The engine in my 997S with less than 20k fell victim to the dreaded left side exhaust soot issue with very high oil consumption (1/3 quart in 100 miles).

The car was bought new by me with only 3 miles on the odo and was carefully broken in and had the oil changed by the dealer at the one year mark (never hit the 20k first). For the past several months or so the car was also exhibiting an engine knock no matter the brand of gas or station with 93 octane fuel; perhaps the plugs which became coated with oil and caused the knock? Some may remember I started a thread a few weeks ago where my engine's valvetrain made a terrible racket at start up which I attributed to it sitting for a week or so without being driven (but never heard it before) apparently that was not the case.

The dealership is now removing the cylinder head to see the exact extent of the problem(s) and a replacement engine may be in order (I'll know tomorrow).

My car also has had a very annyoing clutch chatter issue since new which could never be corrected even with a new replacement clucth and dual mass flywheel...the interesting thing is my loaner (08 Cayman S 6 speed)has a magnifcent clutch with no chatter at all...none. Cayman S's also have the DMF.

Questions:

1) The dealership told me that only remanufactuered engines are available...is this true? I though new replacement engines are available if one insists. I am hoping once the head is removed and the issue fully identified that Porsche will ok replacing the engine vs trying to repair the damage/defect.

2) Since the engine is out and the clutch is now easily accessible is it reasonable to ask Porsche to rectify the chatter issue once and for all. Several months ago the factory rep tried to tell me it was the dual mass flywheel set up I was feeling to which I laughed and said dual mass flywheels are supposed to lessen vibrations etc not make them worse and I've owned quite a few new 911's with the DMF setup that had no chatter at all. The clutch on my loaner is simply wonderful with 0 chatter.

The dealership's service people have been great and I hope Porsche lets them do the right thing...if they don't my 27 year relationship with Porsche may come to a very unhappy ending.

Thanks for the opinions.

 

500 this is not the left side soot issue talked about. Sounds like engine failure, maybe IMS or piston/valve in right bank (exhaust crossover). I think you get remanu engine and that is not a problem. Would be a fine outcome for you. Post as you go along w this.

 

Thanks.

My left exhaust is black with soot, the right side is fine. I do realize that there is a seperate 997.2 soot issue but my car is a 997.1.

 

Must be depressing to have all of the issues in a new car. Hopefully, Porsche will treat you like a King and take care of the issues.....

 

Thanks.

It is very depressing and doesn't speak well for Porsche's engine quality of late as I've seen more of these engine issues cropping up. I have had a 27 year relationship with Porsche and I hope they will do what's right, but considering Porsche's current poor financial status I wonder...

 

I assume you know that you can reach out to the "Customer Commitment" reps at Porsche North America? That might not solve all of your problems, but it could help.
I would call PCNA and let them know that this issue is pending.
Then let the dealer know that you've been in touch with PCNA about it - not to threaten the dealer, quite the opposite - to help them get the authorization they need to do what's right.
You are still under warranty. I would insist on getting it done right.

 

Thanks.

The factory rep is due at my dealership tomorrow; I know the gentleman and although he may have tried to double talk me about the clutch chatter in the past, I trust he will authorize the right thing re: a new engine and clutch etc...if not I will contact Porsche and if they choose the wrong path it may end up being my very last Porsche purchased, ever. It will be interesting to see how Porsche handles all this based upon their current financial situation. I remain guardedly optimistic

 

I am not saying you do not have a sooty left exhaust 500. I was involved in the origional 997.1 sooty left exhaust phenomenon from the beginning. I know you have a 997.1 As it affects most engines that condition is benign. I am saying this is not the "dreaded left soot...." but as you describe it a separate possibly fatal engine failure affecting one bank of cylinders. Whew. Good luck

 

Gotcha. The shop foreman (a good guy) was quite concerned that my car's left exhaust was loaded with soot and especially that it was smoking when the engine is reved (man the smoke smelled awful, not just an oil burning blue smoke but dark and nasty). From some of the other one/left sided soot posts I've seen here and on the other p car forums many ended up with a new engine due to an out of round cylinder(s) in one bank and required a new engine as you describe....we'll know what they find tomorrow when the head is removed. Thanks much for the advice and good wishes.

