Engine Diagnostics - Intermix

[Gelbster]

It is also (I found) quite a simple ,goof proof procedure and of course you can repeat it to confirm and test a known-good vehicle to verify the kit works.
I sense a call to Hoffman Machine may be next ?
This may ease the pain?
https://newsite.hamheads.com/
https://newsite.hamheads.com/2017/01/16/986-996-porsche-cylinderhead-cracks-explained/

[Jamesp]

Pull the plugs and look at each one. If it is a cracked head the clean / wet plug (or rusty if the engine has not been run) is the cylinder of interest. If they are all the same, it's not coming from the cylinder. next stop is the oil cooler. The head gaskets are bullet proof in this engine and an unlikely failure. Cracked heads are not uncommon, but can be welded up and used again.

[Gelbster]

Originally Posted by Jamesp

Pull the plugs and look at each one. If it is a cracked head the clean / wet plug (or rusty if the engine has not been run) is the cylinder of interest. If they are all the same, it's not coming from the cylinder. next stop is the oil cooler. The head gaskets are bullet proof in this engine and an unlikely failure. Cracked heads are not uncommon, but can be welded up and used again.

As the link above indicates it is possible for the pressurized coolant to leak directly into the oil ways. This would leave little evidence on the plugs. 9xx Motors(Jason) a well regarded local engine rebuilder has a good video showing several such cracks.I'll try to find it.Hoffman in the links and narrative in my previous Post also covers this
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rtbXu0jji-s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2wQhkvUHkDc
But James addresses the initial difficulty of diagnosis with the engine complete and running. The pressure tests linked are after a convincing diagnosis because removing a cylinder head is a lengthy task.For example .if the head pressure tested good and then you found the intermix was cused by an "O" ring failure on the Heat X ,you would be miffed.So diagnosis is the critical task.The repair is 'easy'

[tonythetiger]

im getting some confusing information back talking to parts guys.

Question is...Are left and right heads interchangeable (think this is a no)
9961041371R is 2000 boxster S 3.2L head
9961041024R is 2003 boxster S 3.2L head

are these interchangeable? Some say yes and some say no...

what about the 99610492100

[Jamesp]

Originally Posted by tonythetiger

im getting some confusing information back talking to parts guys.

Question is...Are left and right heads interchangeable (think this is a no)
9961041371R is 2000 boxster S 3.2L head
9961041024R is 2003 boxster S 3.2L head

are these interchangeable? Some say yes and some say no...

what about the 99610492100

On my 2003 the castings are the same, but they are machined differently. The AOS bolts to a boss on the right head, that interface was not machined on the left head. Though I don't recall all of the details there were other differences as well. Gelbster, thanks for the education with the videos. That's what the forum is all about. I'd still pull the plugs first as it can be a positive indication of the failure point.

[Gelbster]

Originally Posted by Jamesp

. Gelbster, thanks for the education with the videos. That's what the forum is all about. I'd still pull the plugs first as it can be a positive indication of the failure point.

Agreed -Oh yes - do ALL the simple stuff first . R&R of a cylinder head is something to avoid. Preessure testing as JFP mentioned is also an essential before we go for the dramatic procedures.