Jump to content

Welcome to RennTech.org Community, Guest

There are many great features available to you once you register at RennTech.org
You are free to view posts here, but you must log in to reply to existing posts, or to start your own new topic. Like most online communities, there are costs involved to maintain a site like this - so we encourage our members to donate. All donations go to the costs operating and maintaining this site. We prefer that guests take part in our community and we offer a lot in return to those willing to join our corner of the Porsche world. This site is 99 percent member supported (less than 1 percent comes from advertising) - so please consider an annual donation to keep this site running.

Here are some of the features available - once you register at RennTech.org

  • View Classified Ads
  • DIY Tutorials
  • Porsche TSB Listings (limited)
  • VIN Decoder
  • Special Offers
  • OBD II P-Codes
  • Paint Codes
  • Registry
  • Videos System
  • View Reviews
  • and get rid of this welcome message

It takes just a few minutes to register, and it's FREE

Contributing Members also get these additional benefits:
(you become a Contributing Member by donating money to the operation of this site)

  • No ads - advertisements are removed
  • Access the Contributors Only Forum
  • Contributing Members Only Downloads
  • Send attachments with PMs
  • All image/file storage limits are substantially increased for all Contributing Members
  • Option Codes Lookup
  • VIN Option Lookups (limited)

Johnnyceesred

Contributing Members
  • Posts

    81
  • Joined

  • Last visited

Posts posted by Johnnyceesred

  1. :welcome: i have only had manual gearboxes in the past ....i love the tip, but i always use the manual mode...its crap in automatic. my opinion ;)

    I have been doing the same, driving in manual mode, as I am used to driving a manual transmission. This is the first auto tranny I've owned in a car (trucks are a different story). Automatic is a nice option to have sitting in bumper to bumper traffic as the 996 is now my daily driver.

    :welcome:

    Very nice choice. Have to agree that Tiptronic is a good option when in city traffic and the manual setting once you get use to it is excellent in the "twisty bits".

    Enjoy

    Rgds

    John

  2. John,

    Have you gotten your car back? You must have the patients of a saint. Have you found out what “upgrades” have been done to the replacement engines as compared to the original M96? I get no response from PCNA and the local service tech seems to be in the dark. I guess Porsche wants it that way!

    Lee

    Hi Lee,

    To quote the old Canned Heat song "I'm on the Road Again" :drive: :jump: .

    Got the car back on Saturday but within 200 yards of leaving the specialist "CEL - Drive to Workshop" came on :cursing: . Went to my most local OPC today and they diagnosed a faulty Oxygen Sensor. So £233 more spent and everything now OK :clapping:

    I also rang Porsche GB today and was told that they have put a letter in the post. The guy I spoke to couldn't/wouldn't tell me what it says, just "read it and make your decisions based on what is says" :unsure: So watch this space and fingers crossed for when the post drops through the letterbox.

    Money spent: -

    Engine - £7,325.25

    Labor, new hoses, anti-freeze, rear gearbox mounting (old one had broken rubber shock absorber) etc - £3,119.02 (includes taking out old engine and re-building to return to Porsche GB)

    New radiators - £400.00

    Oxygen Sensor and diagnostics - £233.33

    RAC Report - £94.00

    Grand total - £11,171.60

    Rgds

    John

  3. Engine's back in. Slight delay due to bottom hose in later 996 engine being a push-fit (as used on 997 engines as well) rather than traditional hose-clip fixing. New hose is on it's way. Should be finished early next week.

    Rgds

    John

    New hose fitted, engine warmed up, re-filled with anti-freeze, road tested and.........................................offside radiator leaking!!!!!!! :cursing:

    Two new rads on the way, hopefully fitting Thursday/Friday this week. Fingers crossed I'll be back on the road at the weekend. Good point is that I got the 2 new rads for £267 less than the Porsche GB RRP and the peace of mind that the cooling system's OK. The specialist says that many people put in new rads with a new engine anyway.

    Rgds

    John

  4. Nearly there!!!

    Went to see new engine today. Hoping to be back on the road end of this week/early part of next week. Getting clued up on running in disciplines.

    Porsche factory says no running in required. OPC says keep to 3,500-4,500 RPM tops for 1,000-2,000 miles. Oil change after 1,000 miles. I noticed a variance in the feedback from Lee's post re new engine. When you've paid for it out of your own pocket (so far), it gives you a different perpsective I guess.

