I have a theory on the IMS failure - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

Jake Raby · 06-03-2010, 07:47 AM

Exactly.. Thats why when I am asked how long an engine will live I reply "How long will you live?" In a mechanical world nothing can be accurately forecast for a life span, hell not even the weather man can make an accurate forecast these days!

Lobo1186 · 06-03-2010, 02:49 PM

"but I'd never post that here or anywhere else. "

"What I learned from treating that engine horribly is something I'll never share, because no one would believe it."

I don't really understand this (in all sincerity and curiosity) why do you feel this way about sharing your knowledge?

Kale · 06-03-2010, 05:31 PM

Excellent forum gentleman.

My 1999 just turned 40K miles. It's never overheated but in Hawaii it's 72-86 degrees year round. Water temp gauge is seldon above 185. Air conditioner never used......top is always down. No oil leaks and the Box get new blood every 5K. Never over RPM'd above 6000 and never lugged under 2500. Electronically re-engineered with original factory settings to maximize gas mileage 24 city/30 hwy. (Sorry Al Gore) no emission standards in Hawaii. This also increased horsepower by 50-75 and my 99 2.5L now leaves my neighbors 2002 3.2L S in the rear view mirror. Treat it with respect and it will last forever. I personally have met 3 people with IMS failure, and they all have tried to have the RPM gauge do cartwheels. Bad idea. Constant High RPM's allows for that little intermediate shaft bearing to go bizerk. Bad design,......but when you know the cause of failure you avoid what causes failure. High oil temp and high water temp,.....equates to cracked heads and coolant leaking into cylinders, and thus internal motor failure.

Jake Raby · 06-03-2010, 06:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lobo1186

"but I'd never post that here or anywhere else. "

"What I learned from treating that engine horribly is something I'll never share, because no one would believe it."

I don't really understand this (in all sincerity and curiosity) why do you feel this way about sharing your knowledge?

Due to previous experiences that haven't been positive.. What we see most everyday defies conventional wisdom and in this world a lot of armchair mechanics (most of which have ZERO direct experience with the M96 engine) can really push our buttons and start keyboard combat.

It didn't use to be like this... People used to appreciate first hand accounts, but its just not that way anymore. I learned very quickly that what we could share would be limited with the M96 following, what makes it worse is giving info for free that can't be sourced anywhere else and still having to hear crap! So, looks like most everything we'll be sharing in the future will be for sale; if I am going to hear crap I at least want to get paid for it!

As far as the IMS failure and RPM, well from what we see the IMS bearing LOVES RPM, but thats another one of those things that doesn't make sense to those who haven't been exposed to the carnage.

Thats just the facts... The Engineers are the worst, followed closely by statisticians, neither of which generally own a toolbox.

97 Boxster · 06-03-2010, 07:20 PM

Jake,

I have followed your posts and I am one that agrees you should be able to share without getting criticized and or torn apart. The information you (and others) have shared on this topic have scared me some nights and others I could care less and I enjoy the car.

With that being said we do have alot of armchair mechanics on this forum (and I am not to far out of that chair). I like to take all the information about engines, wheels, suspension etc and determine what is best for me and my car given the situation.

I appreciate your posts and experience and if I ever need any help I will come to YOU. Thanks again.

Lobo1186 · 06-03-2010, 08:23 PM

thats pretty ironic if you ask me! seems to me that telling a bunch of porsche owners that one of the best ways to avoid IMS failure is to actually drive your car with some good old high RPMs you should get a good response!

strange if you ask me.

but you do great work! I currently cant afford your work or knowledge unfortunately but luckily you have no shortage of either! hopefully in the future we can do business.

btw beating the crap out of that engine you have, to see its limits sounds like alot of fun!

Jake Raby · 06-04-2010, 03:10 AM

Nothing wrong at all with armchair mechanics, the majority of the best professionals were in those positions in their early days.

I take what we work with very seriously, the engine will teach anyone what they need to know to work with it, all it takes is extreme attention being paid..

mikefocke · 06-04-2010, 08:12 AM

we have a guy who knows 3 people and is sure he knows the right way to treat an engine even if it contradicts the thinking of someone who has torn more than 100 engines apart and has experimented with every variation possible and who has a data base to back up his thinking. And this same poster claims to have gotten 50-75 more HP out of a 2.5 with nothing but electronic mods.

I know who has credibility with me...