Look What I Found

[Sunsport]

Originally Posted by pjq

2nd owner, 2004 Boxster S, 40000 miles, Mobil1 0-W40 just changed approx. 6-7 hrs before failure. oil changed every 7 - 8000miles.
start up shiftting 1st - 2nd approx 2300 RPM then when engine up to temp. shiftting 3200 - 3500RPM unless I want to pass!
Engine shut down on her own, then when stopped I restarted, she stated immediately, that was my introduction to the "death rattle". Not knowing the problem I restarted the engine, briefly, two more times after this.

Well, the fact that is started fine after is a good sign - if valves were bent it would have run poorly. Hopefully it's a simple bearing replacement and then back on the road for the nicer weather.

Good to see another Eastern Canadian on here as well!

[Timco]

Originally Posted by Sunsport

Well, the fact that is started fine after is a good sign - if valves were bent it would have run poorly. Hopefully it's a simple bearing replacement and then back on the road for the nicer weather.

Good to see another Eastern Canadian on here as well!

Loved the Shipping News!!

[thom4782]

Here's some suggestions on what to do next. You probably have already thought of these things, but in case you haven't, here goes.

First, check the oil filter for debris. If its clear, that's a good sign. If it's filled with metal, then you'll likely find the IMSB failed completely.

Next, remove the flywheel and IMSB flange. Assuming it looks in good shape except for the broken stud, test the IMSB for play. It's a good sign if there isn't any play or its minimal.

Then remove the bearing from the engine block. There are many discussions in this and other forums on the proper procedure to remove the IMSB. Hopefully, there is enough stud length left to use the extraction tool. If not, others might suggest what to do if the remaining stud is too short.

Once the bearing is out, remove the bearing's inner and outer seals to see if the bearing's race and its ball bearings are intact. If they are, that's another very good sign.

Next, check the IMSB seat in the engine block to see if it was damaged. Hopefully not because it's not repairable if I recall correctly.

You should consult others more knowledgeable than me, but if the oil filter and bearing are in great shape other than a broken stud, you might have dodged a bullet.

Let us know how it turns out.

[pjq]

I can only wish I doged that bullet!
Nope it hit me but I'm still not sure just how big the damage, I'm getting the impression it was pretty big. There was metal pieces in the sump and fillings in an oil sample. Here's the latest (I really need to put together a full story).
The engine is down and today all going well I will have slid it out and clear. I had to pull the IMSB flange off to see what was in there, below is the hell hole BUT where is the bearing!!! I guess thats the inner race in the tube. Nothing fell out this is what I found after removing the flange.
Any thoughts if its still rebuildable?

[BYprodriver]

You need to fully disassemble the engine to check for excessive wear caused by the IMSB ball bearings on the loose.

[pjq]

Bypro, ok that was what I was thinking but what about the block? How can I check if the bearing turned/spun in the race of the block?

[thom4782]

You might call the folks at Flat 6 Innovations and ask their advice on whether to go through the effort of tearing down the engine. They've got lots, if not the most, experience out there.

[BYprodriver]

Originally Posted by pjq

Bypro, ok that was what I was thinking but what about the block? How can I check if the bearing turned/spun in the race of the block?

Once the support bolt/axle breaks the IMS just bounces around. There is no way to know how much damage was caused without inspecting every surface inside the engine. You can get a sneek peak by removing the oilpump housing behind the front engine mount & inspect the 2 gears inside to see if the metal grit got through the pump.