[Dr K]

...unless the neighbor saw it unloaded from a flatbed in front of Otto's house

[Hunter]

Um, good point........

[N0tt0N]

Otto, let me know how much they charge you for a "clutch adjustment" on a Boxster. May be my next business venture now that Barnum & Bailey is shutting down.

[DaveInMD]

I highly recommend you don't fix the IMS bearing. It's likely better than the one they'll put in. It's a 2006 so it should have the updated one anyway.

Yes, experience...

[N0tt0N]

Also, M97 requires you open the case to replace the IMS bearing so not an out-patient process.

Good way to find out if your shop knows Porsche. "If I drop my 2006 9X7 off for the afternoon how much will you charge me for a clutch adjustment and an IMS change?"

[Otto]

well

the engine seems to run fine

no noise change that i have detected so far

on start, and fast idle, there was a markedly different vibration

i let it run a bit to warm up

the vibration seemed to be less when i revved it up a bit

i only tried 1st, then reverse, then 2nd - no joy - then i shut it off

[N0tt0N]

Otto, try this quick rule-out. Make sure the A/C is off and try again with the start up routine. Probably not it but worth eliminating the A/C pump drag.

NM, I forgot it was a transmission issue since you can't get it in gear...

1. Check the brake fluid reservoir level. Is it where you last saw it? The clutch is hydraulic, hence my adjustment comment. Is there a puddle under the car you didn't put there?
2. Does the shifter move freely? Is it easier or harder to shift than normal. There are cables going to the transmission that are known the pop-off at the transmission end. Maybe it was stuck in an awkward spot. Can you hear the 'cachunk' of the transmission going into gear when you shift into each position?

[RV4Flyer]

If it will not go into gear one of the shift cables may have broken. A common problem on Boxsters and Caymans. If that's the case replace them with Numeric cables.

[BillC]

Originally Posted by N0tt0N

Also, M97 requires you open the case to replace the IMS bearing so not an out-patient process.

The 3.2L engine in the 2006 Boxster S was the last year/use of the M96 engine. The 2006 Cayman S got the 3.4L M97 engine, which the Boxster didn't get until the 2007 model year.

So, if Otto needed a new IMS, it can still be done on his car without splitting the case. However, as mentioned above, I wouldn't go for a new IMS bearing unless you are starting to see warning signs (noise, metal in the oil filter, bad cam deviation numbers, etc.).

[Otto]

man, all kinds of good stuff - thanks for the pointers

so, the durametric can show cam deviation which is an indicator of an ims failure near?

i will check several of these other things as well tonight