Whats are the signs for an impending IMS?

[Popolou]

As the title really. A topic that has been done to death i know, but haven't yet come across any pointers to the warning signs. Is a grumbling bearing discernible even one so deep in the block? Or do they just go snap?

I know the car well (M96 987s) and have begun to have suspicions.

Cheers

[rhkumar]

Hiya the best thing to do is check the oil filter and look for filings. I've heard about the death noise which is abit like a rattling but I believe they'll just got snap.

[Popolou]

Yup, checked religiously during the annual change the last being 9 months ago - clean as a whistle. No signs of clutch slip but may get a chance to put the car up on the ramp to inspect underneath.

[Rockster]

Popolou said:

As the title really. A topic that has been done to death i know, but haven't yet come across any pointers to the warning signs. Is a grumbling bearing discernible even one so deep in the block? Or do they just go snap?

I know the car well (M96 987s) and have begun to have suspicions.

Cheers

Well, some would say the 1st sign is the first time your "new" Boxster comes into view.

Uh, seriously what I have read and what I have been told is sometimes you get some kind of warning -- noise of an abnormal sort -- or other abnormal engine behavior -- and sometimes you don't.

In the latter case everything is fine until it is not.

In the former case the instinct is to nurse the sick engine along to get the car home or to if the engine dies to try to restart it which often just makes matters worse.

All you can do is buy a good car one that has been well maintained and given reasonable treatment.

If you subscribe to the aftermarket IMSB solution make this a condition of your purchase or budget for this when you make your offer.

If you do not suscribe to the aftemarket IMSB solution then you're done when you find a good car.

In both cases you have to pay attention to servicing, oil (use a proper oil and don't run it forever) and always keep your ears open.

At the first sign of something amiss turn off the engine as soon as it is safe to do so and do not start it again. Let a professional tech have at the engine to determine what's wrong.

Just so it is clear no sick engine ever got healthy from more running.

You can play the look at the oil filter housing oil game and put the oil filter element under a scanning electron microscope and analyze the oil more then Lance Armstrong's urine but unless the IMSB happens to be sick just at an oil/filter service your looking at 5K miles or more unti the next check.

Oh, sometimes these bearings can deliver big miles. My 02 Boxster is nearly at 260K miles and is on its original IMSB.

5K mile oil/filter services and I just drive the car.

Sincerely,

Rockster.

[rdjohn]

Rockster said:

5K mile oil/filter services and I just drive the car.

Sincerely,

Rockster.

I have to say Rockster that I genuinely adore the positive nature in your postings.

In my mind, I have this picture of you driving round California in your Boxster with a permanent smile on your face, fully believing that you glass is always more than half-full.

[worldwidewebs]

rdjohn said:

Rockster said:

5K mile oil/filter services and I just drive the car.

Sincerely,

Rockster.

I have to say Rockster that I genuinely adore the positive nature in your postings.

In my mind, I have this picture of you driving round California in your Boxster with a permanent smile on your face, fully believing that you glass is always more than half-full.

I'll bet he has nice teeth too

[Porkupine]

rdjohn said:

I have to say Rockster that I genuinely adore the positive nature in your postings.

In my mind, I have this picture of you driving round California in your Boxster with a permanent smile on your face, fully believing that you glass is always more than half-full.

Amazing! His box must have had over 50 oil changes!!!!!

[Trev450]

Porkupine said:

Amazing! His box must have had over 50 oil changes!!!!!

Bloody hell at our prices thats around £5000

[Popolou]

Bump

Not an issue due to fuel quality. Seems that there is an underlying raspiness to the engine note that varies with engine speed. Oddly, it can be heard over the right shoulder only. Been meaning to whip off the cover to have a poke around but hasn't been easy with the ste weather lately.

[Popolou]

Panic over...turns out the water pump is on the way out.

Seeing reports (while trying to keep an objective view) where it appears the majority that do give up the ghost happen around the 25k mls mark. Currently at 23k so food for thought.

O/T: Been advised that the rear PASM shock is leaking with the other showing signs that they are on the way out. Slightly taken back on the estimate and am wondering what sort of DIY job this is? Keen to hear back on experience from those attempting the same.

Cheers

Edited by Popolou on Thursday 13th December 12:35

[Chrisp5782]

Where are you in the country?

What year is your car?

[Ian_UK1]

Popolou said:

Panic over...turns out the water pump is on the way out.

Seeing reports (while trying to keep an objective view) where it appears the majority that do give up the ghost happen around the 25k mls mark. Currently 1t 23k do food for thought.

O/T: Been advised that the rear PASM shock is leaking with the other showing signs that they are on the way out. Slightly taken back on the estimate and am wondering what sort of DIY job this is? Keen to hear back on experience from those attempting the same.

Cheers

Not really a DIY as the car will need a full 4-wheel alignment after replacement.

At the risk of being flamed by the minority on here with an irrational hate complex () speak to Chris Franklin at Center Gravity. He'll be able to properly assess what's worn or otherwise (his new damper testing rig is amazing) and then discuss simple replacements, possible suspension upgrades and custom geo's to get your car handling just the way you want it to.

[Popolou]

Chrisp5782 said:

Where are you in the country?

What year is your car?

London town. It's a MY06 987S that's had no expense spared by its rather miffed owner.

[Popolou]

Ian_UK1 said:

Not really a DIY as the car will need a full 4-wheel alignment after replacement.

At the risk of being flamed by the minority on here with an irrational hate complex () speak to Chris Franklin at Center Gravity. He'll be able to properly assess what's worn or otherwise (his new damper testing rig is amazing) and then discuss simple replacements, possible suspension upgrades and custom geo's to get your car handling just the way you want it to.

Yes, easily forgotten thanks. Very able with the spanners but concerened with taking a limb clean off dealing with the coil-overs.

[Chrisp5782]

Popolou said:

Chrisp5782 said:

Where are you in the country?

What year is your car?

London town. It's a MY06 987S that's had no expense spared by its rather miffed owner.

I only ask because Steve Bull recently did a complete replacement of my front shocks, he was very good and the job cost £1750 with every replaceable item done including springs.

I went down the Bilstein route, I'm very pleased so far.

I'm surprised the WP has gone this early, mines on just over 60,000 miles.

[Popolou]

Indeed, picking that up with P directly as too am surprised. I've come to expect around the 80k mark. Wonder if this would equate to 2 pumps in the period of a 50k miler?

[spyderman8]

Popolou said:

O/T: Been advised that the rear PASM shock is leaking with the other showing signs that they are on the way out. Slightly taken back on the estimate and am wondering what sort of DIY job this is? Keen to hear back on experience from those attempting the same.

Bilstein can refurbish them but as stated you'll need a full geo done when you get them back. Also as stated Chris Franklin can arrange all that for you. Friend of mine's early 987 had the same.

[Popolou]

Good point, i remember a thread here on this a while ago. Off now to dig this up.

Cheers