Thinking of buying a 97 Boxster - Engine Failure Question

[MNBoxster]

Originally Posted by NickCats

Jim,

Great info. Question for you, I recently brought my 99 Box in for the 30k. Dealer said that I have a very minor leak in the RMS but not to worry about it at this time but to keep that in mind. Garage floor has been clean with no evidence of leaking fluids. Due to the 30k miles, am I past the point of RMS "failure" though I may still have problems in the future ?

Hi,

Actually, no. You already have RMS failure, any leak, even a slight one, is a failure of the seal. This failure is most often progressive. How long you have until it gets much worse, no one can say, but it's never gonna stay static or get better - it will get worse and there's nothing you can do to mitigate the timeline.

That said, plan a budget now so you don't get smacked in the face with it when you least expect it. Also, I would try to ammortize the costs by factoring in a Clutch or Flywheel at the same time as the labor should be the same and only add a couple hundred to the existing cost. Even if you don't actually need it, it's better to throw away $150 worth of unused Clutch than to fork out another $600 in a year or so when the existing clutch finally wears out. That way, you'll get the most for your money. Hope this helps...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

[NickCats]

Jim,

Thanks for the info ! That's what I thought, but I was hoping I was wrong.

Dealer quoted $951 for the RMS, so I have about a grand sitting in a slush fund waiting...

How will I know when it is time to do the RMS ?

Thanks again,

Nick

http://986forum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6218

[MNBoxster]

Originally Posted by NickCats

Jim,

Thanks for the info ! That's what I thought, but I was hoping I was wrong.

Dealer quoted $951 for the RMS, so I have about a grand sitting in a slush fund waiting...

How will I know when it is time to do the RMS ?

Thanks again,

Nick

http://986forum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6218

Hi,

Well, you can change it at any time, but at some point, the leak will get worse, spots on the floor, etc. You don't want to lose the seal completely while the car is running because you run the risk of ruining the motor. Keep an eye on the Garage floor and also on the dipstick (don't trust the digi-gauge) when you're on the road.

Also, as I mentioned, do the clutch/flywheel at the same time. Ask for separate quotes on each repair and then for the two combined. My local dealer will do them all for $60 more than the clutch alone + Parts, and the $60 is really pure profit as the seal takes all of 5-10 min. for an experienced mechanic who already has the motor open.

The RMS procedure is really simple, once you've got everything else out of the way. Much simpler in fact than the RMS on my Lotus. On the Lotus, it is a negative fit seal which means that you have to take the rear cover off and pry out the old seal, then heat the cover in an oven to 300° to expand it and then insert the new seal - the cover cools/contracts around it to make a seal - lots more work, but then again, they don't fail either... Hope this helps...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

[NickCats]

Thanks again, Jim. I will keep a close eye on the garage floor and the dipstick.

I will seriously consider your clutch / flywheel suggestion. Makes sense...

Post pictures of the Lotus sometime. I would love to see it !

Thanks again,

Nick

[MNBoxster]

Originally Posted by NickCats

Thanks again, Jim. I will keep a close eye on the garage floor and the dipstick.

I will seriously consider your clutch / flywheel suggestion. Makes sense...

Post pictures of the Lotus sometime. I would love to see it !

Thanks again,

Nick

Hi,

Here you go, it's not the best pic, but it's all I have loaded on my comp right now. This car took Best in Show in the Concours d' Elegance at the 2002 Lotus Owners Gathering - nat'l. Lotus convention. I've had it in nine shows and it's taken 1st every time - no garage queen though, I track this car at least 3 times a year...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99