    Just waiting for official RAC report and then will forward to Porsche GB.

    Rgds

    John

    Check out this link to my post on Rennlist for additional opinions on engine break-in. http://forums.rennlist.com/rennforums/show...ad.php?t=324510

    You can also check out this link for an interesting view on the subject http://www.mototuneusa.com/break_in_secrets.htm

    Lee

    Thanks Lee,

    Very interesting links.

    Rgds

    John

  5. Nearly there!!!

    Went to see new engine today. Hoping to be back on the road end of this week/early part of next week. Getting clued up on running in disciplines.

    Porsche factory says no running in required. OPC says keep to 3,500-4,500 RPM tops for 1,000-2,000 miles. Oil change after 1,000 miles. I noticed a variance in the feedback from Lee's post re new engine. When you've paid for it out of your own pocket (so far), it gives you a different perpsective I guess.

    Just waiting for official RAC report and then will forward to Porsche GB.

    Rgds

    John

    porsche and my dealer said no need for running in, nor was there a need for an oil change before 20000km. i wonder which is right. i personally dont see the need for running in...on the contrary. i have read evidence that carefull running in can actually do the engine harm and reduce the engines performance. high load and low revs should be avoided, which i try not to do anyway ...but this was the only extra precaution i took with my new engine for the first few hundred km.

    i have had many brand new very high performance motorcycles and a few cars. i have NEVER run them in. the only engine problem i ever had before the porsche was with my ducati, both were used when i bought them!..thats food for thought

    kelvin

    Hi Kelvin,

    I just e-mailed the RAC report and the metallurgy specialists comments to Porsche GB. Waiting for a 'phone call back to confirm receipt and to agree next actions on their part.

    Will keep you updated.

    Rgds

    John

  6. Nearly there!!!

    Went to see new engine today. Hoping to be back on the road end of this week/early part of next week. Getting clued up on running in disciplines.

    Porsche factory says no running in required. OPC says keep to 3,500-4,500 RPM tops for 1,000-2,000 miles. Oil change after 1,000 miles. I noticed a variance in the feedback from Lee's post re new engine. When you've paid for it out of your own pocket (so far), it gives you a different perpsective I guess.

    Just waiting for official RAC report and then will forward to Porsche GB.

    Rgds

    John

    That is a cool looking engine! Was there an option of getting a 3.8l instead?

    Hi Peter,

    Don't know, didn't ask. I assumed that the fittings would be different between the 996 engines and the 997 and to be honest I wanted to keep matters as simple as possible anyway.

    Rgds

    John

  7. Nearly there!!!

    Went to see new engine today. Hoping to be back on the road end of this week/early part of next week. Getting clued up on running in disciplines.

    Porsche factory says no running in required. OPC says keep to 3,500-4,500 RPM tops for 1,000-2,000 miles. Oil change after 1,000 miles. I noticed a variance in the feedback from Lee's post re new engine. When you've paid for it out of your own pocket (so far), it gives you a different perpsective I guess.

    Just waiting for official RAC report and then will forward to Porsche GB.

    Rgds

    John

    While your new motor is certainly nice to look at, what is that motor behind it!? It looks to be a turbocharged 6 cylinder with the horizontal fan. 935, 936, or 965/962?

    Stop the presses... Upon closer inspection is that a motor from a 917/10 or 917/30? It is hard to tell from the angle but it looks to be a flat 12.

    Dan,

    Good spot. Dave is currently doing a total restoration on a 917 (can't tell you whose). He has along association with 917s in racing, engine preparation, restorations etc. Take a look at the web site http://www.davegriffithsracing.co.uk/ and you'find some 917 parts for sale. The web site will be updated soon.

    I see you're planning a trip to Germany. If you're planning to be in England as well do let me know, maybe we could meet up.

    Rgds

    John

  8. Nearly there!!!

    Went to see new engine today. Hoping to be back on the road end of this week/early part of next week. Getting clued up on running in disciplines.

    Porsche factory says no running in required. OPC says keep to 3,500-4,500 RPM tops for 1,000-2,000 miles. Oil change after 1,000 miles. I noticed a variance in the feedback from Lee's post re new engine. When you've paid for it out of your own pocket (so far), it gives you a different perpsective I guess.

