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such a failure, prevention and early detection are some of the steps that can be taken to try to minimize the risk of a costly engine failure. So what can be done to minimize the likelihood of an IMS failure? Although a greatly debated subject, most experts agree that more frequent oil changes every 6 months or 5,000 miles is a good first step. Secondly, actually driving your Porsche more often avoiding higher gears to keep the revs above 2500-3000 is another good step to take to improve the life of the ball bearing in the intermediate shaft. Although there is limited data, the general trend is that lower mileage vehicles with infrequent oil changes or driven light-footed (as in run at low speed/engine rpms) are most likely to suffer a failure. Along with more frequent oil changes, the addition of a magnetic drain plug coupled with close inspection of the oil filter and magnet at these shorter intervals may help owners identify a failure in its early stages, but later models using the single row baring can fail with little warning. Flat 6 Innovations offers their IMS Guardian, which is an early warning system designed to monitor the engine for ferrous debris and identify a possible failure between oil changes, providing owners with additional feedback about the bearing. When inspecting the filter and magnetic drain plug (or IMS Guardian), ferromagnetic debris from the intermediate shaft bearing can be identified easily, appearing like silver glitter. Larger debris than this is indicative of a complete failure. From 1997 to 1999, Porsche used a dual row intermediate shaft bearing which has proven to be as robust as the larger single row used from 2006 through 2008 model years. Starting in 2000, Porsche began phasing out the dual row bearing and went to a smaller single row, with significantly less load capacity. From 2002 through 2005, all engines used this smaller intermediate shaft bearing until they went to the larger, third revision for the 2006 model year, which increased the load capacity back to what the original dual row bearing could support. The larger model year 2006 and later bearing also increased the diameter, which increased the bearing and ball speed, further improving the bearing. However this change has not been enough to resolve the IMS failure issues. Several builders have been proactively removing the grease seals off the factory intermediate shaft bearings for years to better improve their lubrication and cooling, as is the case with model year 2006 through 2008 engines, as that’s the only preventative measure that can be taken that is cost effective as the other option is to tear down the engine completely to access the intermediate shaft. With model year 1997 through 2005 engines however, the bearing is indeed accessible. Since 2008, LN Engineering has been offering its IMS Retrofit, co-developed with Flat 6 Innovations, allowing for preventative maintenance of the intermediate shaft bearing. Prior to this, the only way to service the IMS bearing using Porsche parts was to disassemble the engine to replace the intermediate shaft with a new one from Porsche. The IMS Retrofit is intended to be installed as a pro-active measure in preventative maintenance. LN Engineering’s IMS Retrofit addresses the problem by replacing the original bearing with a far superior ceramic hybrid bearing, comprised of conventional races utilizing sintered, silicon nitride balls, impervious to wear. This results in a bearing life up to five times longer than conventional ball bearings and is coupled with a stronger intermediate shaft flange and bearing support. Furthermore, the supplied bearing is an open bearing, lacking grease seals, and utilizes the engine oil for cooling and lubrication. Once an engine has suffered a failure, replacement of the intermediate shaft bearing is no longer an option. Installing an IMS Retrofit in an engine that has already suffered a failure will result in a subsequent failure due to collateral damage, including but not limited to debris contaminating the new bearing. What can be done to check for a failing bearing? Bare minimum, you need to add a magnetic drain plug. This makes for easy inspection for IMS debris. Also, when doing an oil change, check the filter for any debris whatsoever. Same with the magnetic drain plug. Any sparkly metallic (magnetic) debris means you are at serious risk for IMS failure. Remember, not driving your car or worst yet, not driving it like Porsche intended can make the problem worse. For some, choosing to roll the dice and hope they do not experience a failure is the right thing to do. Odds are in your favor that you’ll never experience a failure. That is little consolation for those having experienced a failure out of warranty without the benefit of goodwill from the manufacturer. Others choose to purchase extended warranties or have some sort of preventative or proactive maintenance done to protect their investment. Lastly, some choose to sell their Porsche, which certainly we think is an over-reaction, but first and foremost, owners should continue to drive and enjoy their cars and not let fear dictate their actions or inactions. Being informed and aware is the first step to happy Porsche ownership. 1957 - 2012 ~~~ Celebrating 55 years 30 October 2012 www. pca-chicago.org
��PERFECT POWER GIAC Tuning Audi, BMW, Mercedes Benz, Mini, Porsche service & tuning Potent GIAC flashes available for your Audi, BMW, MB, Mini Cooper and, of course, Porsche. The GIAC software produces huge torque and power gains on the turbo charged models, especially with the correct hardware. Call us regarding chassis set up and data acquisition systems for your track cars. We can do all of your normal maintenance as well. Visit our website. Perfect Power. 1009 Commerce Court. Buffalo Grove, IL 60089. Phone: 847.465.8837. Email: perfectpower@sbcglobal.net. Website: www.perfectpowerinc.com •CUSTOM •CU STRIPE KITS •UNIQUE DIGITAL GRAPHICS •TEMP / PERMANENT NUMBERS 1957 - 2012 ~~~ Celebrating 55 years 31 October 2012 www. pca-chicago.org
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