inokiyo

...no more time or space either. Repair shop is quoting 13~15k Canadian for replacing motor. I can get another S4 at this price. I'm REA~LLY frustrated at this point! At this price, I'm thinking of part and get another...
1988 S4, or used to be...now a really good looking piece of aluminum!
Ken

atb

Ken,

Can you give us more detail on the Thrust Bearing Failure? I don't mean to rub salt in the wound, but any info would be helpful.

Primarily, when was the last time (if ever) the pinch bolt was released?

What symptoms prior to the failure?

How did your shop diagnose the failure?

Thanks for sharing if you're able.

SeanR

How much of the work can you do yourself?

martin D

TBH could also be Timing Belt Failure in which case it would probably only need a few valves. Several Rennlisters have them for sale in their sigs.

Martin

Art20c

i can feel your pain

inokiyo

Hi guys,
Thanks for your messages, always appreciate the amount of support I get from you!
I don't know when or if ever the pinch bolt was released as the car was bought through an auction i japan and shipped over to Canada last year, so no maintenance records. I always assumed "TBF" was "timing belt failure" and since my mechanic said the belt was in good condition, left it at that (my very bad).
Symptoms - Looking back, motor was hard to crank when warm/hot (had assumed this to be starter/battery issues), also hesitating, sometimes dying as well (thought this was fuel issue). When the car finally stalled on the road and wouldn't crank again (battery fully charged the day before), felt a shiver run through my back! Had the car towed to my garage, went through discussion board to find info, and see symptoms match TBF. Drained the oil, black and looked cloudy, drained the oil flilter and what'd ya know - I see copper and aluminum colored particles in the strainer...
I have yet to take it to a mechanic, but with metal particles in the filter, I don't see how I can get away without replacing the motor....

sharkmeister85

Take it to your mechanic and have him measure the crank end play to confirm TBF. Where in Canada are you?
Glenn

jetrainor

If its thrust bearing failure, ive been there. if the rest of the car is good, shop around for a replacemnt motor....i was lucky to buy an excellent 88 engine from Gary Knox for much less than it would cost to rebuild. Flex plate pressure on auto cars is a silent killer, in my case there was no warning.
jt

jetrainor

With the bi color metal in the filter, your thrust bearing is gone. When we opened up my engine....and keep in mind that it never seized......the crank and journals were blue, presumabley from the heat generated as the bearing wore down. In my case, the crank was wearing on the journal and there was no bearing shoulder left. My car was also from Japan, with 102kms on it (1987)....with the auto cars i don't know that anyone understood the pressure had to be released 10 or 15 years ago, but i wouldnt buy another auto....GTS or otherwise, without checking bearing play.

jetrainor

i dont mean to hijack this thread but it has brought back bad memories!......i spent 8 grand on parts and labor......all intake hoses, wires, plugs, MAF, powder coatings, waterr pump,tensioners, belts, water hoses and on and on and on.......ran it for 2 weeks and then one nite.....clunk clunk clunk. Bought another engine, swapped over all the new stuff id put on the original motor, back into the car and so far, so good. My repolacement engine came out of a 5 speed, there is zero crank play and it had almost exactly the same miles on it the original did.

Shark Attack

Wow, I think I'm having dejavue.......

inokiyo

Hi Glenn,
I'm in Banff AB. Lot's of t-shirts available, but no Porsche mechanic here, shops don't even want to touch it. So most likely I'll have to flatbed it into Calgary. I don't feel it's even worth the tow - with the metal particles in the oil filter, how can I get away without an enigne swap or at the very least major surgery?

Hi Jetrainor,
I've actually followed your posts quite closely. Thanks for all the info! Looks like I'm in the exact same boat as you, even the same color 928 from Japan! Mine's a 88 with 86k, ROW, no sunroof, adjustable headlights, silver with grey/brown interior.
Did the MAF, valley, LH, in&outside fuel pumps, spark plugs, 996 wheels, tires, 02 sensor, temp2 sensor, etc, etc, etc.
I was planning on selling this and getting another from Japan, but this time a GTS....
Ken

sharkmeister85

Sounds like you're all alone in Banff. Which means you're really up against it unless you can do all your own work. Is that a realistic option for you?
Glenn

DR

Hi Ken,

Sorry to hear about your problems. If you do find it is Thrust Bearing Failure and decide to do an engine replacement I have a couple of spare S4 engines in great condition and will make you a great deal on one to help you get your S4 back on the road.

IF you have a friend or 2 that can help, rent an engine hoist and get a copy of the shop manuals I am sure you could do the swap yourself.. especially given all the support you can get in the 928 community.

Shark Attack

How about some pix of the car. I think you could find a motor for 3K or LESS. it will take some looking but i think you can find one. then about 1200.00 in misc stuff to put it in and 1000.00 bill for the garage. I think about 5500 to do it right 4K to just find one a throwe it in.. and that never works out to your advantage. IMO