IMS again - 986 Forum

notech · 10-02-2017, 04:36 AM

Hello gents,

for the last couple of days I've been driving my Boxster 986S and it was driving as usual apart having idle at about 1000rpm instead of 850rpm. If you would restart car, idle would come back to 850 until you drive it.
So I thought, I must getting some air leak as last time I was checking engine compartment, two clamps on the T shape were not holding properly.
I drove from work to home, all fine.

This morning as soon as I started engine, huge white smoke came of the exhaust, I let it run for 10-15 seconds waiting for it to disappear, but nothing, was still coming out, so I turned engine off to prevent any damage.
I suddenly thought about air/oil separator, as when membrane brakes can get pass a lot of oil into the engine up to hydro lock it. Car has 200K KM, and air/oil separator hasn't been changed as far as I know.

Towed car to an indie that does Porsches for long time, his outcome is:
IMS has failed, engine needs to be rebuilt or exchanged with another one.

To my understanding he didn't check oil filter for debris, nor opened engine.
He said its obvious by hearing the engine running and by my high idle explained to him. He said its going to be expensive to investigate further as it has to tear apart engine.

Now, he seems a nice guy and repaired Porsches for many years, but I have a hard time to believe engine is gone. With the symptoms I had, especially car was driving perfectly, no loss of power, no metallic noises, but higher idle.

I will ask him to check oil filter for debris, PST2 to check for camshafts deviation, what else?

sorry for the rant, its just hard to accept..

10/10ths · 10-02-2017, 05:06 AM

Simple.

First, DO NOT start the engine.

Second, drop the oil pan and look for debris.

Third, look inside the oil filter.

Fourth, pull off the Air/Oil separator.

Simple.

Tow it to wherever you need to do this, or just ORDER your tech to do this. It’s your car and your money.

Just do it.

paulofto · 10-02-2017, 08:07 AM

Do what 10/10ths says. Your symptoms sound like a blown AOS not an IMS. The mechanics diagnoses is incomplete if he didn't pull the oil plan or even look at the filter. High idle? No noise? Still running? White smoke? This points to AOS. I think the mechanic sees $$$$ signs.

Chuck W. · 10-02-2017, 08:17 AM

I would get it out of that indie shop ASAP and get it to another shop for another opinion. If you have the time and are a DIY kind of guy then do some basic checks as mentioned above. Good luck and keep us posted.

particlewave · 10-02-2017, 10:12 AM

I wouldn't even bother dropping the sump plate.

This is an obvious AOS failure. The mechanic is either a dimwit or a thief, neither of which is a good thing. Get your car away from him.

BFeller · 10-02-2017, 05:42 PM

It (AOS) is not a hard job with right tool for the clamps. Pelican sells everything you need including the tool.

Gelbster · 10-02-2017, 08:14 PM

In Gibraltar there may be very few choices of a mechanic. And the Spaniards just over the border are not very cooperative sometimes. The O.P. may be wise to get some very detailed instructions from this Forum and the equivalent Mayhew hose clamp pliers from U.K. & then work with a competent mechanic.It is a loooong way from Pelican to Gibraltar

thstone · 10-02-2017, 09:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 10/10ths

Simple.

First, DO NOT start the engine.

Second, drop the oil pan and look for debris.

Third, look inside the oil filter.

Fourth, pull off the Air/Oil separator.

Simple.

Tow it to wherever you need to do this, or just ORDER your tech to do this. It’s your car and your money.

Just do it.

+1 Do steps 1, 2, 3. If no debris, then go to AOS.

If the engine has failed, it will be obvious. This is what my oil pan looked like when my engine failed...

notech · 10-03-2017, 12:10 AM

Thanks for your words guys!
With a clear mind now, I will pay him a visit this afternoon and go through mentioned steps and decide on the outcome.
You are very right, in 5 years of Porsche ownership, I have visited around 10 different mechanics (in Spain and Gib) just to run away from them.
Will keep you posted.

That986 · 10-03-2017, 01:40 AM

I smell bull****************. Find another shop.

dghii · 10-05-2017, 07:14 PM

Your issue seem very similar to what was posted in this thread
Bad week...