Dead Car, any ideas?
 

Recently, my 2001 Boxster S decided to breakdown. It issued a large cloud of smoke, I would say it was white, though I can't really be sure, I was on the highway and was more concerned with stopping the car after I realized that it had no power whatsoever. There is absolutely no response to turning the key in the ignition. We had a friend of ours who has worked on several 911's for another friend of ours check it out and all he could say was that the engine was no good. I'm not really wanting to buy a used engine just for this to happen again, but new engines are too expensive. I was wondering if anyone knows of some options and maybe some numbers to throw around. If I could, I'd like to know about having this one rebuilt if that's possible. There was absolutely no fluid leaking from the the underside of the car if that helps anyone out. I love this car and don't want to get rid of it even after this so any help would be appreciated.

Edit: Sorry, I meant to post this in a different section. If it needs to be moved that's ok.

Sounds like the AOS failed. This is common and in most instances doe not waste the engine.

The engine is probably pickled in oil, hydrolocking the cylinders and seizing the engine.. ITs probably not completely dead.. You are close to us (within reason) and I have saved a lot of Alabama Boxsters this year.

All of the research I've done in the past weeks seemed to be pointing me in the direction of the AOS. You are actually the person I was looking for on here. I assume it's around 3-3.5 hours to Cleveland from here. Is there a reasonable ballpark estimate for the cost for this assuming a best case scenario or maybe not quite as good scenario, obviously the worst would be a total replacement, which, due to money, probably won't be happening soon.

As long as collateral damage has not occurred from the event, we can typically do whats required and replace the AOS for around 1K parts and labor.. Thats not just swapping the AOS, its more of a "clean up and verification" of the remainder of the engine.

Read this thread, its exactly like your situation.
http://986forum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=26499&page=5&pp=20&highlight=AOS+ failure
The owner was from Alabama, thought the car was dead, already set aside the funds for one of our reconstructions and shipped the car to us for that..

Then we found the dead AOS, cylinders full of oil and saved the engine through a simple but very procedural process.

It was a story with a very positive outcome, we'd be happy to do the same for you. Call Dean for scheduling, we have a slot in two weeks we could slide you into.

If anyone can save your engine, it is Jake.

:D

From all I've read, I believe it. I'm hoping it didn't have any significant other damage and maybe I'll be able to enjoy having my car again for the rest of the summer.

Highly recommend you send your car to Jake, accept no substitute! :cool:

I've already emailed them over at their website. I'm hoping we can get this show on the road this upcoming week. I'm looking forward to this.