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THIS DISCUSSION / SOURCE-DERIVED OVERVIEW
Discussion summary
YOUR RESEARCHMetal Debris in the Oil Filter
Leading reported evidence
Replace their imsb have gone
Performed · outcome unconfirmed
No successful repair reported for this finding.
0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context
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Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
1
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Performed · outcome unconfirmed
Some people that have replaced their IMSB have gone on to replace or rebuild their engines not long afterwards.
Leading evidence: 'Replace their imsb have gone' (no explicit attributable resolution; this is a reported action or suggestion). Across 1 matching discussions, the most frequently mentioned possible cause is 'imsb' (1 discussions; 0 report identifying it and 1 suggest it). The most frequently discussed action is 'Check bore scoring' (1 discussions). For that action, 0 discussions report a resolution and 0 report an unsuccessful attempt. No action has an explicit, attributable resolution report under the current rules. These are forum reports and suggestions, not a confirmed diagnosis.
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Discussions that suspect a cause
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Discussions that suspect a cause
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Suspected cause
Probably the latter because at your mileage, you're probably replacing the clutch while they're in there.
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Discussions that contain suggestions
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Suggestion
Aluminum is a different story - check for bore scoring from the bottom of the pistons with a scope while the oil pan is off.
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Suggestion
If you’re comfortable digging a little deeper I’d highly recommend starting with the sump (if not, I’d definitely have a good local Indy dig a little further into it.)
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Suggestion
If you’re comfortable digging a little deeper I’d highly recommend starting with the sump (if not, I’d definitely have a good local Indy dig a little further into it.)
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10 eligible posts · 0 unverified posts · 1 discussions match the subject in their title or opening post.
Rennlist: 1 discussions
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Generation: 20261026T165820Z · outcome-qualification-6. Deterministic extraction; no AI model inference. How we use sources
OK, questions about debris in the oil filter (996 C4, Triptronic, 56,000)
1 - Ok, you cut open the filter and you find metal particles in there. You take a magnet to them and discover they are steel particles. This indicates that, more than likely, it is a failing IMS. Is that correct?
2 - You cut open the filter and find metal particles in there. You take a magnet to them and discover they are NOT steel particles. They are aluminum. What is that an indication of? Should there be any aluminum particles in the oil filter?
Does anyone have an idea of an average cost of an IMS replacement (LN) on a 996 C4 with a Triptronic?
Thank you.
Sorry, new to Porsche. Yes, IMSB, and from all indications, it has never been addressed. if the particles were aluminum, what would that indicate?
As for context, I am asking what kinds of problems could be indicated by cutting an oil filter open and finding metal particles inside. I assume finding different metals particles, indicates different problems.
Do you happen to have any photos of the filter cut open? If possible I’d also next drop your sump and dig a little further (see if you have additional fragments in there)
On a side note-If the debris you are seeing has copper
specks (ferrous elements) in the filter and housing it could indicate a possible main bearing/rod bearing on its way out (ask me how I unfortunately know in my 01 car). If you’re comfortable digging a little deeper I’d highly recommend starting with the sump (if not, I’d definitely have a good local Indy dig a little further into it.)
If your motor ends up being a healthy example, I’d definitely do the ims retro or solution. Looking back I wish I did the solution vs retrofit. I’ll be upgrading to the solution when my bearing is past it’s service date. As far as cost on a tip car for an ims retro- I’d guesstimate your probably around $3k. I’d also make sure the AOS is done while in there as well. Hope this is somewhat helpful for you. Best wishes as you dig a little deeper, keep us posted
The LN Solution is now $1900 + tax + shipping... It is THE best solution. Also, get the Ultimate AOS to replace the stock Air Oil Separator - do NOT get a stock AOS replacement. Replace the Waterpump & plastic Coolant Reservoir. Tune up while your in there. All of this will cost approx $5,000 or so... Neither the parts nor the labor is cheap, but it is a Porsche and once you have all the above done it's pretty bullet proof.
To answer your questions, I believe steel (magnetic) is an indication of the IMSB failure. Aluminum is a different story - check for bore scoring from the bottom of the pistons with a scope while the oil pan is off. Either way, it's time to take it to your mechanic...
To update, it was steel and the IMSB will be replaced in the coming weeks, just waiting for an open slot. As far as the other maintenance items go, I started another thread for that, but thanks for the input. I think I have a pretty good list now and one=ce they drop everything down and have a once over, I will discuss with the mechanic. Thanks !
Until you post a picture of what and how much of it you found in the filter, there is no point in speculating. Every engine sheds some metal between oil changes.
I've been dealing with a similar situation in mine. Ferrous metal usually comes from the IMSB, the main or rod bearings or the cam. First step after the oil filter is to drain the oil and remove the sump (oil pan) plate to look for any other debris. It's a pretty easy job. The hardest part is re-applying sealant to the plate before re-installation. From what I've heard, the IMSB will keep throwing off more and more metal.
Like someone else said, installing an LN IMSB retrofit ($850) or The Solution ($1,900) will run $3,500 - $5,000. Probably the latter because at your mileage, you're probably replacing the clutch while they're in there. Oh, wait. You said it was a tiptronic. Never mind the clutch part.
Good luck! I'd also have a good Porsche specialist look at it so they can compare against what's normal.
If that�s the case, you probably want to be absolutely sure all metal gets removed from the engine. You don�t want any leftover metal pieces to get lodged in an oil passageway or get embedded into some bearing surface. Some people that have replaced their IMSB have gone on to replace or rebuild their engines not long afterwards. More than a few.
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