New Engine

I have a 99' 996 convertible with 17K miles. My coolent light started blinking. I bring it to the dealer (still under warranty) and he tells me it needs a new engine. It is on order and covered. Anybody faced a similar situation? What caused the problem?

Chad, If your car has not had the coolant reservoir TSB replacement/upgrade then this could be the source of your problem. This was known to happen on the 99 996 the coolant level sensor was so close to the outlet of the reservoir that under spirited use the level would drop just enough to set the light off (a level problem not a temp problem). I also have a 99 996 Cab that is tracked alot and since the TSB service has been done, no problems with coolant light. However if they are going to give you a new engine I don't know that I would turn them down.

chad: (a) can you tell us the build date of your car? is it a 1998 build date? (b) talk to your dealer about how this affects your warranty. i believe it is a GOOD thing for your warranty. (c) when reselling a MY99 996, having had the engine replaced is often a GOOD thing. so all in all it's annoying, but a net positive. good luck. keep us posted. doody.

Thanks for the responses. I feel a bit silly in that I didn't really know a lot about the car aside from its general run down (i.e., work that had been done prior to my purchase.) I saw it, got a great price and had to have it. Incidentally, the dealers (Downtown L.A.) were extremely helpful even though I bought the car from Riverside. Moreover, the Riverside dealer called me after seeing the car was in the shop to check and make sure I was being taken care of. Porsche gave me no problems, provided a great rental car and said they would take care of everything. As soon as I find out more, I'll post it. Thanks for all your help.

More info of the engine: I spoke to the Service Manager in Riverside. He told me that the engine will be replaced with the same engine that was in the car i.e., a 99 engine. He also indicated that it may be remanufactured. He was a little evasive on the warranty being extended but suggested I discuss it when I pick up the car. Should I be concerned about a remanufactured engine?

Update: Apparently there aren't enough 996 engines for them to begin remanufacturing them. Thus they are replacing it with a new engine. I asked the service manager if they could place a 2000 or 2001 engine in it. He told me that they can't b/c it voids the warranties. Also the new engine does extend the warranty. Still haven't been told how long. If it is similar to other replacement parts it's 2 years irrespective of mileage.

i have a 99 996 and i had my engine replace last month. the "new" motor is worlds better..though it still is a 1999 motor. Can't put a 2000 or 2001 motor in a 1999 car, they use drive by wire throttle, the 99 uses a cable... my motor was a new motor NOT a refurb, i had a replace old with new clause in my insurance policy..if it is warranty though you will only get a refurb....if you get my old motor i feel sorry for you... the "new" motor is noticeably stronger and it sounds much cleaner,

What am I missing here? A coolant light blinks and the dealer says "replace the engine". Why? Did the car lose coolant and burn the engine? I don't understand the jump from coolant light to engine replacement. Also, what is a TSB? And Scott, did you have your engine totally replaced because of the "coolant resevoir TSB replacement/upgrade"? Sorry for the dumb questions but for a future 996 owner it doesn't sound like I should look at the 99 MY.

TSB: Technical Service Bulletin