My Mind is Numb over IMS

[Homeboy981]

Originally Posted by 01SBox

My 2002 S had two IMS failures in under 50K...One of my work buddies had a 2.7 that had an IMS failure at 30k. My neighbor had a 2000 with an IMS failure (don't recall the mileage).

When I got my 2001 S, I didn't even think twice about it - I just got it done. Spending 3k was a lot cheaper than spending 16k.

Many people here feel that the ims failure is overhyped. When I went to Jake Raby's shop in Georgia a few years ago, I was stunned at the dead engines with IMS failures he had collecting dust.

I would personally never own a 986 without the IMS upgrade.

I think the failure rate on these engines is HIGHER than is being reported. I too suffered a failure at 68,000 miles on the clock. As of now the cause is not entirely known. Must rip off cam covers, IMS - AND MY WALLET!

Cheap insurance would be to PULL THE OIL PAN when doing a oil change. Why? Because my oil filter only had 1-2 little small bits in it….on the other hand my pan looked like this….


No bits were in the oil uptake screen. No confirmation it is even an IMS yet. I picked up this much "powder-type debris" from the oil pan - even when the oil filter was almost clean!

Here is a shot of the practically clean oil filter in the background and all the fine debris on a paper towel in the foreground….


Even tough I have changed the oil 'religiously'! As they say, "When it is your time to go…"

She has been parked for an another agonizing month AGAIN! There is NO TELLING WHEN THE IMS demon will strike!

NO WARNING in my case either…..so IF you can learn from others - better pull the oil pan!

I am growing weary of Pcar reliability issues….don't you think for a moment that the IMS is the only failure point in these engines.

Those of you who HAVE working engines, good for you! Live well BEFORE YOUR TIME IS UP!

Anyone got a line on another engine besides Porsche to put in there in the $6k range?