Question on Boxster Common Engine Failures

I started my automatic 986 1998 fine after 2 weeks vacation and drove to work 40km. When I hit the brakes to reverse park the engine rev dropped and engine stalled. Couple of more times starting and stalling it didnt start again. I called towing service but when they came car started fine and I took a ride around. In the evening when it started again but engine stalled the same way in the traffic. I waited and started after a while and temperature got over 100C driving at around 90km/h for 10 minutes. Now my mechanic says they see water in the oil compartment and cooling water is dissapearing after a while. There is also a lot of white smoke coming when they start the car. Burned smell from oil tank as well. They are suspicious that the engine gasqet is burned and offering an overhaul of the engine.Is it reasonable to do? What would you suggest? Thanks

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[Nick at Pelican Parts]

White smoke is likely coolant. I would pressure test the cooling system. If the system will not hold pressure and there are no external leaks the head gasket may be faulty.


- Nick

[tonythetarga]

These intermix (oil & coolant) are common causes of engine failure due to cracked heads. You need to drain that out before it turns to thick sludge that will require a complete cooling system refresh. (if the engine can be saved)
I bought a 996 with an intermix that sat for a while and every hose, including the hard pipes, had to be replaced. The rads were chemical cleaned and reused.
Sorry but this sounds like an engine failure. I hope, for your sake, it isn't.

[BYprodriver]

Yes as Tony said you need to flush your entire cooling system with filtered water to get rid of all the oil residue. These engines Never have head gasket failures so once you flush all the oil out, do the pressure test to see if you can find the leak. Could be a cracked cylinder!

[jesiv]

I had this happen. It was a cracked head from a failed water pump ...