Won the Porsche Lottery Today - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

Foydawg · 08-13-2013, 01:40 PM

Pulled into a parking lot, coasted around the corner and with no warning at all the engine died. Put it in neutral, cranked it to hear one second of the most gut wrenching sound in the world.

I change the oil every 5K w/Mobile1 as directed, examine the filters and they've been free of debris but I was due for an oil change. There are no fluid leaks, no noises. It's a 2004 S with about 52,000 on it.

Thanks Porsche.

trimer · 08-13-2013, 02:01 PM

Damn man...I hope it's nothing real bad...

When are you taking it in? Keep us posted

Chuck W. · 08-13-2013, 02:10 PM

Ugh... I hate these post. Hang in there and keep us posted.

san rensho · 08-13-2013, 02:24 PM

Pull the oil filter to check for metal. If there is metal, then drop the sump plate and see if there is any metal debris in there. If there is a lot of metal, well you have problems. If little to no metal, then remove the drive belt and turn the motor over by hand, clockwise only. If there is major damage, you will feel the interference. Don't force anything. I would probably pull the plugs before rotating by hand, it will be much easier to feel interference if there is no compression. If it locks, well you wil have to take the motor apart at that point.

If it rotates easily, I would start by pulling the cam end plugs to check if the cams are still in timing. If its still in timing, pull the cam covers to see if you have a bad valve, look for sheared lifters.

What kind of noise was it making? Was it a deep rapping sound (probably a bearing) or a rat tat tat (probably a valve).

Good luck.

Foydawg · 08-13-2013, 02:36 PM

I had it towed to a local indie (Stuttgart Specialties in Louisville, KY) as that sort of work is beyond my skill level. There was no sound prior to the stall. I'd describe the horrifying sound emitted during the second or less I cranked it was one of large parts flopping around, not small ones.

thom4782 · 08-13-2013, 02:57 PM

Bummer.....

If the IMS let go, you're within the 10 year "settlement" window with a 04 model. Just make sure you follow the criteria for the repair and filing of the claim.

patssle · 08-13-2013, 03:04 PM

Check the water pump. Mine went out and it made the most awful sound that I thought was IMS. Not sure if a water pump death can cause an engine to die - but just offering a suggestion.

coreseller · 08-13-2013, 03:34 PM

I will light a votive candle tomorrow for you in hopes it is something other than the IMS. You took it to a good shop, I've heard others in your area speak highly of them.

Coincidentally, got to talking to the cleaning guy at our office tonight before leaving work, he pulled in in a used 2nd generation Miata. Pretty good looking car with 150k on the clock, he said it has run like a top for the couple of months he has owned it, paid $2500 for it.

He then went on to tell me about the incredible deals to be had on used Boxsters, I sat back and let him educate me for a few minutes. Since I had to leave I let it drop and said I'd talk more to about it next week, he's a good guy but I know that a scenario such as this would be completely devastating to his wallet.

Good Luck Foydawg.

Perfectlap · 08-13-2013, 03:30 PM

How many miles did you have the car? Did you do the LNE IMS swap?

Granted many done for engines are wrongly atttributed as IMS fail.

Foydawg · 08-13-2013, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Perfectlap

How many miles did you have the car? Did you do the LNE IMS swap?

Granted many done for engines are wrongly attributed as IMS fail.

No preventative swap and it has about 52000 miles on it.

It's my impression oil leaks leading up to an IMS failure and post-failure are typical and I haven't had seen either. Mine is a Tiptronic if that makes a difference in allowing the oil to hit the ground vs. a manual.

patssle has me hoping it's not that serious.

nicecar · 08-13-2013, 05:26 PM

never played the lottery till i bought an 02 s 88k from brumos then did my research, as the brumos mech. said " cosmetically its a beautifull car"! car now has 113 k and i play the lottery all the time... but now jake has me stressing on the lifters oh well i guess alot of people would love
to have my lottery ticket

fullthrottle52 · 08-13-2013, 05:42 PM

Foydawg,
I live in Louisville and have all my work done at Stuttgart. I've been using them for almost 3 years. They will sort it out for you. Hope it is good news for you. I have a 2000 with 68,000 miles and have not had the IMS bearing done. We all hate hearing about these issues. If you need any help let me know.

