Advice needed specific to my C4S - IMS question
Discussion
Hi Guys
I would value some advice from your experience and knowledge. I have read all the posts on IMS and the detailed analysis from Baz and others (here and eleswhere) but would appreciate some advice specific to my position.
I have a 2003 C4S Manual, with 47k miles. Full service history with annual oil changes from OPs and well respected indy. The clutch was replace at 32k miles, so about 15k miles ago. The IMS bearing is the original. The car has not done enough mileage to get to the stage where one can say that it will probably be ok imsb wise (about 60k plus miles I understand).
I am about due for a minor service, but am a bit spooked by a recent 996 and 997 ims failure. So am thinking of perhaps putting in a new clutch, which would give us the chance to check the original IMS bearing, and if it looks good, flip off the outer seal and put it all back together.
So the question is, is that a sensible course of action? I am not too worried about adding a £1000 to my service bill, in exchange for some peace of mind.
Cheers
Rick
I would value some advice from your experience and knowledge. I have read all the posts on IMS and the detailed analysis from Baz and others (here and eleswhere) but would appreciate some advice specific to my position.
I have a 2003 C4S Manual, with 47k miles. Full service history with annual oil changes from OPs and well respected indy. The clutch was replace at 32k miles, so about 15k miles ago. The IMS bearing is the original. The car has not done enough mileage to get to the stage where one can say that it will probably be ok imsb wise (about 60k plus miles I understand).
I am about due for a minor service, but am a bit spooked by a recent 996 and 997 ims failure. So am thinking of perhaps putting in a new clutch, which would give us the chance to check the original IMS bearing, and if it looks good, flip off the outer seal and put it all back together.
So the question is, is that a sensible course of action? I am not too worried about adding a £1000 to my service bill, in exchange for some peace of mind.
Cheers
Rick
Hi YMD
Nice one. Would you take cash?!
Its not the web scaremongering, but Last week there was a guy with a 997 that let go as he arrived at work with a collapsed IMSB and destroyed engine, and a 996 a couple of weeks ago.
So it does happen, and my c4s is at a critical mileage. Loving the car but dont want a 10k bill for a rebuild, if I can avoid it for the cost of a clutch.
It is a tough choice. I am also considering a full Hartech engine rebuild, as I know the end result will be a superb bullit proof engine.
Cheers
Rick
Nice one. Would you take cash?!
Its not the web scaremongering, but Last week there was a guy with a 997 that let go as he arrived at work with a collapsed IMSB and destroyed engine, and a 996 a couple of weeks ago.
So it does happen, and my c4s is at a critical mileage. Loving the car but dont want a 10k bill for a rebuild, if I can avoid it for the cost of a clutch.
It is a tough choice. I am also considering a full Hartech engine rebuild, as I know the end result will be a superb bullit proof engine.
Cheers
Rick
Molly, Thanks and I am reasonably up to speed on what Hartech offers. In terms of preventative work, you can go the 'preventative future proof' rebuild route, or simply run it until the engine needs stripping and attend to any work needed. This is pretty much what Baz at Hartech advises. If you need to get the gearbox off, then fit a new clutch, check the imsb for any play, whip of the shield and put it back together. If the bearing shows signs of wear there are issues associated with replacing it in situ, and at that point I would be speaking to Hartech on the options. They have an uprated shaft and oversized bearing available.
At this stage I think I have two main choices. Leave the thing alone; keep changing the Mobil 1 regularly and keep an eye open for bits of metal in the filter; or whack in a new clutch at the next minor service as mentioned above.
Hi Griffter, the 60k miles thing is from one of Baz from Hartechs comments. If the imsb has not gone pop by about 60k, it probably won't. The reasoning is that the rubber seals shrink over time, and by this point will probably be letting some splash oil into the bearing. This should then prevent it from wearing out. I am at that critical point (47k miles) where I have not done quite enough miles to get to that point. But maybe after 13 years it has shrunk a bit anyway. Who knows?!
The car has been well looked after all its life, and I like the 'if it aint broke...' philosophy.
On the other hand as another poster has said, if it has tits or a steering wheel you will have trouble with it at some point.
I am still tempted to put a new clutch in as an excuse for a look at the internals at my next minor service in February.
Cheers
Rick
At this stage I think I have two main choices. Leave the thing alone; keep changing the Mobil 1 regularly and keep an eye open for bits of metal in the filter; or whack in a new clutch at the next minor service as mentioned above.
Hi Griffter, the 60k miles thing is from one of Baz from Hartechs comments. If the imsb has not gone pop by about 60k, it probably won't. The reasoning is that the rubber seals shrink over time, and by this point will probably be letting some splash oil into the bearing. This should then prevent it from wearing out. I am at that critical point (47k miles) where I have not done quite enough miles to get to that point. But maybe after 13 years it has shrunk a bit anyway. Who knows?!
The car has been well looked after all its life, and I like the 'if it aint broke...' philosophy.
On the other hand as another poster has said, if it has tits or a steering wheel you will have trouble with it at some point.
I am still tempted to put a new clutch in as an excuse for a look at the internals at my next minor service in February.
Cheers
Rick
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