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YOUR RESEARCHWhat Else to Change While Engine is Dropped?
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Performed · outcome unconfirmed · Original poster
When I recently had the trans out for the clutch/RMS/IMSB maintenance, I completely cleaned the transmission.
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Performed · outcome unconfirmed · Original poster
Inspect my recently replaced new flywheel / clutch / RMS/ CH IMS bearing
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Suggestion
After adjusting the maintenance rate/schedule to be more lengthy, downtime significantly improved.
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Its getting closer to engine drop time and Im thinking of a to do list while its out. So far Im thinking:
Clean / detail work
AOS/Oil Vapor Seperator
Water pump
Low temp T-stat
Any worn coolant hoses
Pulleys
Variocam Solenoids / seals
Plug change again(1700 miles / 7 months old)
Coil packs
Inspect my recently replaced new flywheel / clutch / RMS/ CH IMS bearing
I have no oil leaks so not sure what else to include. Any suggestions? Hey and dont hassle me about working on my car. Its a great learning experience for a n00b like me.
That's a good list. I would suggest:
* adding fuel injector cleaning and testing.
* test the cam hydraulic lifters
* the pulleys are superceded by a 997 part number
* motor mounts
KrazyK: It is UNFAIR to not drive your C4S the way you do. Please resist the temptation of dropping that engine for a year or so, while you enjoy the car for a while. De rien, mon ami!
How about some science? Before you install the low temp T-stat why not monitor ambient vs. coolant temp with the OE T-stat installed?
Replacing the solenoids is from what I understand is easy peasy.
Why not go deeper and replace the VarioCam actuators?
In fact for some of the work you're talk about doing is from what I gather just repeating what you've done before. Where's the learning in that?
Next time your drop the engine split the cases. Check crank mains/rod bearings for wear. Measure crankshaft end play. Check crank for straightness. Have it checked for cracks. Ditto the rods.
Do a valve job. Verify valve spring pressure is ok. Bleed down test the lifters.
Rebore the cylinders and fit custom oversize pistons.
Removing the engine is a PITA. The more you do it the easier it gets but it's not fun. Unless you must don't do it. Of you can replace the AOS without dropping the transmission, do it that way. The vario cam solenoids need a valve cover removal. If there are no signs of faliure, leave them alone. There really isn't much detailing one can do as it will all get dirty in a few months anyways. Since you have no oil leaks, leave things be and enjoy the car.
How do you know unless you check?
Besides I thought you wanted to learn new things.
When I wanted to learn engine rebuilding I rebuilt an engine that had supposedly been rebuilt not too many miles prior to me buying the engine.
And when I finished the engine rebuild I removed a perfectly fine engine from the car.
Why not just buy a new crate motor and sell yours. Then you are only in it for the difference. I mean hell, it's ridiculous, but why keep messing around, just get to the root!
It's okay, KK, if you'd rather work on your Porsche and enjoy it. I'm glad it gives you satisfaction replacing parts and refurbishing systems along the way to meet your requirements. But, there comes a time when driving your Porsche may give you even more enjoyment... you should try it. Seriously, take your wife on a driving trip, in your Porsche to another state, and burn through a couple of tanks of fuel before returning home.
Decent list, but knowing you, you won't be satisfied. Here's some additional things to think of:
1) New AC compressor.
2) New alternator.
3) New exhaust system.
4) New suspension.
5) New pistons.
6) New cylinders.
7) New engine.
8) New car interior.
9) New car body in white.
10) New car.
That aside, only two things on your list (might) require dropping the engine. Honest answer: don't do any of it. I'm not sure what "engine drop time" even means...you drop the engine when you have a problem, or when otherwise required for maintenance (neither of which have been indicated as necessary).
I read an article awhile back about bomber maintenance during WWII. The officer in charge of aircraft maintenance was tasked with improving their downtimes due to mechanical failure. After study, the result was that the maintenance program currently utilized was "excessive," and the continual replacement of 'worn' parts was interrupting the homeostasis of existing systems. After adjusting the maintenance rate/schedule to be more lengthy, downtime significantly improved. I wish I could source the article again, but you can find examples of this everywhere (e.g. oil works best after some break in and when up to temperature).
If you want to admit you just like taking it apart that's all well and good, but I wouldn't then go about asking for advice on what to do/replace. The honest answer will be "nothing."
Agree. In truth they are terrible ideas given there is no indication from the engine it needs this kind of attention.
I was attempting to highlight the absurdness of the OP's desire to perform unnecessary work and preventative maintenance on what appears to be an otherwise very good running vehicle.
