Ideas? Strange problem
 

My Friend has a '01 Boxster S with 59K miles. I was wondering if anyone has any clue to what the problem is.

The engine light came on and all of a sudden white smoke was coming out of the exhaust.

-We noticed that the oil was slightly lower than normal.
-The car seemed to lose power especially when gasing the pedal.
-Idle was eratic. Typically it was below 1000 RPM but now it was moving from 1000-1200 RPMS.
-Weather is in the 40's
-About a 1/4 tank of gas left.
-Also, noticed that when hitting the gas the Engine light started blinking.

Any ideas???
:confused:

Hi,

It could be any number of things from the Oil Separator, to bad gass, to a coolant leak. But, whatever it is, do not start or run the car until it's fixed. The CEL flashes to tell you that it's serious and not to run the engine.

Of course, you could gamble, but your odds would be better taking that same $7,000 and placing it on a Roulette Table. Tow it to a Dealer! Good Luck!

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

From what I've learned in my short time here, it would sound like probably the oil separator. And when the CEL blinks (Check Engine Light, commonly referred to on forums as CEL), do not drive the car.

It would be best to have it towed to a Porsche wrench to check it out.

AFAIK, replacing the oil separator isn't that difficult a job. If it's something else... I hope your friend has an extended warranty.

I would guess the MAF because of the idle and the lose of power when gunning it......but a MAF doesn't cause a blinking CEL.

Thanks All!

One of the ideas I had was also about bad gas since now they put that extra stuff into the gasoline. Hopefully it's not a blown head or valve.

My friend actually drove it to the dealership (since he was close by) but most of the time just let the car clutch and glide.

If you guys have any other ideas, let us know. When we hear back from the dealership, I'll post what they had to do for future reference.

Okay we found out that it was the "Oil Separator". The dealer charged roughly $800 for the repair. Basically it just got cracked since it is made of plastic.

Have a great day folks!