 

Anyone know the answer to this question?

 

500 -
I have never been in your shoes but I did face a Porsche rep with my 993 Turbo with a clutch problem one month AFTER warranty expired and they gave me all new clutch parts . I feel that beyond your dealership trying their best you must secure your position with that rep . I feel that if you express that you have been with Porsche 27 years and and expect reassurance and confidence restored.

Since your car is leased they are going to have to fix it anyway . I am surprised that dealership X , Y or Z hasn't made you an offer to level the remaining payments but I would also table that with the Porsche rep along with service and sales .

Combined they need to set things so right with you that they have retained yoir business .

Now you may be so disgusted taht you simply want out of the car and Porsche . That should be tabled as well .

I don't know if a new motor or fixed motor plus a new clutch is going to make this right . You still have to look at that same car with doubt and the lingering "depression" of what you already experienced . That has to be addressed too.

You gave them a lot of time and money . If they dangle you I would not blame you for saying good bye to Porsche indefinitely.

Good luck.

 

Hi Larry,

Yes the rep holds the cards...fortunately I know him...I also know his superior (a great guy) and he knows my Porsche history. The rep will be at the dealership tomorrow and if needed I'll be there, but I'm hoping that my service rep and shop foreman get it handled.

Perhaps once Porsche determines that the engine needs replacement they may offer a deal to get out of my lease early (only 6 mos left) just not too sure I want to go the new DFI route as I've been reading some high oil consumption posts. Hmmm, maybe a left over turbo???

Yes you are correct; I have gone through a lot with this car and paid a fair amount of money to lease this car while never being able to enjoy a chatter free clutch!

As I've said before I am guardedly optimistic on how Porsche is going to handle these types of things now that the company is deep in the red; if they want repeat business they will have to step up.

Thanks for the good advice.

 

The only advantage of dropping the hint of another car gives them a little more incentive than the standard honor code . It's that little extra push to tilt the scale in your direction and provide an immediate resolution. Plus --I know you want a Cab . A Turbo Tip Cab might just end some of this misery right on the spot . Forget the reps , plus all the drama and tell them that --insist on having them make it worth your time to just drive home in peace .

That's a nice card to throw out there .

 

Hey 500,
I know we have talked via PM and thought I would let some of the other 6speeders know about my issues.
I think my thread title was less dramatic and didn't catch many 6speeders eye.
Original thread:
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...haust-tip.html

I noticed my exhaust sooting after switching over to the SS AWE tips, it wasn't very noticeable on my stock (non sport) tips although I did remember some "soot splatter" on my bumper at the car wash was and found it odd.

This is the first I heard about the Porsche Rep....I am going to look into and I am somewhat concerned about the "possibility" of a re-manufactured engine.

My AWE tips are ruined as well and asked my SA if there was any chance Porsche would replace them and he said probably not....he said he will have a look and see if they can have them re-finished/polished/cleaned....i'm leaning towards ceramic black anyways.....

There were little or no answers about what failed on my car other than they explained :
"The techs did the inspection of the engine (i assume one of the cylinders) with a borescope, and they send a recommendation and the file footage to Porsche Canada for an engine replacement". When I asked further....they said they had "never been turned down on this type of case".

The closest engine was Texas and my diagnosis was June 22nd, had the approval for the new engine June 26th and it is en route.

I know when BMW had a rod bearing failure issue on the early E46 M3's they warrantied the engines for 100k Miles....that could be 100k kms....don't remember exactly but they really stepped up when it happened.

6speeder, "babymd" also had this issue and had his engine replaced, but it is only other instance I could find.

I own my car outright (no lease or financing) and really pissed that has happened after I felt like I made such a sacrifice (ditched my 08 ///M5) to get into this car.

I will post further once I talk to my SA and find out who the Porsche Rep is.....is there an "official title" of someone I should ask to speak to? seen the terms "customer commitment rep" and "factory rep".

Good luck 500, please stay in touch.

Omar.

 

Hi Omar,

Thanks for posting your issue again; there are a few others with this issue on different p-car forums.let me knowcabout the engine.
I did chat with babymd and he did indeed have left sided soot and oil issues; coincidently his engine was replaced by the exact dealership that has my car.

Regards