Poll:IMS related engine failure

[Jake Raby]

Originally Posted by NASA986S

Ok guys, add me to the pot! 01 S with 47,000Miles. Inspecting the filter after a nasa event at road atl and gold everywhere. This car was meticulously maintained by the previous owner by the dealer and I have records of the RMS already being replaced twice. Why wouldn't the dealer replace the IMS while in there if they know it's such a weak link!! Now I just have to decide what you all have had to...DIY or no. I guess I'm jumping the gun a bit in assuming the IMS but.... Is the debris from an IMS usually copper/bronze color? Am I chewing away at valve guides instead?

thanks,

Chris

The only copper in these engines comes from the main and rod bearings.. Road Atlanta is one of the hardest tracks for these engines. The IMS bearing is comprised only of ferrous material, none of which is brass or bronze or copper in color. We see a ton of track related failures and I'd almost bet that you have main and rod bearings worn into their copper layer. If you schedule a time to come by I can put some of the parts in your hand that have similar failures. Let me guess, you were running Mobil 1 on the track?
I sent you a PM.