Another one bites the dust

[sehorntx]

I am in mourning. My 99 C2 996 bit the dust this week. After 2 years of dependable service (water pump excluded) I got a coolant warning light. Opened up the rear to find thick pancake batter in the coolant tank and the same in the oil filler tube. After a few choice words and "the look" from the wife, I assume this engine has had catastrophic failure (also know as "giving up the ghost"). It has become a shrine in the garage as I dont have the 10 -12K at this point to get a new engine.

Question - should I do anything to the car at present? No one has even looked at it yet, or can I just let it sit on jack stands for extended months for me to sell one of my children to fund my new engine?

P.S. I just put four new Michelin PS2's on the **** thing!

Have a few friends with 996's, and I have warned them they may wake up soon sans engine!

Porscheless in Texas

[Lee Quave]

Too bad! I feel your pain; I had to replace my engine because of the intermix problem. However it’s not uncommon to get the “Mayonnaise” in the oil filler tube. I would suggest you drain the oil to be sure. Good luck.

[1schoir]

I am in mourning. My 99 C2 996 bit the dust this week. After 2 years of dependable service (water pump excluded) I got a coolant warning light. Opened up the rear to find thick pancake batter in the coolant tank and the same in the oil filler tube. After a few choice words and "the look" from the wife, I assume this engine has had catastrophic failure (also know as "giving up the ghost"). It has become a shrine in the garage as I dont have the 10 -12K at this point to get a new engine.

Question - should I do anything to the car at present? No one has even looked at it yet, or can I just let it sit on jack stands for extended months for me to sell one of my children to fund my new engine?

P.S. I just put four new Michelin PS2's on the **** thing!

Have a few friends with 996's, and I have warned them they may wake up soon sans engine!

Porscheless in Texas

Sorry for your apparent loss. How much mileage on the 996?

Regards, Maurice.

[sehorntx]

Forgot to add. 99 C2 996 with 76K on the clock. Would be interested if anyone experienced same problem without fatal engine result.

[x5rap]

Forgot to add. 99 C2 996 with 76K on the clock. Would be interested if anyone experienced same problem without fatal engine result.

My early US '99 C2 996 tip (Feb-98 build date) lost its engine three years ago at 42K miles due to case going porous causing oil & coolant to intermix, a somewhat common early 996 problem. Lucky for me, I bought the car with an extended warranty. Otherwise, it would have cost me $US12K. Since then, 20K miles later, only routine maintenance except for sensors, lower control arms and minor interior stuff.

It's great to see that some 996 engines go a long time with no RMS or catastrophic failures.

My current problem appears to be a sticky Idle Control Valve. Not a big issue to sort out (fingers firmly crossed) thanks to this great site. :renntech:

[phillipj]

Forgot to add. 99 C2 996 with 76K on the clock. Would be interested if anyone experienced same problem without fatal engine result.

I sent you a PM.