I have one but don't really know what it can do. I bought to turn off an airbag light for my old Box. Anyways, I guess there are diagnostics I can run to check the health of the motor. Anyone know how I can find out how to do this and what the results mean.

I have a 2002 3.6 if that matters.

Thanks,
David

 

This applies to people doing a pre-qual for an IMS bearing install, but it will give you an idea of the power of the Durametric.

 

I just do the dme check on cars i might buy. The real value is checking cam deviation every other month i think. My car had a tensioner go 4 years ago. So i guess it could be worth it just for that.
I haven't really had any issued at all with my car while I have owned it. My durametric just sits in my tool box. I suppose if you rehabbed your 996 or others it is probably good to have.

 

A wealth of information and what you can do on the Durametric website http://www.durametric.com/

 

+1

 

Just remember, this is a tool that aids a mechanic in properly diagnosing a car. It is not a magical box that tells you whats wrong with a car. Contrary to popular believe.

Can't tell you how many customers always ask "can you plug your tool in and run a diagnostic?".......god i wish someone made a magical box that just tells you whats wrong with the car.

 

Doesn't it kick out error codes? I thought those were used to help identify a problem.

I watched the video, it was great. I took notes and ready to check cam deviation, cylinder firing and fuel mixture. What exactly is cam deviation and why is there a bank 1 and 2. I googled but only found questions and responses about what is acceptable.

Where can I find more of these videos, they are really helpful?

 

Yes it kicks out error codes. But the codes only gives an indication of a problem. Not the reason for the problem. Small example - If you were to have a O2 sensor code, Lean code or Rich code, These are indications of a condition, not the actual problem.

Cam deviation is the difference between where the cam timing should be and where it is. Bank 1 and Bank 2 indicate the side of the engine. Bank 1 is for cylinders 1, 2 and 3. Bank 2 is for cylinders 4, 5 and 6. Each bank has its own timing which is ran by a chain. If that chain is off a tooth, the tensioner pads or guides are bad, chain stretched and many other reasons can cause timing to be off can be detected by looking at the Cam Deviation.

 

Absolutely, the Durmetric will identify all codes from the ECU as well as other modules (e.g. SRS). Remember, the engine in the Porsche 996 is a 6 cylinder boxer type, horizontally opposed layout. Therefore, two banks of cylinders in a "flat" design which is the trademark of Porsche engines that goes back to the VW bug and 356. At least for now... who knows what the electric versions do to the heritage.

 

More videos here https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvI...9qy9ZvA/videos
You have a 3.6L flat six engine. 6 horizontally opposing cylinders. Bank 1 is drivers side, cylinders 1-3. Bank 2 is passenger side, cylinders 4-6.
Error codes are mostly emission related, such as getting a P0300 and P0301 codes. P0300 is general misfires and P0301 is misfires on cylinder 1. But it doesn't tell you exactly what is wrong. Could be spark plug, coil pack, bad wiring, stuck valve and so on. So it tells you that something is making the engine run poorly, thus affecting emissions.
I'll leave it to someone else to explain cam deviations.

 

Thanks everyone, helpful as always.
"If that chain is off a tooth, the tensioner pads or guides are bad, chain stretched and many other reasons can cause timing to be off can be detected by looking at the Cam Deviation." Sorry, when you say tooth I think of a tooth on a sprocket. Bare with me on this one since I am always confused by all this. The cams adjusts the values that adjust airflow into the cylinders, is that correct? The cam runs off a chain that is connected to the IMSB which is powered by a chain from the crank. Is that all right? So is the cam deviation just saying the they are not opening as they should because of timing of the opening and closing or not opening/closing enough? Believe it or not, I have probably googled this 10 times. I shouldn't have sprayed paint in my garage without a mask.

 

You are pretty much correct. ....working on a better description

 

here is a simple video on how one part of the timing can be adjusted.


this video about the 5 minute mark


and and picture that represents most of the parts.

 

that is a good video!

Durametric is ~$200. I would recommend getting one if you are either a nerd or plan to do some work on the car. I fit both categories.

So far I have used it for:
- clear airbag light (from removing seats)
- fix convertible top
- various diagnose when doing repairs

Mine has been worth it, saved some money and hassle.

 

How do those guides last? Look like plastic. Wouldn’t the chain be rubbing over them like a chain saw? What’s the trick?