[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by darkstormvx

Hey Guys,

I have a 2005 987 S, 202,000 miles on it. Yesterday after some spirited driving I ran into engine trouble and I am at odds with what I've learned, versus what the shop is telling me. The car has never had an engine problem before, and it is driven spiritedly at least 1 a month for the last 9 years. It used to be my daily until a few years ago. Never tracked and on original clutch. Looking for any suggestions.

I was pushing it and everything was normal. The driving included me hitting redline a few times. After slowing down to cruise, at around 70mph I noticed a tacking/flapping sound. This sound pulsated every few seconds; volume was lower, then higher, in a rhythm. This tacking went faster and slower with engine rpm. So I slowed down a bit to listen, and, after a few miles, when trying to accelerate slightly, the car barely did. Felt like the backpressure u get when u run out of gas and try to accelerate. Then again, I was in 6th at around 55 mph... So I pulled over and got out to look under, and engine cut off a few seconds after I walked to the back. No check engine lights came on; oil levels and temperature were good. Did not try to restart.

I had it towed to a local indy I deal with whose prices recently increased to 140$ an hr. So naturally I want to pinpoint the problem as economically as possible. The 1 porsche mechanic there has done well but is very blatant with his diagnosis at times with little detail. I hardly get to talk directly to him but have not pushed issues. There are few economical dealers I have found in the Hampton Roads area.

So the shop calls me today and tells me they think its the IMS bearing that went out. I must note that I didn't see any metallic items last oil change, around 7000 mi ago. They quoted me 776.00 to diagnose. I am conflicted because based on what I've heard about the IMS going, its quite catastrophic, there is a big oil leak, and a much crazier clattering is heard when this happens and the engine immediately dies due to metals flying around.

I suspect this may be bent valves, a chain failure, lifter issue or the like but I'm no mechanic. I read forums. At the same time I don't know how to go about questioning someone with years of experience. I don't know if the oil filter was checked or compression test was done or anything. I will be quite upset if they tear down to the IMS and its not damaged.

I'd appreciate if anyone has any suggestions on how I should proceed. Thx.

Pull the oil filter and cut it open; if it is full of metal, the engine is done regardless of exactly why, and needs to come out and apart. When one of these engines fail, the oil could be free of metal seconds before the event. What you saw in the last oil change may also not be relevant. And we have seen IMS failures that led to piston and cylinder liner destruction without out a drop of oil leaking.