Porous engine block question

[C2cab]

I took my '99 996 Cab in for the annual service last week and they found some oil in the coolant. Pressure test was fine, so looks to be either a head gasket or more likely the infamous porous block issue. The car has never been tracked, always serviced on schedule at Porsche dealers, so needless to say I am more than irritated that an engine with 49K miles potentially has this problem.

The only relative good news is that I do have an aftermarket warranty on it. Hopefully they will cover whatever needs to be done, but worse case I was wondering what happens when you have a porous block? I

understand the basic engine mechanics and how the oil seeps into the coolant, but as long as the seeping is slow and I keep sufficient oil in the engine and flush the coolant to keep the oil out and the cooling properties functioning, is there anything else that would cause the engine to break down? The car has never consumed any oil, so it looks like we noticed it at the onset. From reading other posts many people experience catastrophic failure, but most likely because either the oil had coolant in it and caused it to get frothy and not properly lubricate the engine or the coolant had so much oil that it led to overheating.

Is there something more I am missing?

[salayc]

I took my '99 996 Cab in for the annual service last week and they found some oil in the coolant. Pressure test was fine, so looks to be either a head gasket or more likely the infamous porous block issue. The car has never been tracked, always serviced on schedule at Porsche dealers, so needless to say I am more than irritated that an engine with 49K miles potentially has this problem.

The only relative good news is that I do have an aftermarket warranty on it. Hopefully they will cover whatever needs to be done, but worse case I was wondering what happens when you have a porous block? I

understand the basic engine mechanics and how the oil seeps into the coolant, but as long as the seeping is slow and I keep sufficient oil in the engine and flush the coolant to keep the oil out and the cooling properties functioning, is there anything else that would cause the engine to break down? The car has never consumed any oil, so it looks like we noticed it at the onset. From reading other posts many people experience catastrophic failure, but most likely because either the oil had coolant in it and caused it to get frothy and not properly lubricate the engine or the coolant had so much oil that it led to overheating.

Is there something more I am missing?

If you have oil in the coolant, you have a problem and you need someone to check it out right away.. You could have a cracked head, a cracked block, or a blown head gasket.

[C2cab]

If you have oil in the coolant, you have a problem and you need someone to check it out right away.. You could have a cracked head, a cracked block, or a blown head gasket.

Yes..its sitting at the dealer awaiting further testing. I'm just playing "what if" on the question re. porous block.

[Loren]

A cracked head or blown head gasket can be replaced.

If you have a porous block then the engine needs to be replaced (exchanged).

[C2cab]

A cracked head or blown head gasket can be replaced.

If you have a porous block then the engine needs to be replaced (exchanged).

Thanks Loren. I undertstand that head or gasket can be replaced. I also understand that there is no fix for a porous block, but if I it has a porous block and I monitor my coolant and oil quality/quantity and they never get out of range, is there anything else that would cause a porous engine block to fail?

Also...any general perspective on liklihood of porous block, cracked head, or blown gasket on a 996. Based on a review of forums it sounds like porous block is most likely, but also understand that the web forums will over-represent some issues.

Thanks.

[Loren]

I doubt anybody but Porsche could diagnose a porous block.

If you want a warranty why not buy a Porsche Exchange engine?

That way you get your car back and you get a warranty on the replacement engine.

[C2cab]

I doubt anybody but Porsche could diagnose a porous block.

If you want a warranty why not buy a Porsche Exchange engine?

That way you get your car back and you get a warranty on the replacement engine.

Loren...that will absolutely be my course of action if I end up needing an engine replacement. Hopefully it's less severe and will only require a new head or gasket, but if it requires a new engine it will be a Porsche exchange.

Edited May 18, 2008 by C2cab

[Loren]

Well that will depend on how long it ran with coolant in the oil. Certainly a chance of bearing damage if too much coolant for too long in the oil.

[C2cab]

Well, got word from the dealer. It's not a porous block, but it is a problem with the cylinder sleeve. There is a crack about 1/4" long that they found after a dye test.

Even worse news is that my aftermarket warranty company appears to be playing some games now that a $15K engine replacement is in the cards. Not certain yet, but if it is I will be sure to provide more details so anyone stays away from this company if they don't hold up their end of the bargain.

As with other posters...makes me sick to my stomach to have to replace an engine with only 49K miles that has been dealer maintained according to schedule, particularly on a car that was $80K+ new. Doesn't give me much faith in Porsche, but I'll reserve judgement to see how they treat me in the replacement process.

[usdmej]

Even worse news is that my aftermarket warranty company appears to be playing some games now that a $15K engine replacement is in the cards.

you should let us know what the companies name is even this early in the game since they're being apprehensive.

are you the original owner? do you follow porsches recommended minimum upshift RPMs when driving?

[Richard Hamilton]

You might want to look into new liners. There are two companies here in the UK who do this:

http://www.hartech.org/index.html

http://www.autofarm.co.uk/ - manufactured by http://www.capricorngroup.net/en/automotiv...e-packages.html

Hartech generally have more cost-effective solutions.

[KevinMac]

I would bet your insurance coverage is looking for a used engine. I have never had good luck with aftermarket mechanical coverage. They always seem to try and wiggle out when there is a major claim. I have learned never to buy them.