Shortlived Boxster engines survey - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

mikefocke · 03-26-2011, 10:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bobiam

Many will disagree, but I think you did the right thing. There is too great of a likelihood that the car was going to cost you it's full value soon with an IMS failure. Enjoy your ride.

Could it happen, yes. Likely to happen, no. I read 6 forums daily and the number of failures that are showing up is small compared to the number of total M86 engines on the road. So I see little justification for "the sky is falling" language.

Many I see reported are not diagnosed by an expert so we aren't sure what went wrong. And some reports I'm convinced are by people trying to stir up trouble with no real Porsche ownership. Another group are recent purchases with uncertain maintenance histories and a high probability that they were not driven regularly and had just come out of hibernation/storage.

If I were changing the clutch, would I install the LN bearing, yes. I have a Tiptronic car, said more likely to fail by some, but I feel quite comfortable with the odds. You can't maintain against all possible failures or you go broke or paranoid. And if it stops being fun, why own it in the first place.

Jager · 03-26-2011, 02:42 PM

I have a 2001 Boxster, original 2.7L engine, with 209,000 miles on it. No major problems, normal wear (tires, brakes, battery, wind shield replacement). DRIVE THOSE PORSCHE BOXSTERS!! I believe these cars need to be driven at least 10 minutes/miles, come up to temp so that all the water moisture is out of the oil after start-up... And change that oil regularly!

Paul · 03-26-2011, 06:45 PM

Had some more time and ambition today:

Some seepage from the RMS but no obvious oil leaks.

Clutch is about a mm above the rivets, would have made it a few more miles.

I guess I need to order the tools necessary to remove the heads next.

Paul · 03-26-2011, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jager

I have a 2001 Boxster, original 2.7L engine, with 209,000 miles on it. No major problems, normal wear (tires, brakes, battery, wind shield replacement). DRIVE THOSE PORSCHE BOXSTERS!! I believe these cars need to be driven at least 10 minutes/miles, come up to temp so that all the water moisture is out of the oil after start-up... And change that oil regularly!

Oil brand and frequency of oil changes?

Jager · 03-26-2011, 08:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul

Oil brand and frequency of oil changes?

Mobile 1, 5w-30w, every 3500 to 4000 miles. I know this is more frequent than recommended but I think clean oil is important. I change and inspect the filter every other oil change. I use ramps, it makes the job quick and easy.

clickman · 03-26-2011, 09:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jager

Mobile 1, 5w-30w, every 3500 to 4000 miles.

Interesting. I've heard often that 30W is not good in our cars.

Jager · 03-26-2011, 09:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clickman

Interesting. I've heard often that 30W is not good in our cars.

To clarify I use 5w-30 year round.... I live in southern California the temperatures don't get extremly cold or hot.

Steve Tinker · 03-27-2011, 12:45 AM

The can of worms is about to be opened....209,000 miles on a non Porsche approved oil!!
Jager,
I've not read one thread advocating that viscosity of oil, even in cold climates. I'm not saying its the wrong viscosity (I believe oil flow is probably better than oil pressure, but I'm in a minority).
More details of how long you have owned the car and how long the engine has been fed a diet of 5W30 oil is required.....