Normally I would have said nothing or only things that are clearly in need of attention need be done while the engine is out of the car and suggested the OP work on his car less and drive it more but driving the car does not seem to hold any attraction for the OP.
Some of the things listed have been done. Cmon guys, I know there are many others here that find working on their 996 to be an enjoyable experience even if they dont admit it. Can an engine really ever be clean enough? I despise working on a dirty vehicle wether its the engine, drive train, or suspension. Nothing is more impressive than looking under the hood and seeing a spotless engine compartment, especially on an older car. The M96 engines are modern enough that there is no excuse for an unfixed oil leak/seep anywhere.
Recently, after some high RPM driving, I noticed the tell-tale symptoms of the AOS/OVS starting to fail. At 57K miles and 10 years old, Im not surprised. I know its a PITA to replace so why not just drop the engine and address the other potential issues at hand?
When I recently had the trans out for the clutch/RMS/IMSB maintenance, I completely cleaned the transmission. Now when you look under the car, the trans looks like new. The engine has a few spots you cant clean without dropping it.
KK...you are an absolute hoot! I always thought your license plate was from the perspective of people that don't own a Porsche, but now I see it is from the perspective of people who know someone that does own a Porsche...but doesn't drive it!
Actually I wish I had the time at home and space to tackle these sorts of things. It would have saved me a few shekels. But some things I will always leave to my mechanic because I'm never to be trusted with safety equipment or mistakes that could lead to frying a costly engine.
As an arm chair Psychologist I would say you suffer from "engineer's brain". The need to take things apart to put them back together. I'm guessing there are other things in the house that you've dismantled at some point? Or maybe you feel you need to bird dog something that would cost you a boat load to fix so you're constantly thinking of things that might go wrong and getting ahead of them. Or maybe its a combination of the two. Have you considered gettting a second job with a local Porsche dealer's service dept? If I were you I'd try to make some extra cash with what is a not very common skill set amongst the Porsche driving sector. Porsche drivers who can take down an engine must be like 0.1%.
Thanks, I think, but these cars are not nearly as complex as some would have you to believe. After studying the engines internals the only thing some may have trouble with is properly installing some of the pistons. I understand the reason(s) for the HO engine design but its absurdity of design is not absurdly hard to learn. As I have discovered so far, the specialty tools are a must as with any other engine. Either way, its a fun and interesting hobby for all inclined to tackle the M96's idiosyncrasies. From the Porsche Techs I have had the pleasure of speaking with, I do not believe them to be of genius intelligence, Jake excepted of course. I am near the bottom of the mechanical intelligence scale and find the 996 easy to comprehend. It helps if the car is not a DD and time is not a problem.
I also work on my car a lot but to drop of motor you do need a lift, with no lift it is, well, not much fun. so it is not about a car, it is about having a proper garage with all power tools required and on top of it - having time to learn all that.
If u can drop your own motor best way is to find a used koni motor out there for $9k-$12k and work on it while u run on your stock one, as of what to do with your motor - I assume u looked up what raby`s shop does on stage 1/2 engines they build? all reasonable work, better pistons, better rods, all doable but, well, time extensive. yet their stage2 big bore 3.8l built from 3.6l m96 makes almost same torque 997 gt3 car has which is not bad at all.
honestly I do not know why you would need to drop down engine, to do most of work mentioned above you just need to drop gearbox, then do IMS, AOS, pump, etc. pulleys and belts replace gets down with motor on, to change engine mounts you just need to jack up the car.
if you do not want to split the block I would not bother dropping off motor, also would not bother to disturb hoses - on m96 they are built OK, it is not a GT3 where they burst all the time. if you want to split the block it is a whole different topic of what to build up from a stock M96 and how much it will cost.
I hope you plan on getting a priest in to anoint the newly serviced and cleaned engine with a splash of DT40.
On another not have you ever thought of contacting a drug cartel as this Porsche habit is seriously laundering some $$
KK -At one point Jake was doing CPO used engines and had a process he was following .From memory it was pretty comprehensive -tensioners , lifters , cam chain guides etc.......If you could dig that up it would be a good jumping off point .
Just a thought
I have asked. He said it will be in his book. He seems hesitant to release his "must do" list on the M96. I do understand why and the "attack dogs" on the forum dont help much to encourage his cander or opinions. It would be nice to know. Maybe his book will be out soon.
I do realize you cant build a "blow up proof" M96 but I would like to minimize the risk short of an engine swap.
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