2004 986S preventative maintenance - input please

[JFP in PA]

While the car is apart for the RMS/IMS/clutch, the AOS is right out in the open and can be changed in about 5 min. I would also look at the oil fill tube as they are a common problem, and are also exposed while the car is apart.

[jsceash]

Originally Posted by JFP in PA

While the car is apart for the RMS/IMS/clutch, the AOS is right out in the open and can be changed in about 5 min. I would also look at the oil fill tube as they are a common problem, and are also exposed while the car is apart.

+1 on this. The 2 spring clamp that are almost impossible to reach on the 90 degree tube at the bottom is easy to reach with the trans, out!! Really makes this a 10 minute fix.

[jsceash]

If your headers are off replace your spark plugs. This is another job cut in half time wise with some parts out of the bottom.

[evan9eleven]

Thanks for the responses everyone! Some new questions:

There was a mention of the serpentine belt, whats the normal life for one? Also, spark plugs were replaced twice during the first years as far as I can see in the service book, again what is the normal replacement interval for these?

Sounds like the AOS is a no-brainer with the transmission out. The engine is staying in the car, its just a tranny drop planned. Motor mount is probably a must-do anyway. Water pump sounds like a good item to change too. Any remarks on the oil pump shaft I've read about or the oil pump itself?

Are the pilot bearing/throwout bearing the same thing, and isn't this normally addressed during a clutch replacement?

Finally, any thoughts about sump baffles and other plastic parts in the sump causing issues?

[opus69]

Pilot bearing is for the front main shaft of transmission where it inserts into flywheel and in my opinion should be changed with a new clutch. It is cheap and you already have access. Throwout bearing rests against the pressure plate of the clutch and disengages the clutch when pedal is depressed.

[BYprodriver]

Originally Posted by evan9eleven

Thanks for the responses everyone! Some new questions:

There was a mention of the serpentine belt, whats the normal life for one? Also, spark plugs were replaced twice during the first years as far as I can see in the service book, again what is the normal replacement interval for these?

Sounds like the AOS is a no-brainer with the transmission out. The engine is staying in the car, its just a tranny drop planned. Motor mount is probably a must-do anyway. Water pump sounds like a good item to change too. Any remarks on the oil pump shaft I've read about or the oil pump itself?

Are the pilot bearing/throwout bearing the same thing, and isn't this normally addressed during a clutch replacement?

Finally, any thoughts about sump baffles and other plastic parts in the sump causing issues?

The sump baffle has 2 rubber "trap doors" insure they are still sealing the passages as designed & inspect the fragile posts they hang from. If a post is broken you will need to replace the whole baffle. I have a few good used baffles for sale if you need it.
Oil pumps rarely have problems unless anything other than oil passes thru it. Same for the oil pump drive shaft. Definitely upgrade to the LN billet shaft when convenient, but that requires removing the waterpump/oilpump/engine mount/coolant manifold housing so I wouldn't bother now.

You can see the rubber doors to the left of the baffle in the pic below