A newbie's faith in a PPI
#16
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Wow, this is a bummer.
First, ask the place who PPI'd this car for a list of items they check. Dont let them say, 'well, everything.'
At that point, make a list of everything you have found wrong. Compare notes with the ma'najer.
Like others have already said, most of what you see on the bottom of your engine is just cosmoline. Valve cover leaks are common, as are leaks or weeping from the oil level sendor.
Dont want to kick you while your down, but it appears at least one of your rear shocks are leaking. Use this when talking with this PPI place. Tell them now you are facing $2K in suspension work based on items THEY missed during the PPI.
Dont sweat the front end scrapes, it is quite common to find these. My car appeared to have been really well taken care of, and it has scrapes on the front lower corners. Exhaust tips are also very common to be scraped up.
You may want to remove the front plastic cover under the power steering rack and pinion. Look for leaks there as well.
A thorough PPI should also include going over the list of updates recommended by Porsche like the alt/fan pulleys, engine loom (if applicable), steering rack brace if 18" wheel are used, clutch pedal lever update, headlight bulb retainer update etc.
First, ask the place who PPI'd this car for a list of items they check. Dont let them say, 'well, everything.'
At that point, make a list of everything you have found wrong. Compare notes with the ma'najer.
Like others have already said, most of what you see on the bottom of your engine is just cosmoline. Valve cover leaks are common, as are leaks or weeping from the oil level sendor.
Dont want to kick you while your down, but it appears at least one of your rear shocks are leaking. Use this when talking with this PPI place. Tell them now you are facing $2K in suspension work based on items THEY missed during the PPI.
Dont sweat the front end scrapes, it is quite common to find these. My car appeared to have been really well taken care of, and it has scrapes on the front lower corners. Exhaust tips are also very common to be scraped up.
You may want to remove the front plastic cover under the power steering rack and pinion. Look for leaks there as well.
A thorough PPI should also include going over the list of updates recommended by Porsche like the alt/fan pulleys, engine loom (if applicable), steering rack brace if 18" wheel are used, clutch pedal lever update, headlight bulb retainer update etc.
#17
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FWIW I had my PPI done at a dealer: mckenna. Before I decided to use them I called and asked exactly what they check for. The service advisor read off the check list they use: the "pre-owned inspection checklist", part # PNA 000151, which is a 2 page official Porsche form.
The tech at mckenna checked everything on the list, and I didn' find anything wrong with the car that they hadn't disclosed on their inspection -- I was lucky and I got what I paid for. In retrospect I wish I had used an independent for the PPI rather than a dealer, but in any case when dealing with an 'unknown' shop it's important to have something in writing (i.e. a checklist) to make sure you're getting the service you're paying for.
The tech at mckenna checked everything on the list, and I didn' find anything wrong with the car that they hadn't disclosed on their inspection -- I was lucky and I got what I paid for. In retrospect I wish I had used an independent for the PPI rather than a dealer, but in any case when dealing with an 'unknown' shop it's important to have something in writing (i.e. a checklist) to make sure you're getting the service you're paying for.
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Originally Posted by BobbyT
Here is a great PPI guide by our late friend Paul Lighthill. You will pay a bit more for a PPI this thorough, but it is money well spent, and you will know what you are buying (or not):
http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarti...repurchase.htm
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Originally Posted by Gregory993
Just went out into the driveway and saw a few oil spots again...hmm, I suspect it's coming from the oil level sending unit on the tank, I tightened it up last night when I did the oil change.
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Originally Posted by JasonAndreas
You have way too much oil in the tank, by at least 1-2 quarts. If the engine was cold the oil level shouldn't be anywhere near the oil level sender opening on the oil tank...
I guess I need to suck out some oil now.