997 2005-2012 911 C2, C2S, C4, C4S, GTS, Targa and Cabriolet Model Discussion.
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: CARiD

Anyone done a preventive IMS and water pump on a 997?

Thread Tools
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Feb 15, 2015 | 10:47 AM
  #1  
carsnob's Avatar
Thread Starter
|
Registered User
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 217
From: Canada
Rep Power: 23
carsnob is infamous around these parts
Anyone done a preventive IMS and water pump on a 997?

Just got an '08 C4S cab to go along with a Panamera 4S.
My mechanic advises doing a change of IMS and water pump -- a la Jake Raby. He says the car will then be bullet proof.
IMS failure he says = not if, but when>

Apparently, the gen. II, 997 still has a double IMS bearing but can still have the same seize up problem, so he says...
 
Old Feb 15, 2015 | 11:18 AM
  #2  
Fahrer's Avatar
Registered User
15 Year Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 530
From: NJ
Rep Power: 45
Fahrer is a name known to allFahrer is a name known to allFahrer is a name known to allFahrer is a name known to allFahrer is a name known to allFahrer is a name known to all
The larger bearing in the 2006-2008 engine is proving to be very reliable. If you read the forums you will find that there continues to be some folks who replace the earlier bearing with the aftermarket "upgraded" bearings. Theses individuals often note that the original bearing is in great condition upon removal ( often after 40-70K miles). I believe the aftermarket bearings are recommended to be replaced at about 30K miles.

I have observed that Excellence magazine has gone from what I consider an alarmist position on the IMS bearing and water pump to more cautious statements on replacements. They have recommended that you replace the seal in the bearing to allow oil to flush out the grease with splash lubrication. Now they indicate how extremely rare a 2006-2008 bearing fails. Also, they have indicated in the past that teh water pump should be replaced every 40K miles or 4 years. Now keeping an eye on leaks and an ear on sounds as the way to prevent major problems. It's your car so it is your choice on how to proceed. I would do more research on both issues before spending $$$$. By the way, there is no such thing as a "bullet proof " engine or car.
 
Old Feb 15, 2015 | 11:39 AM
  #3  
carsnob's Avatar
Thread Starter
|
Registered User
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 217
From: Canada
Rep Power: 23
carsnob is infamous around these parts
Originally Posted by Fahrer
The larger bearing in the 2006-2008 engine is proving to be very reliable. If you read the forums you will find that there continues to be some folks who replace the earlier bearing with the aftermarket "upgraded" bearings. Theses individuals often note that the original bearing is in great condition upon removal ( often after 40-70K miles). I believe the aftermarket bearings are recommended to be replaced at about 30K miles.

I have observed that Excellence magazine has gone from what I consider an alarmist position on the IMS bearing and water pump to more cautious statements on replacements. They have recommended that you replace the seal in the bearing to allow oil to flush out the grease with splash lubrication. Now they indicate how extremely rare a 2006-2008 bearing fails. Also, they have indicated in the past that teh water pump should be replaced every 40K miles or 4 years. Now keeping an eye on leaks and an ear on sounds as the way to prevent major problems. It's your car so it is your choice on how to proceed. I would do more research on both issues before spending $$$$. By the way, there is no such thing as a "bullet proof " engine or car.
True, no bulletproofing...it's a machine.
I thought that once the IMS goes, you don't drive an inch and hope for the best. But rather than an extended warranty for $3k, you'd think the money would be better spent on the ims re-do...
this '08 I just bought has only 24,000mi. so I'd be happy to save the $$ for a while...
Just wonder how many guys have had issues with this....
 
Old Feb 15, 2015 | 11:45 AM
  #4  
rickdogg82's Avatar
Registered User
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 63
From: Laguna Niguel, CA
Rep Power: 15
rickdogg82 is infamous around these parts
Your mechanic is trying to steal your money.
 
Old Feb 15, 2015 | 12:52 PM
  #5  
Karl B's Avatar
Registered User
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 169
From: Bay SHore, LI, NY
Rep Power: 23
Karl B is infamous around these parts
My 2006 with the updated bearing was leaking, after the trans was off I decieded to install the DOF kit for extra insurance.
 
Old Feb 15, 2015 | 01:37 PM
  #6  
the997dude's Avatar
Registered User
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 374
From: santa clara
Rep Power: 26
the997dude is infamous around these parts
Originally Posted by rickdogg82
Your mechanic is trying to steal your money.
My thoughts as well. If it was an 05' then ok
 
Old Feb 15, 2015 | 02:30 PM
  #7  
spoddle's Avatar
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 267
From: VA
Rep Power: 29
spoddle is a jewel in the roughspoddle is a jewel in the roughspoddle is a jewel in the rough
I swapped out the IMS and water pump on my 05' as a preventive measure.
 
