[Grady Clay]

Buck,

The answer is: “Probably everything is OK.”
The operative word there is ‘Probably’.

These engines can get very expensive if something fails. I consider it imperative to change the ‘probably’ to ‘for sure’ the best reasonable. You do this by careful inspection. When you have the engine apart, there becomes no question for me – I would inspect everything.

If the engine was known in good condition and reasonable mileage, you might make the decision to change the rod bearings, nuts and bolts through the case and then make the decision to split the case (or not) based on the rod bearing condition.

Items like the main bearing shells I replace every time the case is split. The #8 bearing is the exception. If the clearance measures good and there is no visual damage, I almost always reuse that part. It is common for all the main bearings to look perfect. It is also common for the copper to show slightly on the jackshaft bearing shells.

Most professionals never reuse a bearing shell that has been ‘crushed’ and certainly not one with 160K. On the other hand, with good maintenance and left undisturbed, many will function properly for ¼ million miles and more.

I suspect you can have proper inspection of the crank and rods done locally. The case needs a very experienced Porsche person. With the bearings in the condition you observe, I would reasonably assume the case is OK.

Why is the engine apart? What is its intended use?


I’m a pretty cautious sort. I don’t like to break Porsche parts. Others may accept more risk.

Best,
Grady