Porsche Enthusiasts Club Forum

capricorn will nikasil coat yours bores ,they take out the scratchs before the plating process starts its not as expensive as you think ,but the engine block needs quite a bit of prep work ,it needs to be spotlessly cleaned ,also all studs ,bolts everything ferrous needs to be removed ,but when compared to buying a secondhand engine for say 800quid then finding thats also got scored bores ,you might as well go the hole hog and repair your own engine

I'm having my engine stripped down soon and I suspect its failed due to a big end bearings gone but they usually also score the bore ,

Hi Chris,

Mine is going into the garage next Monday (7th), so I should know what the problem is later that week. I'm of the same opinion as you in that I'd rather have my engine repaired than replaced, because you never really know what you're getting unless you take it apart, and if you're going to do that you might as well fix the one you have.

I have been offered a couple of engines, but they were around £2K, so I've politely declined them for now.

I'm hoping it's just the piston rings, but I'm never that lucky, so it's likely to be a re-coat, new pistons, rings, etc.

I'll let everyone know how it goes.

All the best,

RDO

keep us informed of happens ,this information is usefull for all

Sorry to hear this is still going on, will keep my fingers crossed for you, keep us updated on here!

Quick update.

After stripping the engine down, examining the bores and checking the bore and piston sizes, the conclusion is the problem was caused by worn piston rings.







All being well I'll get the car back some time next week.

All the best,

RDO

well all looks well there !

Quick update.

I now have the car back, having had the piston rings replaced.

I've been told to keep the revs down for the next 1500 miles and warm the engine up a bit before going out.

I'll monitor the situation, but hopefully everything is back to normal.

The engine does seem quieter and more balanced at idle.

When I bought the car 2 yrs ago the service history revealed head gasket replaced and head skimmed. I didn't notice the noise for a while but gradually a piston slap type noise got worse. On bore inspection 3 cylinders were scored, one badly. Loads of oil smoke when revved but consumption about 1 litre per 500. The most economical solution was a replacement engine. As Jon said they don't like getting hot and water circulation is not ideal especially at the back of the block.
Luckily I found a 70k replacement with good history and decent bores but still hurt my wallet.

Hi Endoman,

I did consider a new engine, but wanted to keep the original if possible. Luckily for me everything was in good order, bar the piston rings. Unfortunately the labour is the real killer because there is so much worked involved. If you can do it yourself then things aren't so bad, but I don't fall into that category.

With the exception of the crank I think I've had the whole engine apart now; replaced both cams; the water pump; had the head welded and lightly skimmed; had valves reground and reseated; new valve stem seals; big end bearing shells; chains; tensioners. It should be good for another 140K miles now.

Christmas has been cancelled a couple of times as a result of this car, but my family is understanding.

Great to hear you got there in the end!

Thank Jon