Topbox Posted March 9, 2019 Report Share Posted March 9, 2019 My 54000 miles 16 year old 986 broke its engine on the turn of the ignition key. An inspection by my local respected independent revealed, finally, that the number two piston had clattered the exhaust valves. This could be fixed but as it's an engine out, strip down job to do so, it is uneconomical and frankly, for me, an undesirable proposition to do so. Nor do I wish to entertain the alternative of a reconditioned engine at well north of £4500. I guess the car goes for salvage. I had met several other forum members for breakfast a couple of Sundays ago, returned home after a short drive thereafter, switched off at home while I opened the garage door and briefly chatted to a neighbour. Jumped in, switched on, engine started straight away but was making a bit of a clatter, running rough and the CEL came on. I was not to alarmed, thought the noise was a symptom of the rough running or that a lifter or two was sticking, maybe a coil pack had gone. The car was booked in for a service, so it sat for a couple of weeks until its appointment with my Indy and in the mean time @Gutley did a code check for me which indicated misfires on bank one. The Indy identified the same issues and after due investigation concluded the variable timing solenoid was most likely the problem. Replaced the solenoid, misfires and noise remained, so out came the plugs and a camera into the cylinders revealed the damage described above. What happened to cause the damage exactly will remain a mystery as the engine would need to be stripped to find out. The best guess from several heads seems to be the timing chain jumped a tooth or two, or just possibly the IMS, however I had that upgraded when I purchased the car 4 and half years ago, when it had covered a mere 19000 miles. Plus IMS failure seems to do a lot more damage, my engine still runs quite well with some revs on. So that's that, quite a shock I can tell you. Once it had been serviced, it was going up for sale. It would have been a dire situation had I sold it to a forum member and this occurred. At this point I have to say that this case supports those who prefer a car that has seen consistent use throughout its life. Well used and well maintained seems to suit Boxsters, but the reality is "you never can tell" and old Chuck Berry liked a car or two. I have been very unlucky. I hope i have not increased the paranoia of 986 owners. The indy was able to report that the engine had run for just a shade under 2000 hours and had one over rev recorded at around 250 hours which calculates as well before my ownership. I have absolutely no regrets about purchasing the car it has given enormous pleasure and fun. BoXa net and the friends made is a huge, unexpected bonus of ownership, thanks. Yes, of course I'm going to buy another Boxster, Scotland and Switzerland are all booked. I must acknowledge the kind help from @Richard Hamilton who, in my moment of crisis, quickly responded to my cry of help for information and perspective. Now, a nice excuse to post a few favourite snaps a few of you have had GK in their rear views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The above was at Fairoaks airfield, Surrey in January 2015 - first BoXa meet I attended, a couple of months after buying the car Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scubaregs Posted March 9, 2019 Report Share Posted March 9, 2019 Gutted to read this mate, really am. Are you hoping to have a replacement in time for Scotland? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bluepork03 Posted March 9, 2019 Report Share Posted March 9, 2019 I don't really know what to say except sorry Bob. Looks like you had some great times in it, and I know you were looking to buy something newer. Glad you can keep some perspective in all this. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ninja02 Posted March 9, 2019 Report Share Posted March 9, 2019 Def bad news Bob, Phill Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
red rocket Posted March 9, 2019 Report Share Posted March 9, 2019 Really bad news Bob. Hope to see you in a 987.2 in time for Scotland! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gutley Posted March 9, 2019 Report Share Posted March 9, 2019 I already knew of the predicament, but it still saddens me to think this car won't be seen on the road again. Hopefully someone can take this as a project car and resurrect it in due course. If not, then may it live on as a donor for many others. Will be on the lookup for a Meridian Silver panel on an otherwise 'normal' silver car. Good luck with the search for a replacement Bob. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Menoporsche Posted March 9, 2019 Report Share Posted March 9, 2019 @Mark Shead but I think you usually want an S. Good luck Bob. Royals4Eva looks to be selling a 987.2 soon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OctagonTiger Posted March 9, 2019 Report Share Posted March 9, 2019 Gutted for you, hope you get a replacement soon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnSyn Posted March 9, 2019 Report Share Posted March 9, 2019 Sorry to hear this Bob, nice write up. I hope you get back in the saddle soon. Good luck with hunting down your next one! I truly hope you get out of the new car the enjoyment you clearly got from your current one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Topbox Posted March 9, 2019 Author Report Share Posted March 9, 2019 20 minutes ago, Scubaregs said: Gutted to read this mate, really am. Are you hoping to have a replacement in time for Scotland? It would be nice but if not I shall still come anyway and ride shotgun with others, I have had a couple of offers 😁 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scubaregs Posted March 9, 2019 Report Share Posted March 9, 2019 Excellent.😀 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
map Posted March 9, 2019 Report Share Posted March 9, 2019 @Topbox genuinely saddened to read this. Have been where you are (more than once) and it’s rubbish. All the very best with finding another - they are, as I’ve discovered, seriously addictive. map Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Truth Posted March 9, 2019 Report Share Posted March 9, 2019 Very sad mate..... sorry 😕 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fat haggis Posted March 9, 2019 Report Share Posted March 9, 2019 sad day . what are you doing with the car are you selling it as is or stripping it for parts . and enjoy your new one mate can't wait to see it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuart21UK Posted March 9, 2019 Report Share Posted March 9, 2019 sad news Bob....there's always a passenger seat in mine to/around Scotland if that's what's needed Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scubaregs Posted March 9, 2019 Report Share Posted March 9, 2019 6 minutes ago, Stuart21UK said: sad news Bob....there's always a passenger seat in mine to/around Scotland if that's what's needed Plus you will be able to drive it back, @Stuart21UK will be in no fit state after Lynn has had a chat with him.🤣 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EagleStar Posted March 9, 2019 Report Share Posted March 9, 2019 So sorry to read this! When you get your new ride we should arrange another meet at Fairoaks in honour of your old and new ride. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jonogt6 Posted March 9, 2019 Report Share Posted March 9, 2019 It looks like a great example with excellent mileage. If it were mine I'd be getting it repaired...but that's just me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
onedesi Posted March 9, 2019 Report Share Posted March 9, 2019 So sorry to read this Bob, I hope you get back into a Boxster as soon as possible. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
el 3.2S Posted March 9, 2019 Report Share Posted March 9, 2019 Sorry to hear this. Such a great looking car and lovely colour. Maybe someone on here will take it on? Good luck with the next one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blues N Twos Posted March 9, 2019 Report Share Posted March 9, 2019 That’s terrible news😪really sad ending. Jon ☹️ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
usman10316 Posted March 9, 2019 Report Share Posted March 9, 2019 How much are they asking to fix the current engine? Seems a shame on such a lovely looking car. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ringer250 Posted March 9, 2019 Report Share Posted March 9, 2019 So sorry to read this Bob. Good luck with the search. You have already ridden shotgun in mine, happy to have you as passenger anytime. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CarlM Posted March 9, 2019 Report Share Posted March 9, 2019 Bad luck always sad to hear about the end of a Boxster 😥 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nickyg63 Posted March 9, 2019 Report Share Posted March 9, 2019 sorry to hear thats its finished, its a real shame that to fix it is possibly more if not equal to its value! a rare colour with a few nice options. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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