Originally Posted By: jhs914
Would an oil analysis report alert you to an impending IMS failure in a 996? This model year falls into the range for known IMS failures.
I have yet to see first-hand any evidence of a failing IMS showing up in a UOA, but I haven't ruled it out. However, I have noticed an audible difference in the IMS from engine to engine. Using a stethoscope and probing around the base of the lower/forward case bolt with the engine running yields discernible differences. One in particular that made no noticeable sounds while standing outside the vehicle had a nasty, irregular, rhythmic pattern to it when probed with a stethoscope. Our suspicions materialized when we removed the IMS during a clutch install.