zbomb

Such is life brother. As they say… timing is EVERYTHING.

Good luck, check the oil, filter and plugs like I said above and report back…

Charles Navarro

Any sign the water pump is leaking? Was the water pump replaced anytime recently after the original pump failed?

I'd definitely drain the engine. If there is coolant in the oil (which I would expect considering there is none in the reservoir), I wouldn't both with doing any further diagnostics or trying to run the engine further. It's going to have to come out. As a previous poster mentioned, it's likely a cracked cylinder or cracked head.

iRiamo

Water pump and thermostat was one of the first repairs I had to do on this 996 as it failed on a normal highway drive. Was replaced approx. ~5k miles ago.

Charles Navarro

Then I'm pretty sure it's a cracked head. That's why I asked. Depending on how long you've been driving it with coolant intrusion into the crankcase will determine how much damage was caused to the engine internals. I'm not sure that simply replacing the heads will solve the problem.

Clockel

For sure, was thinking maybe the smoke could have been completely AOS related, but a long shot. Yeah, I also think cracked head.

iRiamo

I know I'm getting ahead of myself here without full confirmation - assuming its a cracked head.
My goal here is to minimize loss (monetary) reason being is I really don't see myself enjoying long term ownership of this particular 996. If I had the disposable income, I may have considered converting this into a track capable car but would prefer a coupe instead of the chassis flexing cab life.

Options I'm considering:

1. Send car out for engine rebuild $15-20k. Probably worst option from a $ perspective. I wouldn't get too much more on the market for a rebuild unless i opt for the 3.6 -> 4.0 upgrade.
2. Drop engine and ship for rebuild $10k? I'm not really sure on cost as I haven't seen many threads about people doing this definitely need more info. My guess is it would just move me sideways.
3. Sell as a roller. Anyone have any thoughts on current market value? 02 cab with 84k miles. New PS4S, 18" wheels, brakes have good life, paint is 7.5/10, interior 7.5/10, ims and clutch serviced, new engine mounts, starter, starter cable, fuel sending unit, water pump, good documentation and a few other items serviced.

iRiamo

Yea its unclear. I believe the original CEL I got for the cylinder misfire was approx 250miles ago. So perhaps slightly before that is when it could have started. Prior to the incident, I hadn't checked the coolant reservoir tank in quite some time so I'm lacking visibility there in my root cause analysis.

Mike Murphy

Number 2. And I don’t mean bodily functions.

Or find a used engine and swap it in.

Uses engines are out there.

philbert996

If your goal is to minimize the financial loss then selling your 996 as a roller is your only option.

You will never recover any of the money you invest from this point forward.

Quadcammer

Eh kinda depends. 996s have gone up in value, but rollers havent much from what ive seen. Id say his best bet is to drop in used engine and try to sell whatever he can from old engine.

work_truck

time for a junkyard truck motor

wildbilly32

Ok Hoovie!

GC996

Sorry to read about this. Man this sucks.

Please keep us posted on what you find with the engine and what you decide to do.

zbomb

Maybe not a junkyard motor…


For the OP - I would think a used M96 is the most economical way out of his predicament if the motor in the car is toast.

OP - what’s the oil look like ?

yelcab

I had a friend who blew the IMS on a 996 and he opted for a $9K rebuilt engine swap. That was 5 years ago and he is still driving the car. The car was in good shape so it was worth saving. As for this car, I think a cracked head repair is $5K? A swap with a rebuilt engine is $10K-11K? I would avoid a used engine. You never know what devil you are gonna get.