Foydawg · 08-23-2013, 09:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Foydawg

Pulled into a parking lot, coasted around the corner and with no warning at all the engine died. Put it in neutral, cranked it to hear one second of the most gut wrenching sound in the world.

I change the oil every 5K w/Mobile1 as directed, examine the filters and they've been free of debris but I was due for an oil change. There are no fluid leaks, no noises. It's a 2004 S with about 52,000 on it.

Thanks Porsche.

UPDATE: It is an IMS failure and as a non-CPO second owner car, I theoretically would be eligible for 25% coverage under the class action suit BUT, since Porsche says my 2004 Boxster S was "put into service" on 7/4/03, it's over 10-years old and not eligible - EFF Porsche!

TeamOxford · 08-23-2013, 11:00 AM

Please don't give up so easily. Six weeks outside the "window" is an extremely short time. A personal appeal to the right people at Porsche may result in some concessions.

Determining who the "right people" are will be the challenge. Like people who could not afford bad publicity from a disgruntled owner about their hallowed marque.

If done objectively and with a modicum of class, it just might work.............

TO

Foydawg · 08-23-2013, 02:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TeamOxford

Please don't give up so easily. Six weeks outside the "window" is an extremely short time. A personal appeal to the right people at Porsche may result in some concessions.

Determining who the "right people" are will be the challenge. Like people who could not afford bad publicity from a disgruntled owner about their hallowed marque.

If done objectively and with a modicum of class, it just might work.............

TO

Good advice. I submitted an inquiry with the attorneys that won the class action. My local dealer, Bluegrass Motorsports, simply referred me to 1-800-PORSCHE.

thom4782 · 08-24-2013, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Foydawg

UPDATE: It is an IMS failure and as a non-CPO second owner car, I theoretically would be eligible for 25% coverage under the class action suit BUT, since Porsche says my 2004 Boxster S was "put into service" on 7/4/03, it's over 10-years old and not eligible - EFF Porsche!

I'm sorry this happened to you especially given you're just outside the 10 year limit. My car is also outside the 10 year window and for that reason, I am sending a letter to the court that objects to the settlement. I hope others send similar letters.

My view is that owners have a reasonable expectation that these engines will last for more than 200,000 miles without experiencing a catastrophic IMS engine failure. And because I believe that Porsche sold knowingly sold these cars with a IMS design defect, I argue that the court should only approve a settlement based only on actual mileage, i.e., without a time limit. Pick a number somewhere north of 150,000 miles and I'm OK.

fullthrottle52 · 08-24-2013, 05:05 PM

Just a shame. We own marquee sports cars and keep having failures like this. This one is close to home and at my Indi for repair. Makes you simply want to sell and get out. Porsche should be required to fix of replace all failures of their wonderful engineering feat.

pjq · 08-29-2013, 03:51 AM

Wow Foydawg, your story is the same as mine except my car was built in 04.
I bought my 04 S in Texas Nov 2010, 23000m miles.
Car ran great right up until the moment it died.
Nov 06, 2012 driving down the I95 in Maine bound for warmer pastures in North Caroline, we pulled off at Augusta to grab a coffee. When I stopped at the end of the Interstate ramp the car engine stopped with no warning, I restarted the engine and then "The Death Rattle" (44,000 miles). It sounds like nuts and bolts in a clothes drier! I drove the car 500 ft to the gas station, shut it down and called a tow truck.

I had the engine rebuilt and now I just have to install the fuel injectors before putting it back into the car.

If you don't want the challenge of a Project you have two options (1) after talking to Porsche N.A. take the Porsche refurbished deal, you'll get 2 yr warranty. (2) take your car to some one like Jake Raby or others on this forum who knows Boxsters.

Foydawg · 08-29-2013, 09:51 AM

Got a call from the shop today. Approx. $6,800 to repair the damage including a new 05/06 era intermediate shaft among other things. Should be back in action next week.

dghii · 08-23-2013, 11:12 AM

Absolutely stinks.

I gotta tell you, I love my 2000S (112K) and have had great 'luck' with the car. It's at a price point that I think I could stomach it if the motor took a crap. I love the look of the 987's and the new 981's but am unwilling to play the lotto with more $$ on the line.

It's funny. We picked up an '04 350Z roadster a month ago for my wife. The car has right at 100K miles and for some reason, it doesn't scare me at all! Time will tell.