    Just waiting for official RAC report and then will forward to Porsche GB.

    Rgds

    John

    post-15363-1170102460_thumb.jpg

  9. Scouser, on your comment about PCGB ownership, do you know if anyone from Porsche GB/AG monitors the posts and contents? Just makes me think that we may need to be careful about how much we reveal about our concerns and tactics. How did the op go BTW?

    John, I am no expert nor do I have any inkling on this. Everything I say here is purely speculative.

    I doubt very much if PorscheGB or PosrcheAG monitor the PCGB forums. However, on certain hot topics they may well do.

    I know they were watching mine because I was told that by customer services from one of the girls in there that I knew (sh'e gone to another dept now).

    Before Porsche bought into PCGB, the club was trying to help me. But as soon as they came on board everything changed

    and I got no help. One thing is for certain though, the PCGB forums are open in the sense that they are only moderated

    by people like you and I and not by Porsche themselves. But you probably should be a little "weary" about what you say

    on the PCGB forum ;)

    If you go the legal route and end up sueing PorscheGB, which I hope you "dont" have to do but have a great wish that you would ;)

    you should be suing the CEO/President of PorscheGB not PorscheGB themselves. If you do that, he will make things happen.

    Ultimately he is the person responsible and represents Porsche in the UK.

    Also, just in case you didn't know. PorscheGB unlike Porsche US or PAM are wholly owned by Porsche AG. That is Porsche GB is

    a subsiduary of Porsche AG. So dealing with Porsche GB is dealing with Porsche AG if you know what I mean.

    Did I ever send you details of the worldwide service manager in Stuttgart to contact?

    My op went well. I am fully mended now...just have to take it easy for a few weeks.

    Cheers mate,

    Berny

    Hi Berny,

    I received the comments back from the metallurgy company this morning and they are very supportive of my assertions about the part in question and in their words "From the evidence presented, our conclusion is that the crank cradle part in question is not of a satisfactory quality suitable for the purpose it was designed to perform. This part should not have been installed into the engine and subsequently the vehicle."

    The RAC have promised to complete their report over the weekend and I've asked them to include the metallurgy company's comments in that so all is in an official format.

    Best regards

    John

  10. You can count me in John for £50. That's about $95 for you yanks out there ;)

    I have been trying to stick one on Porsche GB for a long time after my RMS fiasco (which is still ongoing) and my Gearbox screw up.

    The only thing I would ask is to be kept fully informed of what's going on and that I get to see a copy of all the communication and reports

    either on the forum or via email etc. I think that you shopuld also canvas PCGB (yes I am reading your thread their too). If PCGB cant help

    and back you in this matter (especially with the RAC report) then I dont see me renewing my membership with them again. However, it may be

    interesting to see the outcome with PCGB since it is now NOT wholly independent. As of last year Porsche now own PCGB.

    Another thing to do is to think about writing up a full account of your story for the mags.

    Keep up the good work John. Let me know your paypal details.

    Scouser, Viper, b-man, Lee

    Thankyou all very much for the kind donation offers. Here's where things are at as of late today (Wednesday 24/01/2007): -

    1. The RAC have offered to provide me with a report based on the photos I submitted to them with there conclusions based on what they can see from the various shots taken. They said they will state that there is definite grinding, fracturing and flaking and in their opinion this is not normal wear and tear. The conclusion will reflect the fact they have not physically seen the components involved and they have also spotted marks on the crank itself which could be an indication of play in the thrust bearing washers. This may be a result of the deterioration in the state of the crank cradle section with the cracks etc., but this can't be said for certain.

    The good news is that as they haven't had to perform a site visit and physical inspection, the costs will be lower than their normal £140.

    2. The metallurgy specialists have confirmed that the crank cradle shows evidence of porosity in one particular photo (which I have attached to this e-mail) denoted by the small holes in the surface of the alloy. Their initial e-mail states: -

    "We have viewed the information supplied and agree that there is evidence of grinding. There also appears to be some porosity at the edge of photo DSC01538.

    I think you have sufficient evidence to forward to the Manufacturer."

