Another 996 engine dead ...

[Hobofob]

Hello, I wanted to share this story with you just to get the frustration out of my system:)

I have owned a 1999 C2 for about 1 month now. The car was purchased from one of our local Porsche Club members who is also a friend of mine and the car was in perfect condition with about 70.000 miles.

A few days after the purchase, a small oil leak was discovered. Nothing major, it only took a long time to figure out where the leak was coming from and it turned out to be a 20$ fix. The car ran fine all the time. After another week, there was a small coolant leak and a new expansion tank was ordered. The leak was very small, not big enough to drop the system coolant level and the engine was within normal working temperature range.

This Sunday me and my wife were driving on a highway from a friend's wedding. We were doing about 120 mph, when suddenly the "oil warning lamp" flashed, the oil pressure droppen to zero and some strange noise started to come from the engine.

The car was towed from the highway to the mechanic and the diagnosis was "crankshaft failure".

So I had the car for about 1 month, did about 300 miles on it, it spent half of this time at the mechanic to figure out where the oil was leaking from and now I need a new bloody engine.

This really should not be happening in Porsche world.

Edited September 9, 2008 by Hobofob

[Lee Quave]

I feel your pain as I had to have my engine replaced. But all seriousness aside, you are being punished for excessive speed on the highway. GL

[Hobofob]

You sound like my wife :)

[Hobofob]

I just want to hear your opinion on the "new" engine choice. The new Porsche 996 engine in my country would be around 19.000 $. And NO, I am not kidding, these are the European prices... this is obviously out of question.

I can get an engine from a wreck and pay about 7 - 10.000 $, but still have the same old engine.

The third option is to ship the engine to a specialized shop where they will rebuild it for about 7000 $. Apparently they use superior parts and these engines are much more reliable. Some even offer 6 or 12 months warranty.

I am leaning toward rebuilding my engine. At least I get some warranty ... What do you guys think?

[White987S]

Have you reviewed these costs with your "friend" whom you purchased the car from? You guys need to negotiate this a little, I think.

Did you get a PPI done?

[gary996]

Hobofob,

Sounds like the rebuild is a good option but do some research and see if you can get some references from other customers. And keep driving fast, that's why you bought the Porsche isn't it? I'm in California and I wish I could drive that fast safely here we have too many other cars, too many bad drivers and too many Highway Patrol.

Gary

[Hobofob]

White987s:

Yes, PPI was done by my good friend who runs an independant Porsche shop. At the same time, oil and all filters were changed as well as brake pads/rotors. I guess there is no way you can predict catastrophic engine failure... will try to negotiate, but, all in all, it depends on his good will.

Edited September 9, 2008 by Hobofob

[lovemy996]

I don't have any advice for you but just wanted to weigh in and give my condolences. Major engine failure is very unfortunate and very upsetting. These cars were built to do those speeds and being in Europe you have a lot more opportunity to let them stretch their legs than we do here in the US. Hope all goes well with the rebuild. I know I would be pretty upset if the engine in my 996 blew, I have only had it since February....

[Johnnyceesred]

Hi,

I'm not sure if this would set any legal precedents in your region but please see my topic and the ruling regarding Porsche engines lasting 200,000 miles.

http://www.renntech.org/forums/index.php?s...mp;#entry116311

Rgds

John

[rrspikemarty]

I'm in California and I wish I could drive that fast safely here we have too many other cars, too many bad drivers and too many Highway Patrol.

Gary

Anza Borrego Desert park, and points east; weekday. 120 no problem :D

[Hombre]

I'd get a new "friend"!