Engine Failure in 996
Pro
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 560
Likes: 147
From: San Francisco Bay Area
So, I think that know a few things about buying/driving cars but . . .
I've never purchased a vehicle like the 2000 C4 Cab that I just bought, where other owners of the line (like the 996) have so often reported that their engines blew up, not even the BMW 335i in which early versions reportedly had major problems w/turbo failures & waste gate rattles that could also cause engine failures. So, it's not as though I'm not willing to a risk on a car w/an unfavorable "reliability" reputation. My 335i BTW has also caused me NO problems in the 6 years that I've owned it.
It just disconcerting to hear these 996 engine failure stories so soon after I purchased mine, which have NOTHING to do w/the IMS "problem" that I was aware of but with the timing chain that I never heard of before.
I may or may not get over it. Time will tell . . .
Nordschleife Master
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 8,050
Likes: 819
From: Kauai
I'vet purchased/leased about 100 vehicles of all types (cars, trucks, motorcycles and big rig tractors) during the 53 years that I have been licensed to drive and have NEVER had a serious problem w/any of them.
So, I think that know a few things about buying/driving cars but . . .
I've never purchased a vehicle like the 2000 C4 Cab that I just bought, where other owners of the line (like the 996) have so often reported that their engines blew up, not even the BMW 335i in which early versions reportedly had major problems w/turbo failures & waste gate rattles that could also cause engine failures. So, it's not as though I'm not willing to a risk on a car w/an unfavorable "reliability" reputation. My 335i BTW has also caused me NO problems in the 6 years that I've owned it.
It just disconcerting to hear these 996 engine failure stories so soon after I purchased mine, which have NOTHING to do w/the IMS "problem" that I was aware of but with the timing chain that I never heard of before.
Once I get this one all dialed in I'd like to get a second (TIP) for the wife...
I may or may not get over it. Time will tell . . .
So, I think that know a few things about buying/driving cars but . . .
I've never purchased a vehicle like the 2000 C4 Cab that I just bought, where other owners of the line (like the 996) have so often reported that their engines blew up, not even the BMW 335i in which early versions reportedly had major problems w/turbo failures & waste gate rattles that could also cause engine failures. So, it's not as though I'm not willing to a risk on a car w/an unfavorable "reliability" reputation. My 335i BTW has also caused me NO problems in the 6 years that I've owned it.
It just disconcerting to hear these 996 engine failure stories so soon after I purchased mine, which have NOTHING to do w/the IMS "problem" that I was aware of but with the timing chain that I never heard of before.
Once I get this one all dialed in I'd like to get a second (TIP) for the wife...
I may or may not get over it. Time will tell . . .
There are some simple things to check, replace and track that will greatly reduce the risk of engine failure.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 560
Likes: 147
From: San Francisco Bay Area
I spent months reading researching the 996 before I bought mine (as a roller) and am curious if you did any research or just bought it on a whim without a PPI? Do you know why the previous owner sold and did it have any service history?
There are some simple things to check, replace and track that will greatly reduce the risk of engine failure.
There are some simple things to check, replace and track that will greatly reduce the risk of engine failure.
My current concerns about the car.relate to the recent reports of 996 engine failures posted on this forum that are apparently due to timing chain malfunctions. I was well aware of the widely reported IMS problem and received service records proving that that work was done before I bought the car. However, I was NOT previously aware that 996 engine failures can be caused by other things (like timing chains) that cannot be detected or prevented by means of normal maintenance and service.
My prior ignorance of this possibility is "on me" but now that I know about it, I have to decide what, if anything, to do about it. The choice may be to sell the car as soon as I get the pink slip in my hands to simply avoid needing to worry about the possibility of such an engine failure happening to my car, especially since I also own another fully reliable 2 seater that has never given me any such cause for concern. I haven't decided sell the 996 yet but I am DEFINITELY thinking about it.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
BTW, your quotation of my prior post is incorrect. I did not state "Once I get this one all dialed in I'd like to get a second (TIP) for the wife..." My 996 is an MT (not a TIP) and I don't have a wife. Thank goodness for both. LOL!
Track Day
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 23
Likes: 4
I bought a 2003 six months ago with 98k miles on it. Good service records came with the car. Have put over 5k miles on it in the past 6 months and am absolutely loving it. No reason to be unduly concerned. This engine like all high performance engines have some traits that bear monitoring but the driving the car makes it worthwhile.
I put on a spin on filter adapter, magnetic plug and will monitor the oil. AND drive it whenever I can. Life is too short to overanalyze this. Enjoy the drive.
