2002 Boxster Engine Overhaul

[dkellis]

I recently acquired a 2002 Boxster S that has been sitting in the Nevada desert for the last 6 years (with a rear window torn wide open, no less). The seller told me the last time he drove it, the engine ran for a few minutes then flooded due to a stuck intake valve.

I've finally got most of the dirt and grime out of the car's interior, and am now ready to turn my attention to the engine. My questions are:

1. Is there any way to confirm that the problem is a stuck intake valve before taking apart the engine? The car currently has no battery and while I could replenish all the fluids, put some gas in the tank, attach it to another vehicle's battery with jumper cables, and try to start the engine, I don't want to cause any further damage to the engine than it has already sustained. (Nor am I excited about then removing all of those fresh fluids in order to remove the engine and fix whatever needs to be fixed.)

2. Is there anything I can do to try to fix a stuck intake valve that doesn't involve removing/disassembling the engine?

3. Assuming the answer to number 2 is no, what should I plan to replace while I have the engine out and at least partially disassembled? The drive belt is just starting to crack so I'll replace that, and I'll check the IMS bearing. I'll look at the spark plugs too. Anything else?

Many thanks!

[CarGuyNeil]

Timing chain guides, water pump, pulleys, plugs, coil packs...

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[3Boxsters]

Probably more serious than you think. Given that it's an interference engine a valve stuck open would not be good. You should take out the plugs (check the plugs for unusual wear, carbon, etc.) and rotate the engine a few times. Assuming that it rotates without any noises (like a dropped valve). You can do a leak down test on each cylinder and listen for escaping air from the intake, exhaust, or somewhere else. You'll need a air compressor and tester. Auto zone loans the testers for free. That should help you narrow things down a bit.

[dkellis]

Thanks all!