Ims question

[D.jameson7]

Hey there,
I'm a new 911 996 owner. I brought my car into a small independent shop who works on European cars cause I had a small oil leak which I suspected to be the ims.
Turns out it was and so I told the mechanic to proceed with replacing it with a ceramic ln version.
He called today and told me he thinks the engine may have been replaced or rebuilt as he cannot remove the ims. He said that he thinks he may have to split the engine to remove it. Is this correct? Can this happen, like would a replacement engine or rebuilt one have an ims part that would require splitting the engine in half?

I appreciate any help or incite!
Derrick

[D.jameson7]

I have 1999 carrera 4 tiptronic.

[tonythetarga]

The answer is yes. If the factory replaced the engine under warranty it’s very likely that you have the non-serviceable IMS bearing. Check the engine number. If it has an A in the series, then it is a factory replacement engine with the next generation IMS, which is the same as the 997 style cases.
While you’re there and looking at it, just have him peel off the rubber seal so that oil can get to the bearing. Put it back together. Drive it. Enjoy it. And change your oil frequently.

[D.jameson7]

So I shouldn't be worried about the oil leak then if it is that series? Like should I replace the ims or it may not be a problem if it's that series?
Thanks for the reply Tony!

Derrick

[tonythetarga]

To replace the IMS in that engine your looking at 10-15k. Is that what you want? The leak is coming either from the rear main seal, which you should replace anyway, or the access door seal for the IMS. the bearing isn’t the cause of the leak, the seals are.

[D.jameson7]

Thanks! Here is a pic of my engine number and the ims presently in there!
I am taking your advice Tony and just gonna close her up with new seals.

[JFP in PA]

It is a replacement engine with the oversize IMS bearing that cannot be removed without totally disassembling the engine.

Before installing the new flange seals, use a small pick and remove the IMS bearing seal facing towards the flywheel so it can lubricate properly, and then put it back together. We have been doing this with customer's cars for years and have never had one of these bearings fail on us because the oil mist inside the engine housing continuously cools and lubricates the bearing.