    I'm not concerned if they can't link the defects to the misfire as I concluded a while ago that we'll not find out what caused it (maybe the metal flake that was found in the sump, moving between the tappets) and the fact my stance is that the defects in the crank cradle are the result of poor casting and it shouldn't have been installed in the engine in the first place. I don't think there'll be a charge from Scientifics as they recommend any further in-depth analysis would be more in the realm of specific Auto Engine analytical companies.

    3. The old engine is on its way to Porsche GB Reading. I spoke to the Customer Assistance contact who has been handling my case and informed him of the comment about the porosity from the metallurgy company and that he will be getting a formal statment from them and the RAC report in a couple of days or so. He said that once they've received those they can confirm their next actions and any further investigative work would be done back at Porsche AG when they have received the old engine from Reading.

    Given the above, I would be more than happy to post the results of the reports etc., FOC as they can only go so far given the evidence they've been presented with and that deeper level analysis would now be in Porsche's domain. I would not take donations for that reason but this doesn't diminish the value of your offers to me.

    Scouser, on your comment about PCGB ownership, do you know if anyone from Porsche GB/AG monitors the posts and contents? Just makes me think that we may need to be careful about how much we reveal about our concerns and tactics. How did the op go BTW?

    Best regards

    John

    post-15363-1169679078_thumb.jpg

  11. I think I'd be willing to kick in ten bucks to have that report done with the results available to the community at large. It would probably help substantially in pushing Porsche to back up the product, especially given the news that they supposedly have a $28k profit per car ...

    Interesting thought Viper and b-man, thanks for the offers..

    Are you suggesting getting a number of people contributing to the RAC Report or the metallurgy test (or both). The ultimate level of information to ensure maximum results would be expensive to acquire if I don't get a result from Porsche with just the RAC report i.e.: -

    1. RAC report £140

    2. Dismantling engine again to get crank cradle out for metallurgy test £500? (if Porsche won't do it FOC)

    3. Metallurgy test £500-£600

    plus would there be any copyright isuues or restriction of re-print etc?

    It's a pity I didn't think of this route whilst the old engine was in pieces but it does take a certain set of circumstances I guess to take you to this level of action anyway. Still if I've got enough persuasive powers to get customers to place $Million orders with me, this will be a true test of skill to get a result with the info I'll have to hand once I've got the RAC report.

    Does anyone think it would useful to start a separate associated topic to get the broadest response from Renntech members, if the contribution route would get enough funds together depending on the level we would need to go to?

    Rgds

    John

    John, I would make a donation to you to offset some of the costs you incur with this entire project, not a specific part of it. I would just need some reassurance that this is legitimate (please don't take that personally), that it's relatively easy to make the payment (paypal?), that the money gets to you, and that you would fight this hard with Porsche. In a sense, you would represent all of us in this "reverse class action" law suit. :)

    If you were going to collect funds, I think the proper thing to do would be to check with the moderators here to make sure it's OK.

    I don't think Porsche builds good water cooled engines. A lot of people like us are getting screwed. So, it's going to take special circumstances like this to fight back and make a statement.

    Regarding copyright issues, I believe as long as you don't sell or profit from the disclosure of a document, there is no copyright infringement.

    By the way, my last car was a VW Golf with 230,000 miles on it. It ran great (better than my 2002 911 when it had half that many miles on it) until I sold it. I ran that car MUCH harder than I run my Porsche . . .

    b-man

    Hi b-man and Viper,

    You have brought up an important point I was going to make anyway in that whatever we decide to do needs the authorisation of the relevant Renntech moderators Loren etc., to ensure we would note break any of the rules of conduct and membership. I guess speed is of the essence as now the complete old engine is back in the Porsche network, I suspect they'll want to get it back to Stuttgart ASAP. I did state in my last letter to them that I wanted their commitment that the engine would stay at the OPC or Reading until the situation is resolved. I hope that I can get a result without having to go the extremes though.

    Rgds

    John

  12. Hi Guys:

    Some strange noise happens when I start the car (MY99 Carrera C2) for the first time in the day. It is like a ratling/clinking noise, last several seconds then desappears and does not do it the rest of the day. As I said it is just when 1st start the car. Seems to come from the back bottom part of the car. Sounds like a pulley when is loose. Any ideas, has anybody experienced the same?

    Thanks

    Could it be one of the belt tensioner pulleys?

