Possible Indicator of Impending IMS Failure

[986Shaft]

Just thought I would post this information, in case it helps anyone avoid an IMS failure.

Leading up to our blown engine, the car had a slight hesitation in 2nd gear, low-to-mid rpms. I took this to be a fuel injector problem. In fact, we ran some fuel injector cleaner through the car on that fateful day.

I can't be sure, but it seams like the IMS failure occurred at about the same gear/rpm range where we had been experiencing the hesitation. The engine failed as we accelerated away from a stop light, probably at about 28-30 mph - this is roughly where we had the hesitiation.

The argument against this being an indicator is that I actually thought that the fuel injector cleaner had done the trick... earlier in the day the hesitation seemed to have gone away.

Has anyone else who has experienced an IMS failure had a similar experience?

(2003 Boxster S, still sitting in the garage....)