I've just bought some poverty Pork…

[anonymous-user]

snotrag said:

ooid said:

Most probably CAT’s or O2 sensors.

Might as well spin a roulette wheel without diagnostics. Could be absolutely anything.

ATM - get a code reader, they are buttons nowadays. Anyone running older cars (or any car really!) should have one, especially with two twenty year old Porsches!


At £25 it'll have paid for itself 3 times over the first time you use it.

I thought code readers for 9x6 and 9x7 models were in the hundreds of pounds? Can you link me up with a cheapo one that works please?

[2Btoo]

OnTheBreadline said:

I thought code readers for 9x6 and 9x7 models were in the hundreds of pounds? Can you link me up with a cheapo one that works please?

That entirely depends upon what you want to do with it. A bluetooth one from eBay for £15 would give you generic codes and work fine. Here's one for £10, chosen at random.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/174964258389?hash=item2...

Next step up is the likes of the iCarSoft POR, which will be about £120. This will give you access to the Porsche-specific codes and allow you to turn the engine service light off. I've purchased from Diagnostic World who are very helpful and have stood by stuff which has had problems, although you may find things cheaper elsewhere.

https://www.diagnostic-world.com/pages/porsche_cod...

The iCarSoft POR2 is a newer version of the same thing and does a few more things, but costs a few quid more as well.

Next step up is Durametric, which allows you to do far more with the 987 (and later) models including coding things in and out and totally resetting the car. Costs for this are into four figures.

Top of the tree is PIWIS, which is the dealer software and allows you to do everything. You can buy these secondhand but they are several thousand quid a pop and only really for the very serious enthusiast and small business.

[J Chitty]

I have an icarsoft porv2 if someone wants one for £75 plus postage.
It’s like new and only used once to reset engine check light after coil pack failure and replacement.
Sorry I hope not against posting rules.
PM if interested

[edc]

flatsix.ant said:

Hey,

My 986.2 S is fitted with 200 cell sports cats, and I have a CEL that keeps coming up when I'm on a gentle or longer run.

The previous owner fitted a spacer to the lambda sensors just before I bought it, but isn't sure if they worked to stop the light coming on or not as it was quite literally days before.



Does anyone have any experience with fitting something like this on a 986.2 S to resolve the issue? https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/284604951307

I'm not as mechanically minded as some, it should be easy enough with the right angle for my local exhaust specialist to fit right?

Thanks!

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&t=1979772

[flatsix.ant]

edc said:

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

Thanks!



Back from the supermercado. Lovely day for it.

[edc]

Don't forget the whole point of the OBD2 protocol is to have a common standard for the common faults. This means there are as already linked a plethora of cheap code readers that will work across multiple cars. You only need the more expensive ones if you want to do more monitoring of live data or to access brand specific modules and codes and in some cases programming.

[2Btoo]

edc said:

Don't forget the whole point of the OBD2 protocol is to have a common standard for the common faults. This means there are as already linked a plethora of cheap code readers that will work across multiple cars. You only need the more expensive ones if you want to do more monitoring of live data or to access brand specific modules and codes and in some cases programming.

True, but in practice there's a lot of Porsche specific stuff that a generic reader won't get near. It all depends on what you want to do with it.

[shalmaneser]

2Btoo said:

edc said:

Don't forget the whole point of the OBD2 protocol is to have a common standard for the common faults. This means there are as already linked a plethora of cheap code readers that will work across multiple cars. You only need the more expensive ones if you want to do more monitoring of live data or to access brand specific modules and codes and in some cases programming.

True, but in practice there's a lot of Porsche specific stuff that a generic reader won't get near. It all depends on what you want to do with it.

Depends, on an early 9x6.1 there are only a handful of codes and outputs hidden away. I've got a Bluetooth reader and use car scanner app on my phone and it's bloody great. Really useful being able to log outputs on your phone to analyse, allowed me eventually to diagnose a faulty fuel pressure regulator by logging fuel trims at different rpms.

As a starting point they are invaluable and would happily tell you what an engine warning light means.

When I've plugged it into the missus 987.1 the amount of info is incredible, I don't know what info Porsche is keeping back but it's not very much!

[2Btoo]

Ah, that's interesting - thanks.

I use an iCarSoft device on my 987.1 and there seems to be a lot more stuff in the 'Porsche' specific bit than in the general 'OBD2' bit. However I've never used a generic bluetooth reader so I don't know how good (or otherwise) they are. FWIW I bought the iCarSoft to reset the service light which I know can't be done by a generic tool, and it seemed to be worth it just for that.

[J Chitty]

I have an icarsoft porv2 if someone wants one for £75 plus postage.
It’s like new and only used once to reset engine check light after coil pack failure and replacement.
Sorry I hope not against posting rules.
PM if interested

[shalmaneser]

2Btoo said:

Ah, that's interesting - thanks.

