Has your Porsche been behaving abnormally lately? Maybe it is not as responsive as before, or a little more smoke is coming out of the exhaust. If any of these problems ring a bell, your Porsche could be going through AOS or Air-Oil Separator failure. This is a very common issue that can have a negative impact on the reliability of your Porsche so it is recommended to fix it before it gets worse.
What is the Air-Oil Separator (AOS)?
The AOS in your Porsche is a device that is meant to help filter out oil from the air that goes around the engine. This component is very important because it ensures that oil does not get into the combustion chamber where it is likely to be burnt and cause damage. In other words, the AOS enables the oil to get back to the engine while the clean air gets channeled into the intake system.
How To Know Your Porsche Is Malfunctioning Due To AOS Failure
- Excessive Exhaust Smoke: A clear indication that your Porsche has developed a problem with AOS failure is when a cloud of white or blue smoke is being emitted from the exhaust. This occurs because oil is getting into the intake system and is being burnt together with the fuel. Although some cars produce a small amount of smoke during the initial stage of ignition, a car that continues to emit smoke while in motion requires attention.
- Poor Performance: A faulty AOS can lead to rough running or engine misfire. This is because the engine is not receiving the correct air-to-fuel mixture because of oil in the intake system. There might also be some signs like losing power, lagging when you attempt to accelerate, and in extreme cases, the car stalling. If you find that something is wrong with your Porsche and the issue seems related to performance, you should look into the AOS.
- Check Engine Light: There are numerous possibilities that may lead to the illumination of the Check Light and one of them is a faulty AOS. When the AOS is not functioning properly, it is known to activate sensors in the engine which in turn leads to the CHECK ENGINE lamp coming on. If this occurs, then the Porsche should be taken to a mechanic so that the exact cause may be determined and resolved.
- Increased Oil Consumption: If you discover that your Porsche is using more oil than it usually should, then it could be caused by an AOS failure. When the AOS is not separating oil properly, more oil can be burnt in the engine, increasing consumption. Check the oil levels and add as necessary but also take the AOS in for a check if you find that you are using more oil than usual.
What to Do If You Suspect AOS Failure
- Schedule an Inspection: The first step is to have your Porsche diagnosed by a professional mechanic who is conversant with Porsche cars. They can look at the AOS to see whether the component is worn out or damaged and whether it should be replaced.
- Replace the AOS: If the AOS is faulty, then it will have to be replaced but only after careful examination of the problem. This is a fairly common repair on Porsches, and having the AOS replaced can help eliminate the problems and stop additional harm to the engine.
- Check for Related Issues: When the AOS is being replaced it is always wise to have the mechanic inspect other related problems such as carbon build-up, fouled spark plugs, or oil leaks. These problems should be solved at the same time to make sure that your Porsche is performing in its best condition.
Why Porsche Owners Should Trust DART Auto for Their Vehicle Maintenance
If you have any reason to believe that 
your Porsche’s AOS is failing, do not delay in getting it examined. At DART Auto, we have been serving popular European cars including different Porsche models for more than 20 years. Our skilled techs know that your Porsche has specific requirements and use the latest tools to identify and repair problems such as AOS failure.
Based in Denver, CO, we also cater to drivers in Centennial, Englewood, and Littleton, CO. Our goal is to ensure your Porsche is in top shape to offer you the performance you expect from the car. So why wait? Contact our DART Auto professionals today and get your Porsche in for a service that will make it last you for many years to come.
