DIY
- Thread starter JCB..
- Start date
LOL...no not that kind. have to say i find the boxster really easy to work on everything is easy placed for good access just changed my altenator in about 10mins and that included faffing about trying to get it out, beats most modern cars that you have to disasemble front end to get to anything.
pjwakefield
New member
Yes , but it take a tad longer then most cars to get the " bonnet" up to access the engine lol
BartyB
New member
I would agree that the Boxster definitely isn't the worst car for DIY maintenance. Changing brake pads and discs are blissfully easy but when it comes to jobs like changing the coolant reservoir on a 986 this isn't the case. (I can do this job on a VW Golf, BMW 3 and 6 series and a Freelander in less than 10 minutes as it doesn't involve jacking the car up, ripping the car to pieces and working underneath.) Accessing engine components in any mid engined car is going to be harder for DIY maintenance than rear or front engined vehicles. What irks me more than anything on the Boxster (and my Land Rover) is being prevented by the manufacturer from undertaking many jobs that I am technically capable of performing to the same or higher standard than a dealer but cannot because of a requirement to use proprietary software to enable or reset electronic systems. Bleeding brakes on a Boxster equipped with PSM is a case in point where Porsche effectively forces you to use an OPC unless you are prepared to source the software at ludicrously high cost or illicitly. Another thing that I find frustrating is not being able to access a Porsche workshop manual. The Bentley manual is helpul but can be next to useless at times.
pjwakefield
New member
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Performance-Projects-Porsch-Motorbooks-Workshop/dp/0760335540/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1336162293&sr=8-3-fkmr1
£14.62 , very good book if your working on your car
£14.62 , very good book if your working on your car
as i've always said you can't beat an old 850 fiesta for working on no fancy electrics all you needed was 10, 13, 15, 17 spanners and some duct tape..LOL. i agree it's alot quicker to open the bonnet of a front engined car but most modern cars all the bits are hidden way deep down so you have to spend an hour removing plastics, pipes..etc etc before getting to anything and it it easier to get the engine out if you haven't got a lift, i've had a few mr2's mid engine and a total c**t to work on apart from brakes. speaking about taking engine out I phoned my porsche specialist on friday and asked about IMS upgrade bearing he hadn't a clue what i was on about getting a upgrade kit and he has only seen 1 fail in the in the 20 odd years he's been working on porsche's he did fit a gaurdian to a 911 a few months ago so that put my mind at ease for a while and yes i know you don't need to drop engine to do the bearing change just thought i would mention it.
berty987
New member
Pelican parts also publish the topics of this book along with a forum online. The book is a handy reference and applies to much of the 987 as it does the 986 on which its based. Regarding resetting of the fault codes , you don't need illicit software to do this, you can use simple OBD diagnostic hand held units which cost upwards of 15 pounds. Many of the fault codes are described on the web, planet-9.com is one good source. Just be careful when looking up the fault codes as the 986 and 987 use different versions of the motronic engine management system , so some of the codes may differ. Bentley also publish an excellent workshop manual for the more serious DIY'er. As with all car maintenance a good selection of tools is a basic requirement, access to a lift / ramp is helpful if not essential for some tasks.
BartyB
New member
I think you misunderstood my point. I wasn't talking about resetting fault codes (and you can't in any case clear any Porsche-specific DTCs with cheap OBD2 scan tools). I was referring to being forced to use a PST 2 (Porsche System Tester) to bleed the brakes on Boxsters fitted with PSM in order to operate the hydraulic control unit and initiate the PSM booster pump to get brake fluid through to the bleed valves. Is there a £20 unit that will do this?
Ten minutes to change an alternator - was that with the engine dropped?
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nope take access panel off behind seats 24mm socket to move tensioner for belt i removed both bolts securing the altenator bit of fiddling to get it out remove wires, install the same but in reverse. hell you can change the belt in about 1min..ok it takes a few mins to get the carpets out but once they are out the way and panel is off plain sailing..LOL
I think you'll find JCB knows how to access the alternator...[
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