I think my engine is cooked - well done.

[sadseattleboxster]

2001 Boxster S manual with ~136k miles. Previous owner claimed to have replaced the IMS bearing...

 

Been hearing a knocking/tapping sound that I was hoping was a noisy lifter. The car has been driving fine with no noticeable issues.

So I poked around trying to find where the sound is coming from and it appears to be the passenger side.

 

I checked the spark plugs for tightness, and they all seem tight with no signs of leaking gasses.

I drained the oil today and found sparkles, so I'm guessing it's likely a rod bearing causing the knock? 

The oil (if I remember) was Pentosin High Performance II synthetic 5w-40 and was changed ~2k miles ago tops.

Aren't the 3.2L engines not generally known for cylinder scoring?

 

Pics with video.

The oil shown came out of the oil filter - the car has an adapter to use a standard spin on filter versus the cartridge type.

Any expert opinions out there..?

wat do next?

 

Thanks

Video

Boxster Woes - Google Photos

PHOTOS.APP.GOO.GL

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New item · Album by Scott Seward

 

Edited May 3, 2023 by sadseattleboxster

[JFP in PA]

Rather than see the oil, I would like to see the sediment at the bottom; if it is metallic and ferrous (picked up by a magnet), you have a serious problem.  Another place to look is to drain the engine oil and then pull the sump cover as it would collect such debris.

[sadseattleboxster]

To be clear, you recommend removing the whole pan or only the bottom plate..?

 

From what I understand (which is minimal) the oil pan/sump is 2 (or more?) pieces. The deep metal pan has a flat floor plate and they can be separated...?

 

Maybe I'm wrong there

Edited May 3, 2023 by sadseattleboxster

[JFP in PA]

3 hours ago, sadseattleboxster said:

To be clear, you recommend removing the whole pan or only the bottom plate..?

 

From what I understand (which is minimal) the oil pan/sump is 2 (or more?) pieces. The deep metal pan has a flat floor plate and they can be separated...?

 

Maybe I'm wrong there

 

 

 

The sump cover is a relatively flat plate held in place by bolts around its parimeter.......................

[sadseattleboxster]

Not as much material as I expected...

 

Looks like chain tensioner pad material (brownish plastic) and something ferrous. 

 

I dragged the magnet through some of the oil in the bottom of the plate and saw it collect some fine particles.

[JFP in PA]

There isn't the kind of debris I would expect from a serious failure, but that rather large ferrous item bothers me, from your photos I cannot say what it might be, but I can say it should not be there................