I was just on the phone with one of the independents here in the DC area to discuss getting some service done on my 997.1 C4S. He recommended as a precautionary measure that they download my oil sump pan and inspect the underside of the engine (cost = $240). I asked what for? After all, my engine is running fine (17K miles on a 2006 model) and this task is completely unrelated to the service we were discussing. He said there were too many things to get into over the phone, but he did say quite a few people could have averted costly engine repairs by doing this inspection early on. It also didn't matter if the car was running fine.

Anyone know what he is talking about? Have any of you been told something similar? I haven't heard of such a thing in all my time on these forums (could it be IMS and/or RMS related?). I've never used this shop before (been in DC for only 10 months), so there is no long-standing relationship here.

Sean

 

I never had this happen from either dealer or indy and I am 54 years old. I think pulling your oil filter apart will tell you the same story. IMHO

Peace
Bruce in Philly

 

What year is your 997.1? I have never heard of such a thing either.

 

TPC motorsports?

 

removing the oil pan would allow visual inspection of what may collect at the bottom (i.e. metal shaving) of the pan


but if the indy mechanic can't discuss the need for it over the phone, perhaps it's time to find another one.

 

My car is a 2006 C4S (with an April 2006 production date).

No, the recommendation did not come from someone at TPC Motorsports. Is there a story there?

Sean

 

Right on the money ....

 

No...no story there. TPC is a pretty well known reputable shop. I was just wondering because if they said it then I'd trust it. People have cars shipped in from all over the country to get aftermarket installs done by them.

 

I have a 2007 C4S with 9k miles and my dealer has not suggested anything like this and he has been maintaining it since new. However, changing the oil drain plug to a magnetic one is a great idea. I do this on all my vehicles. Any metal shavings will stick to it and the plug can be inspected at oil change time for an early-warning diagnosis. Very similar to what your mechanic was suggesting but without the outrageous expense.

From Pelican Parts:
Engine Oil Drain Plug (18 X 1.5 mm)
Brand: LN Engineering
Note: This brand is an upgrade version, hard anodized aluminum~with magnet.
Part Number: 900-219-009-30-M835 $29.50


+1 on looking for a new shop.

 

Right or wrong, I don't think I could get past that kind of manipulative fear trading from a mechanic.

 

you can get a stronger magnetic plug from ecs....way cheaper also

 

Collect some of your used oil from the oil change and send it to Blackstone Labs for testing if you want to know how your engine is doing. Kits free, analysis is $25.00. Not affiliated but have used them in the past.

 

Maybe he assumed you would know why he would want to inspect the sump pan. Maybe he's just trying to be thorough and help you catch any possible issues before they happen. IMO it's a good idea to do it, especially with such low mileage on an 06 engine, but everything costs money unless you do it yourself.

 

Sorry this is just wrong. I don't appreciate a mechanic who manipulates by fear. I would find another mechanic immediately. OH and get a magnetic drain plug.

 

I have a ten year relationship with my indie - he would always outline his concerns to me and tell me why he makes any recommendation. He would never say, essentially, "you wouldn't understand, and I don't have time to make you, but you'll be sorry if you don't pony up." I think, if that is what the OP's mechanic really said, it's terrible. This is apart from whether the service is or isn't a good idea.