IMS at home... after it kills your family you are left with this!

[aneal000]

Hi All, I'm elbow deep in my biggest project to date. I bought a 2001 Boxster S with intermix. I've already pulled the engine and replaced the cracked head, along with all the goodies one might do when the engine is out and dissembled to this level. The last two things on my list before putting it back in was to do the RMS and IMS. Which brings me to this post... I bought the $185 single row "upgrade kit" from Pelican Parts. Went through the procedure to replace and reinstall but noticed the intermediate shaft was not centered in the opening, it was being "pulled" (so it seemed) toward cylinder 1-3. I had the chain tensioners: main and 1-3 removed. I also had the set screws that come with the kit in place but it still seemed like the shaft moved to the right (as you are looking at the IMS opening). This didn't seem to be a big issue until I went to put the cover back on. I was able to get the cover started and "massage" the shaft into the cover and got everything back together but just wanted clarification on this - if anyone knows. I suspect it is because of the orientation of the motor when I removed it - I'm thinking the valves were pushing the cams/chain to cause these to pull it this way. It had a lot of pressure on it the whole time. I know there has been comments and concerns about the timing chain slipping, but at least in this case I can't see how this would even be possible as the shaft does not just move around.

Just looking for thoughts on this before I put it back in... I don't think there are any issues, but looking for insight. Thanks!

On a side note, it had the dual row and looked/felt perfect (92k miles) and the oil behind the bearing was brown, not intermixed oil.