Need help w/Engine knock solution
 

I picked up a 911 C4 with an engine noise that sounded just like a failed IMS bearing.

Began IMS replacement with engine in car.

Pulled IMS bearing.

Old IMS bearing does not look or feel bad.


Here is my question - Do I install new bearing at this point? Or drop engine and look for another source of the noise. I was expecting to see a noticeably bad bearing, one ready to fall apart but this one looks and feels good.

Any ideas?

First of all, attempting to replace an IMS bearing in an engine that you think already has a bad IMS bearing is an very bad idea in and of itself.

If you have a knocking engine, pull it and find out what has failed. Throwing parts at an engine making noise is usually a waste of both money and good parts.

Sounds like a failing cylinder. Your location further substantiates this if the car was driven over the winter.

This has me curious. I've always had somewhat of what one would think is a knock in the engine. I always attributed this to the "well oiled sewing machine" sound statements that float around here. It's done it since the day I have bought it, 97k miles to 118k miles. Listed to some youtube vids and believe I hear the same sound coming from those engines. Seems more prominent to the drivers side, is this not normal? Zero metal in the oil filter or magnetic drain plug.