    Rgds

    John

  13. I think I'd be willing to kick in ten bucks to have that report done with the results available to the community at large. It would probably help substantially in pushing Porsche to back up the product, especially given the news that they supposedly have a $28k profit per car ...

    Interesting thought Viper and b-man, thanks for the offers..

    Are you suggesting getting a number of people contributing to the RAC Report or the metallurgy test (or both). The ultimate level of information to ensure maximum results would be expensive to acquire if I don't get a result from Porsche with just the RAC report i.e.: -

    1. RAC report £140

    2. Dismantling engine again to get crank cradle out for metallurgy test £500? (if Porsche won't do it FOC)

    3. Metallurgy test £500-£600

    plus would there be any copyright isuues or restriction of re-print etc?

    It's a pity I didn't think of this route whilst the old engine was in pieces but it does take a certain set of circumstances I guess to take you to this level of action anyway. Still if I've got enough persuasive powers to get customers to place $Million orders with me, this will be a true test of skill to get a result with the info I'll have to hand once I've got the RAC report.

    Does anyone think it would useful to start a separate associated topic to get the broadest response from Renntech members, if the contribution route would get enough funds together depending on the level we would need to go to?

    Rgds

    John

  14. The RAC have agreed that the cracking and fracturing are abnormal and not down to normal wear & tear. They will provide me with a report (cost around £140) to send to Porsche GB with their conclusions. They suggest the next step would be a metallurgical examination (industrial x-rays etc.) to determine the nature of the cracks and fractures.

    The new engine arrived at the specialist today and the old one's now at the OPC where I bought the car from. I now have to consider the next step in determining whether Porsche GB will accept The RAC report and admit that the crank cradle was sub-standard and make me an offer based on that. If it needs the metallurgical examination before any further progress can be made, that would beg the question who pays for the part to be taken out of the old engine and the x-rays tests etc. The estimate for testing is £500-£600. If all of the next costs are down to me, is it worth taking the risks of these without any guarantee of a positive outcome in my favour?

    Still it's useful to know of the processes and options open to us owners in the event similar situations occur to other members.

    Rgds

    John

  15. New engine has arrived at the OPC ready for collection by the specialist early next week.

    The RAC have offered to assist and have said they'd do some initial work with the photos I've sent to them to make sure they have the right level of expertise. Apparently one of their specialists is an ex-Porsche mechanic so I hope that will be an advantage. Porsche have also confirmed verbally that they will recognise and accept The RAC as a trusted report-provider. Whether they will take positive action on any resulting report will remain to be seen but at least it's a couple of steps further forward.

    Have a good weekend.

    Rgds

    John

    Keep us posted!

    Certainly will do. Would National Motor Club www.nmca.com be your equivalent to The RAC in the US?

    Rgds

    John

  16. Hi Lee,

    I ask the question because I believe the 2-year warranty is only parts, not labor as well. I'm considering extended warranty on mine before it hits the 125,000 mile limit: -

    1. Because if anything else major goes that EW would cover and I don't take it out, my finances would be blitzed.

    2. Going through the 111-point check I believe would help to endorse the work that the specialist is providing with engine install etc., and then Porsche couldn't come back and say "the work wasn't carried out by an OPC"etc.,etc., if there were to be any future claims on the engine.

    3. Peace of mind for another 12 months.

    Just my thoughts and not wanting to go through again what I've experienced since November. Plus with a courtesy car I wouldn't get the grief from my wife for borrowing her car for such along time (that's got to be worth the cost of EW itself!!! ):D

    Rgds

    John

  17. New engine has arrived at the OPC ready for collection by the specialist early next week.

    The RAC have offered to assist and have said they'd do some initial work with the photos I've sent to them to make sure they have the right level of expertise. Apparently one of their specialists is an ex-Porsche mechanic so I hope that will be an advantage. Porsche have also confirmed verbally that they will recognise and accept The RAC as a trusted report-provider. Whether they will take positive action on any resulting report will remain to be seen but at least it's a couple of steps further forward.

    Have a good weekend.

    Rgds

    John

  18. I just got my car back with my new (remanufactured) engine. :thumbup: Any suggestions on engine break-in other than the Porsche recommended guideline of keeping the RPMs under 4200 for 5000 miles?

    Lee

    So what was the ultimate resolution regarding Porsche covering or not covering your engine? How much did the whole engine replacement cost?

