McCulla

I just had to have all of my lifters replaced about 1500 miles ago due to a check engine light that would not clear. So far this has resulted in that issue being quiet.

However, I just did an oil change (at 1500 miles just to check the filter after this lifter replacement) and found dozens of small, black plastic shards in the filter. No metal of any kind (ferrous or alumium). These plastic bits are from 1/2mm to 1/2X5mm pieces.

I remember reading here and on LN Engineering's site that this is indicative of a seal on the IMS failing. Anyone else concur?

I'm going to take the filter to my tech on Tuesday...

fpb111

Year, miles, Pics of debris?
Hard plastic more likely to be chain guide/tensioner pads. Softer "rubber" may be seals.

McCulla

(I've tried to respond to fpb11's post with a picture, but my computer won't load the "post reply" option.) I checked the fragments and they are rubbery, not plastic, so I was wrong with my original eval. The car is early 05, 43K miles, Mobil 1 0W-40 every 2000-2500 miles (since I got it at about 25K), daily driver that gets will into full operating temp each way to and from work. These little rubbery pieces are almost thready, maybe 3-4mm long, with some tiny "chunks" 1mm+ in size. I'll keep trying to get my picture up. These are definitely black, too. I've been searching and noted some references to brown and green frags.

997_rich

this sounds almost like the rubber seal they use to seal the valve covers which would be in line with valve work. Ask your service provider to show you how they sealed the valve covers.

fpb111

+1
Maybe they were not careful to get all of the old sealant bits cleaned up/out before closing it up?

Valve Cover Sealant - no gasket
"Loctite 5900 is the recommended valve cover sealant for 996 and Boxster motors and is the same sealant Porsche used in the factory. It provides superior flexibility and adhesion, provides an instant seal, has excellent blow out resistance and excellent fluid resistance. Non-corrosive. Low odor. Low volatility. Black in color. "

http://www.pelicanparts.com/cgi-bin/...0Tube%29%20%20

Depending on how much junk, teaspoon/cup??, was there I would run it for another 5-600 miles and change the filter again to see if things are clearing up or not.

McCulla

Thanks for the replies! Could certainly be the valve cover sealer. Some of the fragments are almost squiggly, rather than what I would expect for a solid piece of rubber being stripped or peeled off of a seal...hope you guys are right.

McCulla

fpb111, regarding the amount of junk, this is an exceedingly small volume. If there are 30-40 little, variable sized pieces, it would add up to, maybe a piece 1/4" cubic if all mashed together.

McCulla

Finally! This is a weak iphone picture....

997_rich

I'm 99% sure that's sealant for valve covers and case halves

Eric - Plug Guy

Hope you get it sorted out, but one question: why are you changing the oil every 2500 miles?

McCulla

Eric, doing my part to keep the struggling oil companies afloat. The truth is I admit to some paranoia with this early 997 engine and I'm overkilling for that reason. I sure don't claim to be an expert on anything but I'm relatively well informed about this subject on most levels and it's just a personal choice.

SteveFromMN

+1

997_rich

Do whatever you like with the oil changes, and I would personally change the oil shortly after work on the lifters myself. I definitely wouldn't change the oil normally every 2500 miles though.

I'm sure you've heard it before but my humble recommendation is to drive the car often and at varying RPMs. You've had a (sticky?) lifter replaced which is a common issue with cars that sit for too long.

pewter82

What the rough build date for the improved IMS on 05 cars ?

RollingArt

+1

OP's car is a DD with 43k miles. Sitting around is not this car's problem.

Getting off topic a bit but, late MY '05 cars have the improved IMS. There is a misconception being spread around that it was updated in early and even late '06. It's in the late '05 builds.