2002 996 lifter problem, only 12k miles?

[larrydodd]

Good morning, folks. After a week of inability to diagnose the problem, the only local dealer says a misfire in cyl 6 is caused by a faulty lifter & propose a $4K solution, $900 of which is parts that the factory may or may not cover. That diagnostic delay makes me wary, as does the recent history. The check engine light came on 2 months ago, I took it in, and the dealer claimed it needed coils and plugs ($900) which I paid for. Less than 250 miles later, the check engine light comes on, I take it in, and after the puzzling delay, this is what they now claim. I just don't have confidence that they were correct the first time, nor this time.

I saw in a British group discussion that somebody had a similar problem, and an oil flush unstuck a lifter, but no further details. Anybody know/heard/ willing to chance a guess? Any suggestions as to how to get the dealer to stand behind this latest diagnosis? Thanks in advance for any help at all. Larry Dodd, Baton Rouge, Louisiana

[larrydodd]

Hmmm.....Well, nobody knows nothing? I sure don't. I guess the message from here is don't hold back with your 996. Drive it plenty, and that way, maybe that lifter problem will show up while it's still in warranty. It was a second car for me, and I think I really made a mistake letting it sit so much. You can bet I am going to drive it a lot during the coming weeks, if for no other reason than to see if the local dealer bozos have correctly diagnosed the problem, or if I am just going to be back in there again in a few miles, with the check engine light back on.

Incidentally, when I tried to get more information as to how they reached their decision; i.e., how they knew it wasn't just a flywheel sensor, vacuum leak, just needed an oil flush (all a LOT less expensive), they advised that they had taken both valve covers off and watched the lifters, so they knew that this one (#6) wasn't closing as it should.

Wish me luck.

Larry Dodd
2002 C4S white
1987 Turbo-look Cab white (conversion, regrettably)
2004 Cayenne S, sort of off-white

[Aerkuld]

I have heard a couple of people claiming to have a sticking lifter actuator after using 15W-50 Mobil 1 which is too thick when compared to the factory specification. Whether this was coincidence or not is not clear, but it can't hurt doing an oil change and refilling with the correct 0W-40 weight oil and see if the problem cures itself.
If not it might be worth taking it to an independent garage or another dealer to seek a second opinion. Maybe an independent may be able to fix the lifter instead of replacing it?
Sorry I didn't see this yesterday!