I use an iCarSoft device on my 987.1 and there seems to be a lot more stuff in the 'Porsche' specific bit than in the general 'OBD2' bit. However I've never used a generic bluetooth reader so I don't know how good (or otherwise) they are. FWIW I bought the iCarSoft to reset the service light which I know can't be done by a generic tool, and it seemed to be worth it just for that.

That's a good point you can't reset the service light with a standard widget but my 996 doesn't have such a thing anyway.... 987 definitely does but we get that serviced at a specialist anyway as I can't be arsed servicing two Porsches!

[edc]

2Btoo said:

edc said:

Don't forget the whole point of the OBD2 protocol is to have a common standard for the common faults. This means there are as already linked a plethora of cheap code readers that will work across multiple cars. You only need the more expensive ones if you want to do more monitoring of live data or to access brand specific modules and codes and in some cases programming.

True, but in practice there's a lot of Porsche specific stuff that a generic reader won't get near. It all depends on what you want to do with it.

The generic ones will read the majority of engine codes which trigger the CEL. It won't do stuff like auto gearbox, ABS, other electrical systems like door locks, but most of those don't trigger the CEL on a 98x.

[some bloke]

I have an iCarsoft POR V1.0 I'll sell pretty cheap if anyone is after one. They are £92 new. Only used it 3 times, I think. I sold the boxster a while ago. PM if you're interested.

[Skyedriver]

Finding "the right car".
Been through nearly all the usual ad places over the last couple of months looking for a 986 3.2S (not black, grey or silver).
Don't want too high a mileage and probably an earlier one to fit into budget. Maybe I've been reading to many forums but I'm finding cars for sale tend to not have had the likely replacement of parts which fail or have an MoT history that hints at neglect.

Recent ones, (to note I haven't viewed the cars as I live a bit remote and will be involving a professional inspection to confirm the condition prior to purchasing. This involves additional costs so I don't want to send them to see too many prospective purchases).

Car 1, looked nice enough in pics, relatively low priced, 78K miles, has slight misfire, wear to seat, air con & CD stack not working MoT history, probably the previous owner shows lack of regular checks and maintenance.

Car 2, twice the price 60K miles, great photos, apparently well cared for with Porsche history (?), MoT history shows annual repeat of advisories of corroded brake pipes covered in grease or underseal, tyres cracked etc

Neither have info on coolant pipes, clutch, IMS bearing, or any of the other items which apparently fail on these cars at 20 year old so I can assume not done.

Am I being too particular, don't want to just "dive in" as I don't know enough about these cars and they're not the simplest or cheapest to maintain.

Sorry for the ramble.

[jonny996]

I think the reward V cost of these cars is very good, so much so that when you do have a good one, there is no point in letting it go.
Perhaps it is just my thinking but a lot of these cars are second cars tucked away for the sunny season & the £8K they would get if selling it would make no difference to the life of the seller who can afford to keep a sports car for the weekend.

[paulguitar]

Skyedriver said:

Finding "the right car".
Been through nearly all the usual ad places over the last couple of months looking for a 986 3.2S (not black, grey or silver).
Don't want too high a mileage and probably an earlier one to fit into budget. Maybe I've been reading to many forums but I'm finding cars for sale tend to not have had the likely replacement of parts which fail or have an MoT history that hints at neglect.

Recent ones, (to note I haven't viewed the cars as I live a bit remote and will be involving a professional inspection to confirm the condition prior to purchasing. This involves additional costs so I don't want to send them to see too many prospective purchases).

Car 1, looked nice enough in pics, relatively low priced, 78K miles, has slight misfire, wear to seat, air con & CD stack not working MoT history, probably the previous owner shows lack of regular checks and maintenance.

Car 2, twice the price 60K miles, great photos, apparently well cared for with Porsche history (?), MoT history shows annual repeat of advisories of corroded brake pipes covered in grease or underseal, tyres cracked etc

Neither have info on coolant pipes, clutch, IMS bearing, or any of the other items which apparently fail on these cars at 20 year old so I can assume not done.

Am I being too particular, don't want to just "dive in" as I don't know enough about these cars and they're not the simplest or cheapest to maintain.

Sorry for the ramble.

I think you really need to find one that has been properly looked after by the most recent owner. Reoccurring MOT advisories would put me off immediately.


I recently looked at a 986, it was all good on the surface and had been very well looked after until the last couple of years. However, the current owner was a bit out of his depth financially, and that is a very common situation. When I further investigated this particular car, I quickly discovered it really needed about £3,000 spending right away.


I think if I was looking again, I'd probably try to source a car through the PCGB or TIPEC.

[edc]

jonny996 said:

I think the reward V cost of these cars is very good, so much so that when you do have a good one, there is no point in letting it go.
Perhaps it is just my thinking but a lot of these cars are second cars tucked away for the sunny season & the £8K they would get if selling it would make no difference to the life of the seller who can afford to keep a sports car for the weekend.

