Buy an intermix problem!?

[twsarch]

I have a lead on buying a 2000 boxster S with an intermix problem. I am told the oil cooler has been ruled out and there was no catastrophic noise and it “is otherwise running fine”. Assuming it’s a cracked head, in a perfect world the engine needs to be rebuilt, but in my imperfect world of low finance, can the heads be removed and the rest of the engine be “flushed”? Then repair or replace the heads and go driving? If so can anyone recommend a flush procedure? If the damage is worse than a cracked head it will sit till I can afford to rebuild/replace the engine (Jake?). it is cheap enough to let it sit. I did this once before with a 4 cylinder ford (escort!), removed cracked head, filled with oil and drove the oil pump with a drill whale manually turning the engine over with a ratchet. Drain and repeat a few times. As far as I knew back then in the 80’s I made that procedure up. Drove that car 60K more miles until rust finished it (I was broke and in college when I did that, had 180K on it total).

[JFP in PA]

If you buy this car, discount the price to that of "a roller" (e.g.: a body with no engine) based upon having to pull the engine out and have it pulled apart. Realistically, trying to do this kind of work with the engine still in is going to be a nightmare; plus you need to go through the entire assembly to be sure no other problems (bearings on their way out, or cam lobes worn due to poor lubrication and the effects of coolant on the surfaces, etc.). Be prepared to jump for a lot of money as these engines are anything but cheap to do a simple "refresh" of all the wear items.

Realistically, you probably would do better buying a running engine from a wrecked car rather than going the rebuild route......

[logray]

Not a bad gamble if you are a very handy shade-tree and it is priced a a roller

But it is a gamble... If it's not a cracked head you are certainly looking at a loss.

[twsarch]

I think it is priced as a roller, what is a roller price? If all else fails I can sit in it in my driveway making Vroom-Vroom sounds.

I am a pretty decent shade tree mechanic as long as I am not in a hurry and as I won’t need to drive this thing I can take my time. I was planning taking the engine out to do just the heads if that what gets done. I am assuming the engine will not last as long after the intermix as it would have otherwise.

[JFP in PA]

The car in question is complete, but does not run, but is capable of "rolling" around. A "roller" is also the equivalent price for a fully running car of the same vintage in similar condition, with the cost to replace the engine deducted from the price.

Edited October 20, 2011 by JFP in PA

[twsarch]

I got that, what is the value of such a car in this condition? I see a guy on e-bay trying to sell a stripped, burned out car (literally, as in it was on fire) with no wheels for almost $3K and another that runs but has problems for $4K?? what are these worth in non-running condition?

The car in question is complete, but does not run, but is capable of "rolling" around. A "roller" is also the equivalent price for a fully running car of the same vintage in similar condition, with the cost to replace the engine deducted from the price.

[JFP in PA]

People will ask whatever they think they can get, particularly on flea bay, but the reality is a complete car, including the bum engine, is only worth a few thousand depending upon year, model, equipment, and condition. By the time you get another engine, even from a wreck, get it installed and running, you are going spend that much again, even if you do most of the work.

To help put it in perspective, a rebuilt crate engine from Porsche is going to set you back in excess of $10-12 grand (or more), a used engine out of a wreck is probably in the $5 grand range.

[logray]

DIY intermix repair anywhere in the $2-3k range, assuming just the heads are cracked and no other collateral damage.

[JFP in PA]

DIY intermix repair anywhere in the $2-3k range, assuming just the heads are cracked and no other collateral damage.

Experience has shown that engines that have encountered intermixing and have been run that way for a bit often end up with issues beyond just stopping the water leak. If caught quickly, and not driven, $2-3K is reasonable; unfortunately the damage often goes much further……….

[logray]

Indeed... with collateral damage you could undoubtedly be looking up to the cost of a replacement engine, or more! For example damage to hoses, further engine damage, etc.

So it's definitely a gamble. Your odds are probably better in Vegas. :)

[kudos]

hi been reading this thred with intrest im in uk second hand engines on ebay uk from £2500 sounds alot better value than in us even with sum shipping costs and as far as repairing alot depends how long its had water in the oil and if its been standing its not having the water in the engine its the rust on the surfaces it cuases assuming it hasent got into the combuston chambers take a look on ebay uk cheers dave