Anyone checked their engine......

[JohnCRS]

.....to see if it is still there.

As someone who, for nearly 50 years, has enjoyed working on, cleaning and generally mucking about with automotive products, I had an alarming reality check recently.

In 14 months of ownership and 20k plus miles I have never seen the engine on my 981. Should I be worried?

To be fair, it has been up on ramps and is obviously fully serviced, but unless something specific happens I realise that I depend totally on electronic systems and external visual checks for everything. Going to Sainsbury’s or south of France, makes no difference. No preparation, just find key, credit card, phone and go.

Is this the new norm? - Drive the Porsche and fix the other heaps on the drive.

Anyway, a new Christmas game for all the family; count how many tools are needed, and how many pieces of bodywork and trim are removed to see the top of a 981 engine. Much better than hunt the thimble. Happy Christmas!

 

[Motorhead]

I know where you're coming from John. Owing to significant advancements in design and manufacturing technology, oils and fuels modern cars now are incredibly reliable such that failures are the exception rather than the rule - something that should be applauded in my opinion.

And unlike cars of say the '60s, modern electronic systems mean that 'tinkering' has become a thing of the past, the upside being that we have more time to drive our cars..! Sadly, I still miss the tinkering aspect of car ownership though.

Jeff

 

[Ray]

Stops me tinkering.

Ray

 

[russmw]

I purposely bought an older Porsche so I can tinker.

My everyday car (3 series) only has the bonnet opened so I can clean out the leaf traps in the winter and for no other reason, doesn't even have a dip stick. The days of checking this that or what ever every 1000 miles or monthly on cars is very much a thing of the past.

A bit sad but great that the technology as moved on so much.

 

[Steve Brookes]

Often had the engine cover off my 986 and 987 models to change the air filter and do a bit of cleaning of the engine bay while in there. But the 981 is a much more difficult task and more prone to damaging the trim when dismantling so do not anticipate ever seeing the engine of my GT4. [&o]

 

[Brian_Innes]

John,

Regarding the tools and trim removal palaver required to gain access to the engine compartment on your 981 Cayman.

Earlier this year, I posted the process under Cayman forum Technical Articles on air filter replacement on my 718 Cayman S. The 981 and 718 are practically identical regarding the amount of trim dismantling required. It's a sod of a job.

Despite being a scary process, it's a very satisfying one to complete successfully.

Brian

 

[CLIFFWILKINS]

I have looked under a 986 and 987 not much to see really just to be nosey.

Not bothered with a 981 or CR just let Pcs or Indies deal with changing the air filters

on our cars.

 

[Ray]

I purposely bought an older Porsche so I can tinker.

My everyday car (3 series) only has the bonnet opened so I can clean out the leaf traps in the winter and for no other reason, doesn't even have a dip stick. The days of checking this that or what ever every 1000 miles or monthly on cars is very much a thing of the past.

A bit sad but great that the technology as moved on so much.

Days gone by my father would say to my mother, He's got that bloody bonnet up again".

Ray

 

[JohnCRS]

I have looked under a 986 and 987 not much to see really just to be nosey.

Not bothered with a 981 or CR just let Pcs or Indies deal with changing the air filters

on our cars.

Thanks everyone for your comments. It looks like being one of those activities that I have to do once, because I can, whilst accepting that there really is no point.