Old Feb 15, 2015 | 02:46 PM
  #8  
carsnob's Avatar
Thread Starter
|
Registered User
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 217
From: Canada
Rep Power: 23
carsnob is infamous around these parts
Originally Posted by rickdogg82
Your mechanic is trying to steal your money.
Ha!
This is good to hear.
I had a new 2006 C4S cab that blew blue smoke at 55kms. (34,000 miles).
On this '08 that I got, I figured it's got to be pretty good with only 24,000 miles on it..... then started thinking IMS = new engine!
So that begs the question,....... did they really improve things after '05/'06, and get it right by '07/8.
The Porsche preowned guys in Canada say buy a Gen. II. but I've heard they can have the same problems.. (is that true?)
 
Old Feb 15, 2015 | 04:16 PM
  #9  
Karl B's Avatar
Registered User
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 169
From: Bay SHore, LI, NY
Rep Power: 23
Karl B is infamous around these parts
The bearing is larger but still filled with grease and sealed, so it is can have the same problem. The seal will eventually leak, letting oil in which will wash out the grease. Then it runs semi dry and will eventually fail.
Removing the seal will let more oil in to lubricate the bearing but who knows how much? Dirrectly feeding the bearing with fresh oil will prevent the problem, unfortunately you have to remove the trans to install and it becomes a costly project.

My bearing was leaking, so I had to remove the trans to check out what it was, while I was there I figured I might as well add the oil feed.

If the larger bearing was fool proof, why did Porsche eliminate it in the next version, the DFI motor.
 
Old Feb 15, 2015 | 04:57 PM
  #10  
Perk10's Avatar
Registered User
15 Year Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 812
From: South Florida
Rep Power: 71
Perk10 has a reputation beyond reputePerk10 has a reputation beyond reputePerk10 has a reputation beyond reputePerk10 has a reputation beyond reputePerk10 has a reputation beyond reputePerk10 has a reputation beyond reputePerk10 has a reputation beyond reputePerk10 has a reputation beyond reputePerk10 has a reputation beyond reputePerk10 has a reputation beyond reputePerk10 has a reputation beyond repute
I did my water pump as part of 40k service bc it was looking like I was going to have to do it anyways. IMS....nah
 
Old Feb 15, 2015 | 09:29 PM
  #11  
Gpjli's Avatar
Registered User
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,352
From: long island
Rep Power: 87
Gpjli has much to be proud ofGpjli has much to be proud ofGpjli has much to be proud ofGpjli has much to be proud ofGpjli has much to be proud ofGpjli has much to be proud ofGpjli has much to be proud ofGpjli has much to be proud ofGpjli has much to be proud ofGpjli has much to be proud of
The thing about him stealing your money. Find a different mechanic asap.
 
Old Feb 16, 2015 | 09:56 AM
  #12  
ehoffarch's Avatar
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 17
From: Camas, WA
Rep Power: 0
ehoffarch is infamous around these parts
The water pump on my 08 T4S failed at 60k as my mechanic says is the typical useful life. Replaced the water pump on aftermarket warranty and also did the belt tensioners at the same time. Regarding the IMS issue. Purchased the LN Eng. spin on filter adapter and magnetic oil pan plug to monitor engineer wear. Also put a magnet on the oil filter. The engine oil has been looking good for the last 20K. I change to oil every 5K.
 
Old Feb 16, 2015 | 01:38 PM
  #13  
PatrickBateman's Avatar
Registered User
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 389
From: Midwest
Rep Power: 29
PatrickBateman is infamous around these parts
Doing my water pump this March as prev maintenance on my 08. Im at 40K.


No to IMS "upgrade".
 
Old Feb 16, 2015 | 06:20 PM
  #14  
Marpir821's Avatar
Registered User
15 Year Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,398
From: Columbus
Rep Power: 192
Marpir821 Is a GOD !Marpir821 Is a GOD !Marpir821 Is a GOD !Marpir821 Is a GOD !Marpir821 Is a GOD !Marpir821 Is a GOD !Marpir821 Is a GOD !Marpir821 Is a GOD !Marpir821 Is a GOD !Marpir821 Is a GOD !Marpir821 Is a GOD !
My car has 104,000. At 70K it needed a clutch. My bearing was checked and was perfect. Threw it back together and like I said, im at 104K and counting.
 
Old Feb 18, 2015 | 09:01 PM
  #15  
Karl B's Avatar
Registered User
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 169
From: Bay SHore, LI, NY
Rep Power: 23
Karl B is infamous around these parts
It is impossible to check the bearing without removing the seal, just looking at it tells you nothing. Even if you remove the seal there is a metal cage that holds the bearing ***** and you can only see a very small portion of the ***** and race.
 


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 10:18 PM.