2002 Boxster S - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

kindlethespirit · 03-12-2014, 08:31 AM

I stopped at the shop this morning and there are a few updates.

First, they have the transmission out now and when the heads were exposed they saw that the plastic holder for the O2 sensor, which is attached to the left head, was melted. Somebody ran this motor very hot.

They still haven't gotten the motor out of the car so the heads are still on the car hence no viewing of the internals yet. The working theory is that the motor got so hot that the valve seat dropped out and the valve stuck open which caused the piston to smash the valve. Again, just a working theory until the heads are off and they can see the true damage.

They paid 11 thousand for the Boxster so even if they have to put a used motor in, they'll break even or only lose a small amount. Overall, an unfortunate purchase for them.

Montducati · 03-12-2014, 08:59 AM

Just out of curiosity, what do you think all this engine work will ultimately cost?
I just purchased my 2002 S with 49K miles for $14.5. I would think the extensive engine work and or replacement is going to put him well above $14.5.

kindlethespirit · 03-12-2014, 09:51 AM

Well, he is the owner of the garage so if the mechanic isn't working on a customer car then he's working on the porsche. Since he pays the mechanic hourly the labor isn't costing him anything, so to speak. If the mechanic is busy, he works on it himself.

If the motor is salvagable, it is being sent to Second Gear in Stroudsburg, PA. I'm sure that between the two garages a deal can be struck. If this were a car you or I had, it would be a nightmare, but for the garage owner, I think that it will be just a break even point.

TeamOxford · 03-12-2014, 10:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kindlethespirit

They paid 11 thousand for the Boxster so even if they have to put a used motor in, they'll break even or only lose a small amount.

Doubtful. Expensive lesson to be learned here.

Quote:

Originally Posted by kindlethespirit

Overall, an unfortunate purchase for them.

Very unfortunate, but I've never seen a car, any car, this old go for $11K at an auction. Especially one with a known misfire. Experienced bidders know cars and any possible quirks (like a M96 engine) they may possess, and they know what to bid to make a profit on the resell. Was this your friend's first rodeo?

Just wonderin'.........

TO

kindlethespirit · 03-12-2014, 10:20 AM

No, he's been buying and selling for 40+ years. I think what happened, was that he typically will only deal with MB, BMW and Audi so he's not a researched Pcar guy.

Recently he had a few requests from customers regarding Boxsters. He had a few with misfires that were simply a coil. I just think that he assumed it would be a coil again and took the risk. He rolled the dice and lost on this one. I doubt he'll make that mistake again.