fedyszynt

I'm both new to the forum and don't know much about cars except that I fell in love with my 2005 Boxster and bought it on the spot after one test drive. It's pristine, 20k miles, and it just died on me in my driveway after golf. Next day...nothing. No symptoms at all. Two mechanics both said "engine replacement". A new engine replacement by a dealer costs as much as the car is worth (about $20-$22k). Another mechanic said he'd "take it off my hands for $5k". I want to remain a Porsche owner, but must I cut my losses and run? Help! Tom

Cary_West

Sounds like it needs a 3.8. I'll give you more than $5k for the car.

Cary_West

but seriously (actually, my offer is serious too ), you have to find out what's actually wrong with the car. Worst case scenario, you can get a used engine, possibly even a more powerful one, for half of what the dealer wants. Where are you located?

Mighty Shilling

When you say it died, what happened? What are the symptoms? No crank/no start? Scattered engine underneath it? Starts but won't stay running?

Macster

Agree with Porschephile 924: There has to be some symptoms.

Avoid any more engine start attempts -- in case the engine cranks -- but try to give more details.

Just dying may be nothing more than a bad fuel pump.

Sincerely,

Macster.

jittsl

If it does need a new motor there is no need to spend 20k. Find a s/h motor, do the normal upgrades and have an Indy shop fit it. Max you would spend should be 10k all up.

San Rensho

First thing I would do is check for oil in the coolant or coolant in the oil, then pull the oil filter and the sump plate to check for metal. If the motor is clean, then I would check the cam timing. If the cam timing checks out, then I might try to start the car.

But it seems the mechanics made a hasty diagnosis. I would get another opinion. Are these mechanics Porsche specialists?

curt_928

It appears you have "sucker" written on your forehead.

To remove this.. read up on rennlist about "IMS failure" and then ask/convey to us what led your mechanics to believe that the engine is toast. Did they wave a feather over the engine and determine this? Was there a black fluid (oil) dripping from the car?

Knowledge is power my friend... it could be nothing big.. it could be an engine rebuild is in order. You haven't given us enough to know.

Mighty Shilling

From an email I just recieved...

Like I said in my response, this vehicle doesn't have rocker arms in the valve train. It does sound like something is jammed... it doesn't sound to me like IMS failure, because usually that goes out with a bang, some smoke, and a bunch of cursing.

now, I'm fairly new to Boxsters myself, but I come from the 944 world, and I know cam chain tensioners could fail and jam between the cam gear and the chain, locking things up, don't know how feasible that is on a boxster... but worth considering.

But first to cover the basics:
1) what happens when you turn the key, do the lights come up? does it do it's normal test cycle where the dash lights show up, then go out?
2) Have you checked the battery?
3) When you say the starter clicked, was that an actual click? or was it the starter turning the engine for the 1.5 turns?
4) Can the engine be turned by hand? (in Neutral of course, and you'll probably need shop assistance with that)

I'll have to think on some more questions, but I'll post em up

Regardless, I would recommend a third opinion from a Porsche indy shop, or a dealer, as they know these cars.

jittsl

If your mechanic really mentioned a rocker arm - run (don't walk) away.

Can anyone recommend a good Indy mechanic in SC? it sounds like Tom (no offense intended) may be over his head.

I have an email that says you tried to send me a message but I can't find the message in my private messages box. If you still want to contact me email me at laurence(dot)jitts(at)att(dot)net

Mighty Shilling

Tom,

I have had no experience with this site so your mileage may vary, but try this:
http://www.pcarshops.com/porscheshops/south-carolina/

Also contact the Porsche club chapter nearest you for some recommendations on shops.

http://www.carolinas-pca.com/

Sumflow

Quote:

Originally Posted by fedyszynt

it just died on me in my driveway after golf.

1. Is the battery dead?
2. Do you have fuel in the tank?

ep3_lol

Yep. I prescribe less time on the golf course

Macster

That's a bit harsh. We all at one time or another have been offered a sucker deal, but one's a sucker only if he takes the deal.

The OP I think is showing some savvy seeking help/advice before he moves ahead.

The engine may be toast, though I hope I'm wrong.

And I may be: Based on what I've managed to gather I am thinking it is *not* toast and there may be nothing more seriously wrong with the car than an ignition switch has gone **** up, but the OP's getting a quick education in what questions need to be asked/answered.

To the OP: Go slow and be sure of your facts before you make any big decisions.

Sincerely,

Macster.

Audi Junkie

I'd check the ignition switch....coming from Audis. ;o)