Absolutely. That describes me and that's why my car now with 2 young kids dies so little mileage the last 2 years and will do the same for the next 5-10 years. Mine is very well maintained as quite frankly the cost is irrelevant.

[edc]

paulguitar said:

Skyedriver said:

Finding "the right car".
Been through nearly all the usual ad places over the last couple of months looking for a 986 3.2S (not black, grey or silver).
Don't want too high a mileage and probably an earlier one to fit into budget. Maybe I've been reading to many forums but I'm finding cars for sale tend to not have had the likely replacement of parts which fail or have an MoT history that hints at neglect.

Recent ones, (to note I haven't viewed the cars as I live a bit remote and will be involving a professional inspection to confirm the condition prior to purchasing. This involves additional costs so I don't want to send them to see too many prospective purchases).

Car 1, looked nice enough in pics, relatively low priced, 78K miles, has slight misfire, wear to seat, air con & CD stack not working MoT history, probably the previous owner shows lack of regular checks and maintenance.

Car 2, twice the price 60K miles, great photos, apparently well cared for with Porsche history (?), MoT history shows annual repeat of advisories of corroded brake pipes covered in grease or underseal, tyres cracked etc

Neither have info on coolant pipes, clutch, IMS bearing, or any of the other items which apparently fail on these cars at 20 year old so I can assume not done.

Am I being too particular, don't want to just "dive in" as I don't know enough about these cars and they're not the simplest or cheapest to maintain.

Sorry for the ramble.

I think you really need to find one that has been properly looked after by the most recent owner. Reoccurring MOT advisories would put me off immediately.


I recently looked at a 986, it was all good on the surface and had been very well looked after until the last couple of years. However, the current owner was a bit out of his depth financially, and that is a very common situation. When I further investigated this particular car, I quickly discovered it really needed about £3,000 spending right away.


I think if I was looking again, I'd probably try to source a car through the PCGB or TIPEC.

The reality is most of these cars are not owned by OTT enthusiasts and many won't know what an IMS bearing is. I would not necessarily hold out for a car with a recent clutch and IMS bearing or even waterpump or AC condensers as long as the current condition and price is right.

To be honest the biggest expense is a suspension rebuild and I bet 90% of cars you see won't have one. The difference between and old baggy car and a new one is marked and the former won't necessarily feel bad or clunky.

Brake pipes as a repeat advisory wouldnt bother me too much. They will get to a point where they must be replaced but as long as you can keep the corrosion at bay you can usefully extend their life.

[shalmaneser]

Skyedriver said:

Finding "the right car".
Been through nearly all the usual ad places over the last couple of months looking for a 986 3.2S (not black, grey or silver).
Don't want too high a mileage and probably an earlier one to fit into budget. Maybe I've been reading to many forums but I'm finding cars for sale tend to not have had the likely replacement of parts which fail or have an MoT history that hints at neglect.

Recent ones, (to note I haven't viewed the cars as I live a bit remote and will be involving a professional inspection to confirm the condition prior to purchasing. This involves additional costs so I don't want to send them to see too many prospective purchases).

Car 1, looked nice enough in pics, relatively low priced, 78K miles, has slight misfire, wear to seat, air con & CD stack not working MoT history, probably the previous owner shows lack of regular checks and maintenance.

Car 2, twice the price 60K miles, great photos, apparently well cared for with Porsche history (?), MoT history shows annual repeat of advisories of corroded brake pipes covered in grease or underseal, tyres cracked etc

Neither have info on coolant pipes, clutch, IMS bearing, or any of the other items which apparently fail on these cars at 20 year old so I can assume not done.

Am I being too particular, don't want to just "dive in" as I don't know enough about these cars and they're not the simplest or cheapest to maintain.

Sorry for the ramble.

You're being too picky, unless you buy a car that is £££ from a really well known garage there is always going to be something to do. Especially on the 9X6 platform the IMS is a non-issue really. All of these cars are rolling restorations to some extent.

Look for a car with decent service history and a straight rust free bodyshell with lowish miles. The rest is bolt on stuff.

[John Laverick]

edc said:

jonny996 said:

I think the reward V cost of these cars is very good, so much so that when you do have a good one, there is no point in letting it go.
Perhaps it is just my thinking but a lot of these cars are second cars tucked away for the sunny season & the £8K they would get if selling it would make no difference to the life of the seller who can afford to keep a sports car for the weekend.

Absolutely. That describes me and that's why my car now with 2 young kids dies so little mileage the last 2 years and will do the same for the next 5-10 years. Mine is very well maintained as quite frankly the cost is irrelevant.

Snap. I've had mine years and bought it cheap, its worth a bit more now buy still not enough to warrent selling despite the relatively little use it gets.

If it was worth £20k it might be a different story!