Engine Dead - Need help

[2TrunkSteve]

Okay, so now I have pulled the oil filter and inspected. Nothing floating around except used oil (that's good right?). I have replaced the Crank Position Sensor. I am running out of ideas and trying to sort this out.

1. Changed the plugs and coils and note that Cyl 1 & 4 plugs appear dark. Replaced
the o-rings and one tube.

2. I changed the MAF with a brand new Bosch.

3. Removed oil filter and found nothing visible in the oil or the filter.

4. Replaced the Crank Position Sensor.

Any other ideas?

I am also concerned about the amount of oil on the bottom of the motor that is seeping near the transmission area. With 52k miles I am thinking about doing the clutch soon and I planned on the LN upgrade while I had the transmission out. Could the bearing be seeping and gumming things up and causing the car to not run?

[BYprodriver]

Originally Posted by 2TrunkSteve

Okay, so now I have pulled the oil filter and inspected. Nothing floating around except used oil (that's good right?). I have replaced the Crank Position Sensor. I am running out of ideas and trying to sort this out.

1. Changed the plugs and coils and note that Cyl 1 & 4 plugs appear dark. Replaced
the o-rings and one tube.

2. I changed the MAF with a brand new Bosch.

3. Removed oil filter and found nothing visible in the oil or the filter.

4. Replaced the Crank Position Sensor.

Any other ideas?

I am also concerned about the amount of oil on the bottom of the motor that is seeping near the transmission area. With 52k miles I am thinking about doing the clutch soon and I planned on the LN upgrade while I had the transmission out. Could the bearing be seeping and gumming things up and causing the car to not run?

Sounds like you should pull the trans & check the IMS bearing Now. The bearing can be worn enough to cause the engine to missfire. Check LNengineering website for approved installers.

[2TrunkSteve]

I agree that it may be time. I'm just confused about how the IMS could be causing this ignition issue. It turns over fine and there was nothing in the oil. Since there is so much muck in that area I am thinking the update is due now, but I would like to know the motor will run again before I start throwing money at the cluth and bearing upgrade.

If the motor is toast I have to have a serious talk with the wife. I'd like to know where I stand before I start removing the transmission. I'm just a backyard mechanic with average skills and a healthy dose of bravery. So far I've managed to maintain this and repair everything with the help of this board and the Pelican board, however, at some point I think I have to get this to a pro.

[Steve Tinker]

Have you checked for new fault codes since you replaced the plugs / coils and deleted the old fault codes??

[2TrunkSteve]

I did clear the faults after I replaced the plugs, coil and MAF. This thing has me stumped.

[mikefocke]

The timing chain that drives the cams goes around the teeth attached to the IMS (recall that the IMS is an intermediate shaft used to translate crankshaft motion to camshaft motion though the IMS term is often used as shorthand for the bearing in the forums). If the bearing gets loose, it can cause the chain to jump a tooth and the timing to be out. One of the ways of telling if the IMS is worn and wiggling is to compare the camshafts timing.

[BYprodriver]

I suspect you may have a IMS bearing problem. Knowledgeable boxster owners are always looking for a good time to inspect their IMS bearing since this is the only way to know it's actual condition. Sounds like this is a "good" time for you. Your OK oil filter is a good sign.

[fd4007]

Hey Steve what became of this? I ask because my 97 base just cut out (got towed home) - it starts but then the engine immediately dies and I'm wondering where to start in fixing it.

[fd4007]

Sorry didn't see the most recent replies.