Good shadetree mechanic. Lousy Boxster mechanic.

[thstone]

We've all been there - don't lose heart, you can get it done and be the better for it!

25 years ago I had a Toyota 4x4 pickup truck which blew a head gasket (22R motor) so I thought I'd pull the head, replace the gasket, and be back on the road in no time. It was a good plan except for part where I cracked the head and damaged the block when I pulled the head. Seriously, I couldn't have f'd it up more if I tried.

[Brian in Tucson]

I got the cam cover off today. As expected the drains from the cams were both blocked. Too much goop! Tomorrow I'll de-oil the cover, and conservatively re-goop and install the cam cover.

The fasteners the little trolls :troll: in Germany use are such a hassle. Torx and whatever they call those 12 point inside out torx. Tough to work with. I found that an 8mm hex fits nicely over the inside out torx. Much faster and I can use my sockets and driver of choice--1/4 in drive. When I put it back together, I'll switch over to all hex. My engine, my choice. You can't get those goofy fasteners from the side with a ratcheting box end wrench.

That which doesn't kill you makes you strong.

Looking forward to driving the car, maybe this coming weekend. Got a BMW R90-6 waiting for some servicing.