986 oil dump
 

My 03 boxster dumped all of it's oil onto my garage floor yesterday after driving home. Oil light came on a block out and the only other warning was a slight idle variability a couple of minutes earlier. Only 34,000 kms. It is at the dealership and they are taking it apart. They say they have never seen such a dramatic leak. Anyone ever heard of this happening?

This is a usually a sign that accompanies a IMS failure. If this is so, your engine is gone.

Hope I am wrong. Keep us posted. Do you have a warranty?

If an IMS failure occurs and you stop the engine immediately is there any way that it can be saved? I am a new boxster owner (1999 model, but new to me) and have read up on this issue some, but haven't been able to determine if the engine can be saved by shutting the engine off quickly. Thanks.

According to an earlier post, Jake Raby was able to detect a very early IMS failure and save the engine. Apparently, the bearing will start to make noise before it completely fails (SOMETIMES!) and the engine can be saved. By the time the engine won't run, it's too late to save. However, I'm sure there are situations where the engine won't need to be totally replaced, but internal components will.

No warrenty as it expired last year. I am hoping for the best.

bad news
 

Intermediate Shaft failure, engine ruined. To say I am disappointed that the engine did not last 35000 k is an understatement. Sounds like a poor design as I did not abuse the engine in any fashion, though I did use it to it's fullest potential at times ;-)

Dealers estimates $20,000 to repair for a car that is worth $20k. :eek:

Both the dealer and I will pursue with Porsche for some compensation as they sold it to me and serviced it.
:mad:

Sorry to hear that. 35,000 km is barely even broken in. :( I hope Porsche helps you out.

-james

Good luck. On balance, they will most likely try to screw you. Have any lawyers in the family?

Not to post any issues or to look into anything that might not be there, BUT, how come this person joined the forum today, had his first post EVER today at 10:00, and by 3:30 knew that it was an ims issue and that he was going to sue Porsche.

Something seems suspicious.

If this story is true, sorry to hear about your loss.

Where there any squeaking sounds coming out of the engine compartment at idle speeds of approx 2200 RPM prior to the massive oil leak?

I thought it's RMS that dumps oil not IMS...

^^^^^^^^^^

This!

DO NOT start the engine or even attempt to. This engine more than likely can be saved, despite anything that Porsche tells you. It would be wise to put a call into my Office today.

We have saved a dozen engines this year that were condemned by Porsche after exhibiting the same symptoms that you have explained.