    Thanks for all the details. :clapping:

    It ended up costing $11,626, that’s after a 10% discount for being a PCA member. I didn’t receive any “goodwill assistance” from Porsche as of yet. It hasn’t been 15 days since my letter was received and I haven’t received any responses to my e-mails. It’s unlike that I will get any reimbursement from Porsche, they got their money, but I may luck out. :cheers:

    Lee,

    Good to see you've got your car back and the cost looks reasonable, about £5,890 at today's rate compared to my £7,326 ($14,459) excluding labor & ancilliaries. :clapping: :clapping: :thumbup: :cheers:

    I just put an update on my topic.

    Enjoy you new engine, 2 years' warranty and peace of mind. Are you taking out extended warranty as well?

    Best regards

    John

  19. John,

    You may be interested in this TSB

    http://www.renntech.org/forums/index.php?a...load&id=152

    Hi Lee,

    Just sent my donation.

    I also spoke to The RAC http://www.rac.co.uk/ a motoring organisation in the UK, today. They say they can act in an arbitration capacity (as long as Porsche are willing) and would inspect the faulty part and provide a report for a very reasonable fee.

    The old engine's almost re-assembled now ready for exchange, so if I go that route I'd have to rely on Porsche or the dealership allowing the inspector access to the engine subject to some disassembly again. I can see Porsche wanting to charge for doing that. Otherwise I can ask if they would do a report based on the numerous photos I've taken during the whole process.

    I wish I'd found this service earlier as I don't want to get the specialist to stop what he's doing and inconvenience him by asking him to break it down to the crank cradle again.

    Anyway it's useful to know that this option exists for other Renntech members in the UK. Do you have the same option in the US?

    How are things progressing with your situation? I'll log on to your topic when I've sent this.

    I'll let you know how things go with this approach.

    Best regards

    John

  20. John,

    How long did it take for them to response to your letter? Did they call you, e-mail you or send you a reply in writing? I’m just trying to figure out when I should expect them to respond to mine.

    Thanks for your assistance.

    Lee

    Hi Lee,

    I sent the letter and photos by e-mail and 'phoned them within 20 minutes of doing that to ensure they had received it. We discussed the letter contents and their answer was given in that call i.e we're not changing our original decision.

    Thanks also for the TSB link. I need to be a contributing member to view this so its a good motivator to contribute.

    I priced up some specialist Engineering consultancy in the UK about £200 per day. I think at that cost and if I need to go legal after, I probably would end up spending more than I'd get back if any case was successful.

    I guess I'll be comforted in the fact that the faulty part was discovered (it may not have been under extended warranty if the mis-fire fix didn't need the engine dismantling) and that it might have led to a more catastrophic and more costly failure at some later date.

    Rgds

    John

  21. I sent a lengthy letter and 13 other supporting photos showing the grind marks in close-up and more detail and a further imperfection in the bearing support metal to Customer Assistance (now there's an oxymoron if ever I heard one!!!) in Reading today. I quoted the Sale of Goods Act 1979 and stated that the marks on the crank cradle could only have been done at the point of manufacture or assembly and certainly before the car's normal lifetime began. I also pointed out that only areas that had cracks in showed signs of grinding. Hence the part in question was and still is, not "fit for purpose".

    The photos I included clearly show ancilliary marks left by a grinding tool on the curved parts of the crank cradle section involved. (Example attached).

    Their attitiude was that's just your opinion, prove it and we're not changing our decision. They invited me to get an independent inspection done if I wanted to pursue the matter but there would be no guarantee that they would change their decision.

    They suggested I contact the Institute of Automotive Engineering Assessors www.iaea.uk.com for an independent assessment. The assessor I eventually talked to said that I'd be better off contacting the Institution of Mechanical Engineering as my situation was more metallurgy based than the situations the IAEA advise on.

    I was also advised by Dave Griffiths that his contact in Stuttgart's experience was that sending any complaint direct to the Engineering or QA departments would probably be unproductive.

    It makes me think a direct approach to Dr. Wiedeking might be worth trying!!! Who knows??

    Rgds

    John

    post-15363-1168985035_thumb.jpg

    post-15363-1168985085_thumb.jpg

    post-15363-1168985234_thumb.jpg

×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.