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Old 01-18-2018, 08:19 PM   #9
thstone
Certified Boxster Addict
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 7,669
Quote:
Originally Posted by dimitri View Post
Does this point to a IMS failure?
Could be a lot of things, but the symptoms you describe aren't typical of an IMS failure. But there is no way to know from your description.


Quote:
Originally Posted by dimitri View Post
Or could this be an easy fix?
Anything is possible, but its not likely that this would be an easy or cheap fix. As others have mentioned, the timing has most likely skipped and that is a serious problem and often comes with disastrous consequences.


Quote:
Originally Posted by dimitri View Post
Like some timing adjustment?
Yes, but in a very serious way. If by some chance the valves haven't hit the pistons, then the engine still needs to brought back into correct timing. It can be done, but its not a simple repair.


Quote:
Originally Posted by dimitri View Post
What should I do?
What you do really depends on your mechanical aptitude, financial position, and personal preference for taking risks.

Best case is that the engine is still good and only needs to be re-timed and replace timing chains, ramps, and tensioners (assuming that this is the problem - which we don't really know for sure). And you have the tools and skill to do this yourself. And you're willing to invest the time, money, and effort to do it. You could end up with a nice car at a bargain price.

Worst case is that the engine needs replacement and you don't have the tools or skills to do any of the work yourself. And you don't have the money to pay someone else to do all of the work for you (or doing so will put you in a precarious financial position). You could end up with a disassembled car that you can't repair (for skill or financial reasons) or you could end up with a car that is not close to being worth the money that you had to put into it to repair it.

Or anywhere in between.


Quote:
Originally Posted by dimitri View Post
How can I find out?
If the owner is willing to let you have the car towed to a Porsche repair shop, you could pay for a professional inspection/diagnostic. The shop may or may not be able to tell you exactly what is wrong and how much it might cost to repair so this could be a waste of time and several hundred dollars, but you will probably know more than you do now.

At the end of the day, its your time, effort, and money. Choose wisely.
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Last edited by thstone; 01-19-2018 at 06:34 AM.
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