Help needed: Boxter fails to restart after rebuild / windows no longer work

[Reebuck1]

Space cowboy, Did you throw any error codes when you finally installed the motor in your car and got it running? I installed one of Jakes bearings in my 1999 996 C2 and it went right in with no problem. However, I am having the same idle issues you mentioned. I thought it might be timing just like you. When I OBDII it I got error code P-1531 Cam Adjustment Bank I... short to short and the check engine light came on. So not really sure what it is, I suspect it could be the VarioCam solenoid or the cam position sensor on Bank I. I will be checking that tomorrow.
When I start the car, it starts right up but when it slows to idle it dies. If I keep the RPM up and bring the motor up to operating temp (180). It will idle at 400 or 500R RPM but not real steady.
I saw Jakes note on your post on throttle adaptation , so I will also try his recommendation tomorrow. The other term he mentioned I was not familiar with "handover". Thanks Jacke for your insight and thanks Space Cowboy for a great post. Bob

[Jamesp]

Originally Posted by Reebuck1

Space cowboy, Did you throw any error codes when you finally installed the motor in your car and got it running? \

My car is throwing some codes - one was a bad precat O2 sensor so I swapped them and sure enough it popped up again in its new home so I replaced it, no issue there (Thanks to advice from this forum). Now I have two additional codes, P0171 and P0174, bank 1 and bank 2 too lean. There are several possible reasons for the two codes, most likely is a vacuum leak and I'm chasing that down.

The cam timing error after an IMS bearing install you have is in a whole different league. It makes me think the valve timing has slipped, i.e the cam chain is a tooth off. If it were me I would not run the engine anymore. I'd pin the engine at TDC and check the valve timing with a timing tool. Either it is correct and you can move on to something else or re-adjust it and you are done. Otherwise you risk valve/piston interference which is catastrophic.

[Jake Raby]

There's a ton of tricks with these cars, some are so simple but offer so much benefit. Thats why I instruct as many classes as possible and we give away a ton of "silver bullets" in each class.

If you carried out a retrofit and now have cam adjustment issues, the timing probably moved. This is why we have done everything we can to keep these components away from the DIY installer, because few are able to pre-qualify their engine and do things like check for timing deviations before the process is done. That means the engine is retrofitted and then it may have a problem in the short term, and the first thing that pops up is our component.

In the past two months we have disqualified 5 engines that came to us for an IMS Solution. Most of these were disqualified because of worn valve train components that were leading to valve timing deviations. These will set a CEL soon after our work is done and then we get the blame for the whole scenario- I avoid finger pointing contests at all costs. I've had cars driven 6 hours to me for an IMSR procedure and then found enough conclusive evidence to disqualify them for the procedure, even though they run perfectly and have no symptoms.

Every M96 is guilty until proven innocent when it comes to pre-qualification, especially 5 chain engines as they have more VVT components and are prone to wear.

If timing is only a degree of two out before an IMSR, it can "jump" enough to create cam deviations when the IMS is retrofitted, and at that point its all luck, either good, or bad.

[rp17]

[QUOTE=Jake Raby;386883]This is why we have done everything we can to keep these components away from the DIY installer, because few are able to pre-qualify their engine and do things like check for timing deviations before the process is done. That means the engine is retrofitted and then it may have a problem in the short term, and the first thing that pops up is our component.QUOTE]

There are some amazing things being done by the DIYers especially on this FORUM. Some are capable and some are not. Perhaps more threads on whats involved and what to look for etc etc threads. Giving detail info where owners have the options to take it in to have it done or to do it your self. Many make hobbies out of working on there cars. Nothing feels better than fixing your car yourself imho.

[Jake Raby]

Many make hobbies out of working on there cars. Nothing feels better than fixing your car yourself imho.

I understand that, I am first and foremost a Porsche enthusiast that has always done everything myself.

Nothing feels better than fixing your car yourself imho

And nothing feels worse than the agony of defeat. Its all great for most as long as its all unicorns and rainbows, but have an issue and its the end of the world. People often don't want to assume the negatives, but they'll certainly brag about the positives.

The issue is that certain things require equipment that the average DIY person can't afford, and can't rent. An IMSR thats done thoroughly and properly is a challenge even for a professional the first time. Thinks like a "handover" that are commonly used everyday in shops are hardly even mentioned on these forums.

To date every installation that we have had an issue with has been carried out by a DIY. It costs us tens of thousands of dollars a year to choose not to support DIY installations, but thats what we have to do to protect our product as much as possible. Its not about the money, its about maintaining and perpetuating a flawless reputation.

Our reputation is in the hands of every installer out there. If a failure occurs no one will listen to the dynamics of the failure, it just gets exacerbated on the internet and if we say "The installer did not pre-qualify the engine" or offer any other explanation, the people on these forums just call that an excuse and then its a finger pointing exercise.

Since we stopped selling the products to DIY life has been easier, we have only had one installation issue to support and things have been better all around. All the tech articles in the world won't help, because while you may be able to lead a human to knowledge, you can't make them think.

Lots of those who have jumped on the IMS band wagon will sell what they offer to anyone that has a tool box, and quite frankly that makes us happy. People will buy these things and fit them to engines that have other unknown issues or they will botch the install and lead to a component failure. That then discredits the technology employed and the company offering the product ends up a victim of natural selection. They take themselves out, because they sell anything to anyone. You have lots of options if you want to perform a DIY IMSR without using our components.

Here's your classic DIY install.. This one was performed on an engine that had ALREADY EXPERIENCED an IMSB failure. Note how destroyed the shaft is from the prior failure. Where's the common sense there?
This engine should have been torn down, as the owner now has seen first hand.