Awful clanking noise from engine - Porsche can't fix it!
#16
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I'd say with 97% certainty something valve train related. Sloppy timing chain hitting the inside of engine case, faulty timing chain advance mechanism slopping fore and aft, timing chain tensioner assembled without a part, timing chain tensioner (that was supposedly not assembled but is still in the engine) cracked and the pieces are bouncing around and getting smacked against the inside of the case. Even though it has a somewhat electrical sound, it's too loud to be electrical.
These guys have tried everything under the sun outside the engine hoping they wouldn't have to pull and crack the engine. Depending upon what dealer you have they likely rarely do this.
Good luck and let us know how it turns out.
These guys have tried everything under the sun outside the engine hoping they wouldn't have to pull and crack the engine. Depending upon what dealer you have they likely rarely do this.
Good luck and let us know how it turns out.
#17
Three Wheelin'
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That does sound like an electrical arc to me.
You definitely have a California lemon law claim. Lemon law applies for the entire warranty period. That said, the law is rather ambiguous as it states "a reasonable number of repair attempts". You might think the # of attempts to be unreasonable. They might say otherwise. You might have to have a court or arbitrator decide. Real pain to go that route. Regardless, you will be charged for your use of the car up until the point you first brought it in for the problem. So a full replacement vehicle with no cost to you is probably not in the cards. Good luck...
You definitely have a California lemon law claim. Lemon law applies for the entire warranty period. That said, the law is rather ambiguous as it states "a reasonable number of repair attempts". You might think the # of attempts to be unreasonable. They might say otherwise. You might have to have a court or arbitrator decide. Real pain to go that route. Regardless, you will be charged for your use of the car up until the point you first brought it in for the problem. So a full replacement vehicle with no cost to you is probably not in the cards. Good luck...
#18
Pro
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Just wanted to update everyone. PCNA has agreed to replace the entire motor with a remanufactured unit. I think that was the fair and reasonable thing to do. I really think the service mgr and PCNA technician were very careful and methodical in looking for the source of the noise. I asked, and electrical was one of the first things they looked at. And there was no evidence of metal in the oil filter. Everyone had great advice, I really appreciate it, and I was definitely started to head down the lemon law route, although my preference was to have PCNA do the right thing. Will report back again once this is all resolved.
#20
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#21
Race Director
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That's good to hear. While it can be a bit upsetting for a new car to have to get its engine replaced, this is actually preferable to letting the dealer techs at the engine.
Now, I'm not suggesting they are not capable of this kind of work, but many dealers are just not set up for engine tear downs and rebuilds.
And if the car is under warranty the factory makes the call as to what gets done.
The factory would prefer to have the engine back in its hands to perform a postmortem on the engine, and then if possible rebuild/repair it to have on the shelf as a back up replacement engine.
Now, I'm not suggesting they are not capable of this kind of work, but many dealers are just not set up for engine tear downs and rebuilds.
And if the car is under warranty the factory makes the call as to what gets done.
The factory would prefer to have the engine back in its hands to perform a postmortem on the engine, and then if possible rebuild/repair it to have on the shelf as a back up replacement engine.
#22
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And a lot less time at the shop for a swap vs rebuild. Plus you would suspect that torque specs (or estimation of bolt stretch,thanks fred) would be more accurately followed.
#23
#24
Drifting
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I'm assuming they will give you a rental car for the down time. When you get your car back, take it for a long test drive before signing off on the repair and replace engine. How tight are you with your dealer? Will they let you take the car for the weekend and sign off on the work order on Monday?
It sounds as if your problem is all sorted out. Another report when you get it back on the road.
It sounds as if your problem is all sorted out. Another report when you get it back on the road.
#25
Rennlist Member
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I'd say with 97% certainty something valve train related. Sloppy timing chain hitting the inside of engine case, faulty timing chain advance mechanism slopping fore and aft, timing chain tensioner assembled without a part, timing chain tensioner (that was supposedly not assembled but is still in the engine) cracked and the pieces are bouncing around and getting smacked against the inside of the case. Even though it has a somewhat electrical sound, it's too loud to be electrical.
These guys have tried everything under the sun outside the engine hoping they wouldn't have to pull and crack the engine. Depending upon what dealer you have they likely rarely do this.
Good luck and let us know how it turns out.
These guys have tried everything under the sun outside the engine hoping they wouldn't have to pull and crack the engine. Depending upon what dealer you have they likely rarely do this.
Good luck and let us know how it turns out.
#27
RL Community Team
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There has been tons written about this especially in the early 2000s when engines were blowing left and right. The general belief back then was there really was no such thing as re-manufactured, and that they were simply new.
Peace
Bruce in Philly
#28
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Many years ago when I owned my 911SC you could still purchase new engines from the factory. The prices were more than a clean, nice running SC at the time so very few people bought new engines. Then, as now, you just chose your favorite Porsche engine builder to rebuild your original engine. Keeps the Certificate of Authenticity (if you're into that sort of thing) less confusing as well.