I put on a spin on filter adapter, magnetic plug and will monitor the oil. AND drive it whenever I can. Life is too short to overanalyze this. Enjoy the drive.
Rennlist Member
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 6,958
Likes: 1,311
From: L.I. NY
Let's make something clear. There is NOTHING mechanically wrong, as far as I know, with the 996 that I bought. There is a problem w/the CLS, the driver's side window regulator and the hydraulic cylinders for the roof may need replacement but, as far as the engine goes, it's running well (so far).
My current concerns about the car.relate to the recent reports of 996 engine failures posted on this forum that are apparently due to timing chain malfunctions. I was well aware of the widely reported IMS problem and received service records proving that that work was done before I bought the car. However, I was NOT previously aware that 996 engine failures can be caused by other things (like timing chains) that cannot be detected or prevented by means of normal maintenance and service.
My prior ignorance of this possibility is "on me" but now that I know about it, I have to decide what, if anything, to do about it. The choice may be to sell the car as soon as I get the pink slip in my hands to simply avoid needing to worry about the possibility of such an engine failure happening to my car, especially since I also own another fully reliable 2 seater that has never given me any such cause for concern. I haven't decided sell the 996 yet but I am DEFINITELY thinking about it.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
BTW, your quotation of my prior post is incorrect. I did not state "Once I get this one all dialed in I'd like to get a second (TIP) for the wife..." My 996 is an MT (not a TIP) and I don't have a wife. Thank goodness for both. LOL!
My current concerns about the car.relate to the recent reports of 996 engine failures posted on this forum that are apparently due to timing chain malfunctions. I was well aware of the widely reported IMS problem and received service records proving that that work was done before I bought the car. However, I was NOT previously aware that 996 engine failures can be caused by other things (like timing chains) that cannot be detected or prevented by means of normal maintenance and service.
My prior ignorance of this possibility is "on me" but now that I know about it, I have to decide what, if anything, to do about it. The choice may be to sell the car as soon as I get the pink slip in my hands to simply avoid needing to worry about the possibility of such an engine failure happening to my car, especially since I also own another fully reliable 2 seater that has never given me any such cause for concern. I haven't decided sell the 996 yet but I am DEFINITELY thinking about it.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
BTW, your quotation of my prior post is incorrect. I did not state "Once I get this one all dialed in I'd like to get a second (TIP) for the wife..." My 996 is an MT (not a TIP) and I don't have a wife. Thank goodness for both. LOL!
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 205
Likes: 28
Just a reminder how 996 with a slightly different engine can go. Maybe those that blew up were beat and never maintenanced , some M96 are in the 150k range and Originial Engine still. Here is a one that proofs the 996 generation isn’t as bad as people think
https://www.roadandtrack.com/car-cul...0-miles-on-it/
i last saw he put more more mileage on it So if you ask me the 996 is a great car .
https://www.roadandtrack.com/car-cul...0-miles-on-it/
i last saw he put more more mileage on it So if you ask me the 996 is a great car .
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 1,968
Likes: 228
Just a reminder how 996 with a slightly different engine can go. Maybe those that blew up were beat and never maintenanced , some M96 are in the 150k range and Originial Engine still. Here is a one that proofs the 996 generation isn’t as bad as people think
https://www.roadandtrack.com/car-cul...0-miles-on-it/
i last saw he put more more mileage on it So if you ask me the 996 is a great car .
https://www.roadandtrack.com/car-cul...0-miles-on-it/
i last saw he put more more mileage on it So if you ask me the 996 is a great car .
Former Vendor
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 6,968
Likes: 2,342
From: Cleveland Georgia
One of the main things I see with these cars is that people don't really start learning about them until AFTER they buy them - me included!
2/3 of the submission tickets that come in here from failures are in the category "I just bought a Porsche, and I need help".
Then it starts out "I bought this car 3 weeks ago, and something has failed......"
Here's the most recent one from over the weekend:
"Hey guys I think unfortunately I have a cylinder problem. I bought my car 2 months ago and it developed what sounded to me like a litter problem. Now one tail pipe is dark and after reading more about the common problems I am convinced I have a scoured cylinder. If I pull my engine and ship it to you what would be the price range to fix this issue?"
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,046
Likes: 57
From: Williamsburg, VA
I bought a 2003 six months ago with 98k miles on it. Good service records came with the car. Have put over 5k miles on it in the past 6 months and am absolutely loving it. No reason to be unduly concerned. This engine like all high performance engines have some traits that bear monitoring but the driving the car makes it worthwhile.
