause of the problem. Next, you have to figure out what the problem is with the air-oil separator. There are several reasons why this component could run into problems and figuring out why can help you find a lasting solution. You can do this by checking for fault codes or conducting specific tests.
- Get a replacement. Once it has been confirmed that your car’s AOS is faulty, you have to get a replacement part as it can hardly be fixed. Ensure that you work with a reliable mechanic so you can get quality parts.
- Preventive maintenance. Proper maintenance actions can help you prevent future occurrences of this issue by extending the AOS’s lifespan. Regular oil checks and changes, frequent inspections, and timely repairs of damaged parts can help place your car in great shape.
Where Can You Fix Porsche Air-Oil Separator Issues in Florida?
Once you see any sign that suggests a 
fault in your car’s system or in the air-oil separator, you should not wait until it becomes a critical case before you seek help. The best way to handle this problem is to find a reliable mechanic with experience in dealing with common problems with Porsche vehicles. Euromotive Performance is that auto shop for you.
We specialize in servicing and repairing European vehicles so your Porsche is in the best hands with us. Our workspace is well-equipped with the latest factory equipment for adequate diagnosis and repairs. We also have certified technicians who can handle any problem with your car. If you are in Hallandale Beach, Pompano Beach, or Fort Lauderdale, FL, you do not have to look too far as we are available to help get your car back in shape.
* Black Porsche Car image credit goes to: Brandon Woyshnis.
