IMS Install help! IMS bearing not centered

[Jake Raby]

The tensioners are side specific.. They are different because the 4-6 bank has lower effective oil pressure than the 1-3, abut 7PSI in my research.

[truegearhead]

Originally Posted by Jake Raby

The tensioners are side specific.. They are different because the 4-6 bank has lower effective oil pressure than the 1-3, abut 7PSI in my research.

Good to know, it really bothered that they were just a little different when I took them out.

[2000boxster986]

Thanks Jake Raby and Jager.

[feelyx]

Any update John? Did you get your bearing out?

[2000boxster986]

Hi Tim,
Yes, thanks for checking on me. The tool from LNE arrived and I pulled the bearing late last night. It looked fine and turned smooth. I Put it in the freezer overnight and was really careful putting it in the IMS this morning. It went in fine. The secret for me at least was starting it with the plastic hammer and then I used a short 2x4 between the aluminum installer and plastic hammer so I wouldn't hit the cross member. I think that's what happened last time. I hit the cross member and missed the center of the install tool and cocked it in the IMS. But, it's in, YAY! The little spiral lock was a pain but finally got it in. I put the cam tensioners back in and checked for cam slippage (none), then rotated 360 and checked the cam slots. All good. Then rotated to TDC and checked cam slots again. All good. I put the sparkplugs and coils back in and cleaned up my mess. Now just need to order a flywheel since mine appears to be shot. Thank you and thanks to all who responded to my panic. Guess it wasn't that bad but I hate to mess things up. Thanks guys. If it would be helpful to post a 'what went right and wrong' with this job I'll happy to write one up... might help someone in the future.

[feelyx]

Glad to hear everything went ok, John...... I would of dreaded the drive in this heat.
105F here today.

[2000boxster986]

Thanks Tim, Yes it would have been a long hot one for sure. I'll get you plane ticket next time. Cheers

[truegearhead]

The Box is back on the road, what a nightmare! The headers sound amazing, I can't really tell if there is more power or not

Cheers,

[2000boxster986]

Excellent! what type of muffler are you running? I picked up a second hand stebo (sp?) can't wait to try it.

[78F350]

I tried using the set screws and directions in the Pelican Parts DIY too. Bad. bad....

Then there was this Video which is referenced by LN: Porsche 911 Carrera (996) 1999-2005 - Intermediate shaft (IMS) bearing DIY, how to replace - YouTube

After doing the job on two engines I really think that this is the BEST DIY for this job: PORSCHE BOXSTER IMS INSTALLATION

Mr. Raby is most certainly correct, and being a skilled professional would not endorse how I would attempt to complete the installation using the failed procedure. But I had a bad engine already and nothing to lose:

You marked your cam positions IAW the Pelican directions didn't you? If so, you can try following through on that troubled path....
No need to review my troubles, but at this point, I'd suggest that you put a broom handle size dowel or pipe in the bearing hole and guide it as close as you can back into position with all three tensioners released. Then reset the set-screws (best with 2 people). From there try the 'easy out tool' and follow through the directions of that DIY. Be sure to FREEZE THE NEW BEARING AND TOOL. The next critical point is getting the shaft centered enough to get the cover back in position. Mine was only slightly out at this point and I was able to align the screws enough to pull it into place.

If you think that in the process, you stressed the new bearing enough to damage it, you probably did. Get a new one and start again. This time use the TDC method.

Good luck

[Jake Raby]

Don't force anything back to center... That's an easy way to stretch a section of timing chain on bank one.. It'll put all the load between the exhaust cam sprocket and the IMS drive section of chain.

The first rule of mechanical manipulation is never to force anything... If it doesn't want to go, you must address the root of the issue to correct the secondary aspects.

[78F350]

Though I will offer no good advice, reading about your plans to remove the cover reminded me of flaps10's homemade tool on page 4 of his engine rebuild DIY.
I bet that with that, removing the cover would be benign to the shafts.

[PorscheFan5]

Gonzojive,

Curious as to how your project proceeded...care to post an update?