I put on a spin on filter adapter, magnetic plug and will monitor the oil. AND drive it whenever I can. Life is too short to overanalyze this. Enjoy the drive.
I put on a spin on filter adapter, magnetic plug and will monitor the oil. AND drive it whenever I can. Life is too short to overanalyze this. Enjoy the drive.
Thread Starter
Track Day
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Jensen Beach, Florida
So - I found someone to help me get a rebuilt engine at a cheaper total price than the first Indy quoted.
Here's my question:
Me being not an informed fella on engines (much of what y'all posted went over my head) --->
Am I better selling the car once repaired? Get few more $$ since it'll have a new engine?
Or perhaps driving it for a while since the motor will have a warranty?
Here's my question:
Me being not an informed fella on engines (much of what y'all posted went over my head) --->
Am I better selling the car once repaired? Get few more $$ since it'll have a new engine?
Or perhaps driving it for a while since the motor will have a warranty?
Nordschleife Master
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 8,050
Likes: 819
From: Kauai
So - I found someone to help me get a rebuilt engine at a cheaper total price than the first Indy quoted.
Here's my question:
Me being not an informed fella on engines (much of what y'all posted went over my head) --->
Am I better selling the car once repaired? Get few more $$ since it'll have a new engine?
Or perhaps driving it for a while since the motor will have a warranty?
Here's my question:
Me being not an informed fella on engines (much of what y'all posted went over my head) --->
Am I better selling the car once repaired? Get few more $$ since it'll have a new engine?
Or perhaps driving it for a while since the motor will have a warranty?
How much did you pay for the car plus the cost of the work still equals a $17-$20K car.
Former Vendor
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 6,968
Likes: 2,342
From: Cleveland Georgia
The term "rebuilt' is broad spectrum. Anything that's taken apart, cleaned up, and has a few worn parts replaced can be "rebuilt".
Get a list of EXACTLY what processes are done, what is replaced, and what replacement parts are used. The same for processes, and machining.
Keep in mind that the uninformed buyer is the perfect prey for the predators out there that need an engine for one of these cars. If you don't understand, you better understand before you make the purchase.
I hear "if I knew then, what I know now, I would have never bought the engine that's in my car now" all the time.
The most expensive Porsche engine you'll ever buy, is the cheapest one that you can find.
Get a list of EXACTLY what processes are done, what is replaced, and what replacement parts are used. The same for processes, and machining.
Keep in mind that the uninformed buyer is the perfect prey for the predators out there that need an engine for one of these cars. If you don't understand, you better understand before you make the purchase.
I hear "if I knew then, what I know now, I would have never bought the engine that's in my car now" all the time.
The most expensive Porsche engine you'll ever buy, is the cheapest one that you can find.
Three Wheelin'
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,553
Likes: 10
From: Downingtown, PA
My dad bought mine as the second owner back in 2005. The prior owner had an engine replaced under warranty at 35k miles and immediately traded it in to the dealer. Since then my dad used it as a daily for several years, then my brother used it as a track car, now I'm using it as a daily. Here we are 14 years later at 107k miles and no engine problems. This car was always maintained by the book, meaning not only no less than the book calls for, but also no more than the book calls for.
Knowing what we now know about 996 ownership, I think the OP could get the short block from the dealer, get full credit for the core(they are not expecting a pristine core, just a block without holes in it) have the heads inspected, cleaned and a some valves replaced and have a car that would provide them with years of driving enjoyment for less than $12k, all in. The folks who say that your buying a new Porsche motor with the same problems I would have to disagree. You are buying a M96 motor with everything Porsche has learned about the failures. all of the 2006+ upgrades are in the short block, including a larger bearing and a 2 year warranty...........
Is this a direct alternative to a Raby motor, of course not. But if i invested in a Jake Raby Motor I would be damn sure to get agreed value insurance on the car due to the investment. You can have an idiot run a light with a Raby motor our back or a new porsche short block.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 547
Likes: 9
From: Sedona, AZ
My 2cents
I recently replaced the engine in my Mk I due to a catastrophic failure. I chose a fully rebuilt engine from a well known builder in Southern California. In the process I learned several sensible additional steps; i.e., "while we're in there" stuff. For example, I had the coolant tank replaced and I had a re-built alternator installed. Both of these items are pretty easy to install with the re-built engine still on the pallet. But real bastards to replace once the engine is installed! Maybe I wasted some money, but my '99 had 96K miles on it and both replaced parts were original.
Meanwhile, the car now drives like a new one, and I sleep better.
relinuca
Meanwhile, the car now drives like a new one, and I sleep better.
relinuca
