replacement engines

[thstone]

Originally Posted by Onelbil

how can I test for a cracked head?..I know this could be the oil cooler or o-rings, but feel this is unlikely and hopefully it will be obvious once I tear down into it.

Do a cylinder leak down test. If the leak down test is ok, then the source of the intermix is probably the oil cooler.

[Gelbster]

This is fascinating and useful for those who are visual learners.Courtesy of Renntech. It will help ensure you test each cylinder in the correct position.
https://www.renntech.org/forums/uploads/monthly_04_2014/post-93239-0-35664900-1397384617.png
Here is the Firing order and cylinder i.d./location
http://www.gtsparkplugs.com/firing-order-porsche-boxster.html

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by thstone

Do a cylinder leak down test. If the leak down test is ok, then the source of the intermix is probably the oil cooler.

Would not bet on that. We have seen a couple of heads crack on the cam sides, which would completely be missed in a leak down. First thing I would do is pressure test the cooling system to confirm that there is a leak, then do a leak down. If the leak down passes, you could have a bad oil cooler (which can be tested separately to confirm or deny), or you could have a leak outside the combustion area.

Originally Posted by JFP in PA

Would not bet on that. We have seen a couple of heads crack on the cam sides, which would completely be missed in a leak down. First thing I would do is pressure test the cooling system to confirm that there is a leak, then do a leak down. If the leak down passes, you could have a bad oil cooler (which can be tested separately to confirm or deny), or you could have a leak outside the combustion area.

Yep...I thought of that, the cylinder leak down is only if the crack is in combustion chamber. Pretty sure I have a tight coolant system,, the cap really hisses when I remove it warm (not hot). Tell me if this isn't a valid assumption and I will pressure test the cooling system.
So, I hear the the oil cooler is rare. The only thing I noticed is a couple of flashes from the oil light the night before...just flashed on, then off, then flashed again, little flicker, then off. the level of oil is fine and the oil looks clean, however, I noticed some condensation on the oil filler cap?
If the oil cooler blew out, that would be a huge relief. The orings would just mean lost coolant, correct?

[Gelbster]

If the Heat Exchanger "O" rings have failed you will see oil &/or coolant pooling on top of the engine underneath the base of the heat x. Note some aftermarket "O" rings are undersize and will leak almost immediately. Ask me how....

another quick question -
I am seeing head assemblies, some say the 2.7 and 3.2 heads are interchangeable and others only have an application for 2.7 and don't list the 3.2 as fitment. Anyone know the real deal on this?

[andys320]

I had a head go on my 2000S, from what I gather the most likely year to fail, biggest giveaway was white smoke from exhaust. Have you had plumes of smoke from exhaust. If not don't panic, may be simpler.

I thought S head was different, possibly different cams.

My understanding is you need head and cam holders as all line bored, but this is what I was told by someone who I am sure knows far more than me.

Originally Posted by andys320

I had a head go on my 2000S, from what I gather the most likely year to fail, biggest giveaway was white smoke from exhaust. Have you had plumes of smoke from exhaust. If not don't panic, may be simpler.

I thought S head was different, possibly different cams.

My understanding is you need head and cam holders as all line bored, but this is what I was told by someone who I am sure knows far more than me.

Thanks for the feedback and I have never had smoke, white or otherwise. No symptoms except intermix (oil in coolant tank) suddenly on Friday. sure do hope its simplier, but nothing has been so far. :+)
I have confirmed that they are different part numbers, but I am hoping for a more authoritative answer from someone on compatibility. Some of the folks on ebay list them as interchangeable and others dont. Once I drop the motor, I need to move fast as it will be at a shop. I gots NO garage.

[andys320]

Good luck, hope it's cheaper, keep us posted.

[Gilles]

Before you have brain surgery, try an aspirin

Seriously, first you should try to eliminate the simpler probable causes, like the heat exchanger o-rings, the HE by itself, if both are Ok, then can move into a crack head scenario where someone like Len Hoffman can repair for you.

Good luck!