Bad conclusion to 2010....

[sidicks]

My car (2006 997 C4S) has been making some dodgy noises recently - sounding very rattly under a light throttle, although still performing strongly under full throttle acceleration etc

Apparently the rattly engine (almost diesel-like) is the first sign of IMS failure, leading to a new engine being required.

Can anyone confirm the above?

Fortunately I do have an OPC warranty so all should be fixed regardless, but it's not really what I was hoping for!

The car goes into the OPC on Wednesday to be looked over, but if the worst comes to the worst, what does this actually mean:

1) Does a new engine mean new running in procedures?
2) Will a new engine improve or hit the residual value?
3) I assume that a new engine would be exactly the same as the current one (3.8, 355bhp?)
4) How long willl I be without the car while it is repaired?
5) The car has done 34k miles, should i consider getting the clutch replaced when the engine is out (how much £ will I actually save on labour costs, rather than wait until it actually needs doing)? How long does a clutch typically last

Any other thoughts / comments?!

Thanks

Sidicks

 

[Terry]

To give you my thoughts on your questions:

1. There are differing views on running in. Some people think that driving hard from the off results in a quicker car, others favour more mechanical sympathy and take it easy for the first few hundred miles. Personally I favour driving it fairly briskly but avoiding hard acceleration at low engine revs and keeping below 6000rpm for the first few hundred miles.

2.I think the impact on residual value is fairly neutral. Some may be put off with concerns about why the engine had to be replaced but most people will appreciate the benefit of a new engine.

3. The replacement engine will be the same.

4. A new engine usually takes about a week to arrive from Germany and can be fitted in a day.

5. Clutches are normally getting tired (noticeable because the action is heavier) at about 40k in average driving conditions. In your position I would have the clutch renewed if the engine is replaced. The cost of the clutch from OPC is around £500 but labour would be around £800 on top of that.

Good luck

Terry

 

[mascanes]

Hi Sidicks,

You mention that you think this noise is precursor to an IMS failure. From my limited knowledge and what I've read you basically get no warning with IMS problems, they just let go!

I've got a similar noise, but it starts at about 2900 through to 3200 on the over-run ie when cruising. It drives me nuts!! Hatfield have had a quick look and think it it's the exhaust baffles resonating. I have to take it back to them soon for another look. Would be very interested to know what your what your OPC and or anyone else on the forum has to say about your problem.

Cheers, Mike

 

[sidicks]

I'm certainly no expert about these things, but I have read on other Porsche forums that a rattly 'diesel' like sound is a sign of imminent IMS failure. Having said that, someone also said that it might be the heat shields rattling.

What I do know is that it is not right, and wasn't there before, so I want it sorted out!!

I will let you know how I get on!

Sidicks

 

[sidicks]

Just had a call from the OPC - the problem is exhaust related and it appears that something has impacted the exhaust, damaging the oxygen sensor and loosening the bracket holding the exhaust, which has caused the rattle.

Both of these will be fixed under warranty.

During the inspection they also identified:
- a problem with the valve for the Sports exhaust
- excess wear in one of the ball joints

Both will be fixed under warranty

Another good job from my OPC...

Sidicks

 

[Helen Goff]

good start to 2011.................well done to the OPC []

 

[Rodney Naghar]

That's an incredible result!

Something hits and damages your car and they pay for the whole lot to be fixed?
Now where is that lampost with my name on it? I'm sure I could do with a a new front bumper and bonnet - they have unsightly paint chips! [8D]

 

[garyw]

And replacing a worn ball joint!!!
I'd say an excellent start to the year for you...[]

garyw

 

[Peter_Bull]

I smell a rat here!!

Doesn't add up...............

 

[sidicks]

Sorry guys, an update from me!

To be fair, the oxygen sensor was the warranty item, the repair to the exhaust was charged at 0.5 hours of labour, as understandably this wasn't a warranty item.

Also, it wasn't a ball joint, i made a mistake, when i checked again I think they said steering arm replacement - they said that it will also have an alignment check after this replacement. I'll get proper details in due course!

The car is sounding much better now (as expected) but I need to arrange for the car to be returned to have the other work sorted under warranty. As the car warranty runs out in March, I might wait and get these faults rectified at the same time as the car is in for the 111-point check for the warranty extension.

Happy to clarify anything else!


Peter - what are your concerns here?!


Sidicks

 

[Peter_Bull]

Hi Sidicks

Seems like it will be all sorted out for you and I am pleased that the initial diagnosis was incorrect because it didn't sound right to me.

I recently had a fault on my sports exhaust and replaced the vacuum diaphragm unit that includes the 'ball joint' and actuating arm. I can categorically state that the ball joint will not give any play whatsoever. I doubt it would fail either. Either way this can be seen and felt from underneath the rear of the car. What they possibly could have meant was that it needed adjusting to fully open/close the exhaust valve - but once this is set on installation it is impossible to come loose again as it is threaded and locked!

I also think you are extremely lucky to have the rattling exhaust fitted considering they think it may have been damaged in that way. My experiences of Porsche and their warranty are not good, but I am pleased they are looking after you.

Regards,