[dbkaber]

Dear Pelican BBS Boxster enthusiasts - I have a 2000 Boxster S with ~70K miles. I drive it about 7.5K miles each year for commuting to work. Recently, the car developed a ringing noise in the engine compartment upon cold start (like a fly wheel contacting another piece of metal at high speed) and emitting huge plumes of white smoke. I took it to a local shop I have used for several years and they informed me that the PCV system seals had failed. They said pressure developed in the engine forcing oil through and out the exhaust. The technician said that the smoke was white because the oil was condensed with water vapor in the engine. The PCV system needs to be replaced and the cost estimate was $1500, primarily due to 10 hrs. of labor. The shop also said that the mass O2 sensors may have been damaged by the oil and that a new catalytic convertor might also be needed. The ringing noise went unexplained. I should note that all this occurred after the same shop did a replacement of the motor and tranny mounts for me at a cost of ~$700. I am posting this message to see if any one else has experienced a similar problem with PCV seal failure and oil pressure issues. I am also interested to know if the time estimate for the system replacement is reasonable. The shop informed me that the car would need to go through several drive cycles after the PCV repair in order to determine if the mass O2 sensors were throwing readings. Thanks to all for any input./Dave Kaber