Shortlived Boxster engines survey

[JoeBoxer02]

I bought my Boxster 02 a few months ago, It currently has about 64,000 kilometers.. I was just reading about all those engine problems. Thousands of dollars in repairs, whoa .. what did I get myself into ?? Is there any preventive measures I can do to reduce the risk. What years were affected? Do they all have that porous engine block ? What problems happen before the " BIG ONE" occurs !! What do I have to look for?

[Bobiam]

Originally Posted by JoeBoxer02

I bought my Boxster 02 a few months ago, It currently has about 64,000 kilometers.. I was just reading about all those engine problems. Thousands of dollars in repairs, whoa .. what did I get myself into ?? Is there any preventive measures I can do to reduce the risk. What years were affected? Do they all have that porous engine block ? What problems happen before the " BIG ONE" occurs !! What do I have to look for?

According to my expert Porsche mechanics, there will be metal fragments in the oil filter prior to an IMS bearing failure. Always worth tearing apart the filter to inspect it. If found, stop driving it and do an immediate IMS shaft bearing replacement.

[Jake Raby]

Yesterday Charles and I just finished our 3rd M96 101 Engine Assembly class for the year.. So far this year 18 students have gotten the direct hands on instruction and experience required to assemble the M96 engine correctly the first time.

My focus is assisting the DIY efforts more so than shops in 2011, the cars are no longer worth the 100.00/hr+ labor rates to assemble or repair an engine. I have devised a support program for the DIY efforts. You'll like it.

[Paul]

Tell us more!

[Paul]

For the first time in over 36 years of Porsche ownership, I have finally had an engine failure. Upon trying to start my 01 a few mornings ago, it turned about 2 or 3 times normally then spun free. At first I thought it was the starter drive, but upon observing the front pulley turn when bumping the starter, the timing must have slipped. Glad it happened in my garage and not on our recent 2400 trip! Absolutely no indication before it happened,even a recent oil analysis and a good look at the oil filter showed nothing.

My plan is to tear it down and see if I can fix it, if not time for a 3.8!!!

Very interested in teardown, repair, and reassembly instructions.

[Paul]

Jake,

Based on my description above, what do you think I'll find when I finally find the time to work on one of my cars (probably in January)?

What would you check first?

Since everything but the spark plugs and serpertine belt are original on the 2.7, it will need at least a flywheel, clutch set, IMS, RMS, water pump, and AOS.

I've found a new 3.8 X51 for around 12k, but Porsche will not cover it with the 2 year warranty unless it is installed in car that originally had a 3.8 and only if it was done at a Porsche dealer. So I can understand and support your stance on warranties!

[WalterB]

Does anyone know of a site that shows the exterior parts? The exterior black guards located in the front portion of the rear wheel well are broken and i need a replacement. Any help?

[danyl55]

Originally Posted by Bobiam

According to my expert Porsche mechanics, there will be metal fragments in the oil filter prior to an IMS bearing failure. Always worth tearing apart the filter to inspect it. If found, stop driving it and do an immediate IMS shaft bearing replacement.

if you find metal fragments in your oil filter I think I'd do more than an IMS--just saying--