Engine Problem - Any ideas

[teaguechris@me.com]

Hi

just watched the latest Wheeler Dealers and it was around bore score and ims bearing change on a 997 Carrera , it is interesting to watch as it gives good insight to the engine and also Hartech

Regards

chris

 

[BC997S]

I watched that episode of Wheeler Dealers too!

Hi everyone - first Porsche, first post here.

I bought a 2005 manual C2S back in August. Really enjoying the car, I've wanted one for years but kept putting it off.

It‘s low mileage (just passed 40k) in great condition but the possible IMS bearing issue never goes away.

I’ve got 3 months/3k warranty on the car but considering getting the bearing done for peace of mind. Even though the car is low mileage but I’m guessing the IMS can fail at any mileage stage?

 

[CBschnell]

Welcome to the club. The IMS could fail at any time - or may not! It's important to determine which engine you have and whether it's the early IMS or the later version. Here are notes from RPM:

Base engine (3.6) has designation “M96”, can have the smaller IMS or the revised larger bearing, you will need to know your engine number in order to determine which one you have:

Engine (3.6) number up to M96/05 69507475 has the smaller IMS bearing Engine number from M96/05 69507476 has the larger revised IMS bearing

“S” Engine (3.8) has designation “M97”, can have the smaller IMS or revised larger IMS bearing: Engine (3.8) number up to M97/01 68509790 has the smaller IMS bearing Engine number from M97/01 68509791 has the larger revised IMS bearing

The cost is around £1800 to upgrade the smaller IMS - I would recommend reading all the threads on here and sites like 911UK to see how others have approached it, and perhaps those who wish they had done it!

 

[BC997S]

Welcome to the club. The IMS could fail at any time - or may not! It's important to determine which engine you have and whether it's the early IMS or the later version. Here are notes from RPM:

Base engine (3.6) has designation “M96”, can have the smaller IMS or the revised larger bearing, you will need to know your engine number in order to determine which one you have:

Engine (3.6) number up to M96/05 69507475 has the smaller IMS bearing Engine number from M96/05 69507476 has the larger revised IMS bearing

“S” Engine (3.8) has designation “M97”, can have the smaller IMS or revised larger IMS bearing: Engine (3.8) number up to M97/01 68509790 has the smaller IMS bearing Engine number from M97/01 68509791 has the larger revised IMS bearing

The cost is around £1800 to upgrade the smaller IMS - I would recommend reading all the threads on here and sites like 911UK to see how others have approached it, and perhaps those who wish they had done it!

Many thanks for that engine number info. Mine’s a 3.8 and going by the numbers it has the smaller IMS bearing.

Probably time to think about getting it upgraded.

Thanks again!

 

[simonford]

Hi BC997

My advice is to do it. Had I known what I know now I wish I had! The smaller IMS bearings are liable to fail at some stage and it’s a lottery really as to when. This means that you won’t be able drive peacefully without thinking of what might happens to the engine. My car is almost ready now post engine rebuild and Hartech have been amazing. They will walk you through your options and help you decide on the best course of action. It’s a long way to go to Bolton to get to Hartech, but your car will increase in value from the very fact that they did the work.

Good luck!

Simon

 

[BC997S]

Hi BC997

My advice is to do it. Had I known what I know now I wish I had! The smaller IMS bearings are liable to fail at some stage and it’s a lottery really as to when. This means that you won’t be able drive peacefully without thinking of what might happens to the engine. My car is almost ready now post engine rebuild and Hartech have been amazing. They will walk you through your options and help you decide on the best course of action. It’s a long way to go to Bolton to get to Hartech, but your car will increase in value from the very fact that they did the work.

Good luck!

Simon

Hi Simon.

Sorry to read about your IMS bearing failure. Can I ask roughly what the mileage is on your car and whether it’s an auto or manual?

I was also wondering whether get them to do the cylinder liners too while they have as I’ve heard the 3.8 is more prone to bore scoring than the 3.6. Don’t if there’s any truth in that but probably best to be on the safe side & rule out another potential problem.

I‘ll bet you can’t wait to get it back!

 

[simonford]

you are right.. champing at the bit to get it back. It’s going to cost me to have the work done to the engine but I will have a car I can really enjoy to the full and have confidence in, so bitter start but very sweet ending. My car is auto with 43k on the clock. I think the other factor here is that it is 16 years old also so all of those points add up to risk of failure. At a minimum and with hindsight I would have had the IMS replaced.. but then once the engines out i would have likely started to think..why not do a little more for peace of mind….

 

[simonford]

Quick update.. She is back! It was a bit of journey in the end including a 3 month visit to the body shop following damage in transit (long story but in short the trailer cable snapped on delivery). But I can tell you that Hartech and the delivery company were both amazing in comunication and service. Grant at Hartech is great at taking you through the process and in helping make the right choices. The delivery company of course sorted out the bodywork at their cost and I have a mint car.

I now have 2k miles of steady driving to do before I can fully open her up but I have to say it was wonderful to see her arrive and being driven off the trailer. My advice is if you have an early 997.1 to get the IMS upgraded. Yes, it will cost you £2-3k, but it will give you stress free driving and save you the potential heartache of losing your car for several months and a bigger bill of £10-£15k.

Finally, I am so taken with Hartech's service that I will make the annual pilgrimage to Bolton from Oxted each year for a service going forward. See you back out there!

Simon

 

[jmaddox]

Very glad to hear your car is back but extra time away after delivery damage must have been tough. Still you sound as if you are pleased. Don’t sell it - keep it forever and enjoy worry free fun.

 

[BC997S]

Good to see you now have your car back Simon. Finally time to enjoy it after a tricky start!

 

[Motorhead]

That’s good news Simon. Despite the unfortunate delivery damage putting a damper on things you can now get back to enjoying your car with confidence … at last!

Jeff