Dead Boxster? - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

Surfncpa · 06-19-2011, 12:13 PM

I'm still trying to come to grips with this. So when there are metal bits of the engine showing up in the oil filter, is it a 100% (or 90% or whatever) certainty the engine is ruined beyond repair and will need to be replaced? I need to decide if I am going to get the car towed to an independent mechanic or a salvage yard.

Paul · 06-19-2011, 12:44 PM

From your posts so far, the engine is totaled. To make sure you could have a compression test done. I suspect you will have 0 in all cylinders.

These cars have value even with a blown motor, if you decide not to fix it, I suggest you put it on eBay or Craigslist.

JFP in PA · 06-19-2011, 12:46 PM

Most likely, the problem is serious; the only way you are going to know for sure is to have someone that knows what they are doing pull the sump cover and take a look. You don't find metal in the oil filters of health motors.....

If the engine is toast, the last place I would go for another one is a dealer. You should be placing a call to Jake Raby; he has everything from warmed over stock engines to full tilt race motors, the later of which sell for about the same as an OEM rebuilt motor. He has a program to pull and replace the problem parts on used but serviceable engines, like the IMS (which is probably what took yours out) and offers some level of warranty as well.

Surfncpa · 06-19-2011, 01:15 PM

They did say the motor would start but it was misfiring and they thought likely to seize up any second.

It's just hard for me to fathom that the engine can't be fixed for a few thousand dollars, but then my knowledge of car engines is minuscule.

jhandy · 06-19-2011, 01:29 PM

if the motor could be rebuilt, the labor alone would be more than a few thousand.

The cheapest way......ebay has running motors for 3-5K. buy it, pull yours drop another in.

Then trade it in and be honest about the motor.

urban_legend · 06-19-2011, 03:38 PM

I safely assume that your maintenance was flawless and the car provided absolutely no warning prior to failure?

Seems quite unsettling to have your car go boom to all us DIYer and non-wrenchers.

Paul · 06-19-2011, 05:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by urban_legend

I safely assume that your maintenance was flawless and the car provided absolutely no warning prior to failure?

Seems quite unsettling to have your car go boom to all us DIYer and non-wrenchers.

No warning whatsoever, no metal or other debris in the oil, all chains intact, IMS intact. No compression in all cylinders.

It failed while trying to start it. Cranked over about 2 times, fired a plug or 2 then spun free, no noises.

This is the first engine failure I've had in a lifetime of enjoying numerous Porsches. I performed all maintenance better and sooner than Porsche recommends. Very unsettling.

Some day I'll have the time to tear the motor down and see what happened. My best guess is that either the sprocket on the IMS or crankshaft slipped on its shaft. I'm in the process of getting a used motor ready to install.