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Porsche Talk - When do you not repair your 996?

Porsche Talk - When do you not repair your 996?

Porsche Talk Radio Show Oct 08, 2025 66 min
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About this episode

A lively discussion unfolds as hosts Hajmal and Mark delve into the challenges of owning a Porsche 996, particularly regarding repair decisions and costs. They share personal anecdotes about their cars, including Hajmal's ongoing issues with coolant and oil mixing, and the emotional attachment to their vehicles. The conversation also touches on the state of the automotive industry, especially the shift towards electric vehicles and the implications for traditional combustion models. With humor and camaraderie, they explore the complexities of car ownership, maintenance, and the evolving market landscape.

Technical Too Afraid to Ask
Term

coolant

"...the coolant and the oil have mixed into the coolant not in the engine. So he's I said to I went to see him..."

Coolant is a special liquid that helps keep a car's engine from getting too hot. It moves heat away from the engine and helps keep everything running smoothly.

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Term

oil

"...the coolant and the oil have mixed into the coolant not in the engine. So he's I said to I went to see him..."

Oil is a liquid that helps keep the engine parts moving smoothly and prevents them from wearing out. It's important for keeping the engine healthy.

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Porsche 912
Calreyn88 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Porsche 912

"...on the 912, I managed to fit the find the rubber and fix the horn that was going off randomly. So that's fixed. Good. And and other than that,..."

The Porsche 912 is a classic car that looks a lot like the more famous Porsche 911 but is generally less expensive and has a smaller engine. It was made in the late 1960s and is popular among collectors.

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Porsche 356
Berthold Werner (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Car

Porsche 356

"...But I'll start with the 356. I don't know about me. I mentioned, I mentioned in the previous episode that I got the six volt alternator that looks like a dyne..."

The Porsche 356 is one of the earliest cars made by Porsche, produced from the late 1940s to the mid-1960s. It's known for being lightweight and fun to drive, and many people love it for its classic style.

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Part

six volt alternator

"...I mentioned in the previous episode that I got the six volt alternator that looks like a dyne..."

A six volt alternator is a part of the car that helps generate electricity to power things like the lights and radio. Older cars often use six volt systems instead of the more common twelve volt systems found in most modern cars.

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Part

six volt regulator

"...I've left the six volt regulator on the wall on the firewall of the of the engine bay. So it all looks relatively straightforward with stock..."

A six volt regulator helps keep the electrical system in your car stable by making sure everything gets the right amount of electricity. It's important for parts that run on six volts to work correctly.

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Part

iridium spark plugs

"...I've mucked around and with spark plugs a bit lately and I'm on the bandwagon of iridium spark plugs because of your lack of enthusiasm to fail compared to the couple..."

Iridium spark plugs are a special kind of spark plug that last longer and work better than regular ones. They help your engine run smoothly by igniting the fuel more efficiently.

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Part

spark plug socket

"...the rubber of the on the inside of the socket was worn because it's an old spark plug socket. That's why I'm buying another one..."

A spark plug socket is a tool used to take out or put in spark plugs in a car's engine. It has a special design to hold the spark plug tightly so it doesn't get damaged.

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Volkswagen Beetle
Palauenc05 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Volkswagen Beetle

"...if you're looking at an exhaust for a beetle, for example, here we..."

The Volkswagen Beetle is a very recognizable car that has a unique round shape. It was popular for many decades and is often seen as a symbol of the 1960s.

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Company

Dansk

"I've got a dance sports exhaust on my 356 now, which is what dance brought out for the, you know, for people that fettled their 356s."

Dansk is a company that makes exhaust systems for older Porsche cars like the 356. They help improve how the car sounds and performs.

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Term

air-cooled engine

"the chatter of an air cooled engine. Yep. The standard noise. But then I do let you know, I watch a lot of a lot of videos where people are repairing modifying their cars."

An air-cooled engine is a type of engine that cools itself using air instead of water. This makes it lighter and simpler, which is why some older cars use this design.

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Brand

Ferrari

"that company, so if it's a Ferrari Porsche or whatever, Lamborghini, they've"

Ferrari is a famous car brand from Italy that makes very fast and expensive sports cars. They're known for their racing history and stylish designs.

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Brand

Lamborghini

"that company, so if it's a Ferrari Porsche or whatever, Lamborghini, they've"

Lamborghini is a luxury car brand from Italy that makes very fast and flashy sports cars. They are known for their unique designs and powerful engines.

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Term

OEM

"...do you know what? I'm going to go OEM is on just on the very odd occasion, someone's got an exhaust and you go, oh, that's slightly OEM plus. Yeah, I'll take that. That's really nice."

OEM means the parts that come from the same company that made your car. They are the original parts used when the car was built.

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VW ID
Alexander-93 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

VW ID

"...if you buy a brand new, you go and buy a brand new car from a dealership. Let's say you bought a combustion engine, or no, an EV, VW ID,..."

The VW ID is a range of electric cars from Volkswagen that focus on being environmentally friendly while still providing a good driving experience.

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Part

downpipe

"...there's a downpipe, isn't there? Like this is another point after the head where they join, right? No. Oh, I might I don't know..."

A downpipe is a part of the car's exhaust system that helps take exhaust gases away from the engine. It's important for the car to run properly and efficiently.

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Term

exhaust

"...exhaust has to be, you know, not leaking preferably. Yeah, and I..."

The exhaust system helps get rid of bad gases from the engine and out of the car. It's important for making sure the car runs well and doesn't pollute too much.

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Part

back box

"...a bit of black soot. Yeah, okay. On a couple of the on on the back box, there's a little bit of black soot..."

The back box is part of the car's exhaust system that helps make the engine sound quieter. It's found at the back of the car and helps reduce pollution.

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Part

clamps

"...I'd have to get some new clamps because I think the clamp that it's gotten doesn't fit properly..."

Clamps are metal pieces that hold parts of the car together, like pipes in the exhaust system. They help keep everything secure and prevent leaks.

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Term

backfiring

"...people always talk about exhaust leaks causing backfiring, right? Most of the time that backfiring happens on our engines is back up through the carbs, not inside the back box..."

Backfiring is when a car makes a loud popping sound because fuel is igniting in the wrong place, like the exhaust or intake. It usually means there's something wrong with the engine's fuel or spark system.

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Term

carb tuning

"...could also be carb tuning causing that problem, right? Yeah, exactly. So it's it's a combination of things..."

Carb tuning is about adjusting how the engine mixes air and fuel to run better. If it's not set right, the engine can use too much fuel or not enough, which can cause problems.

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Porsche 911
David Villarreal Fernández (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Car

Porsche 911

"... not because that money won't get me into another 911. Yes, that's right. And it's not enough money for..."

The Porsche 911 is a famous sports car that looks cool and drives really fast. It's been around for a long time and is loved by many people because it's fun to drive and can be used every day.

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Part

timing chain guides

"...clutch, timing chain guides, anything that involves..."

Timing chain guides are parts that help keep the timing chain in place, which is important for making sure the engine runs smoothly and efficiently.

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Part

clutch

"...of course. clutch, timing chain guides, anything that involves..."

The clutch is what lets you change gears in a car with a manual transmission. It connects and disconnects the engine from the wheels so you can shift smoothly.

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Term

dropping the engine

"...anything that involves dropping the engine to do at some point in the next few..."

Dropping the engine means taking the engine out of the car, which is sometimes needed to fix big problems or replace parts.

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Term

drive like a new car

"...if you get the timing chain guides done, and the rest of the work, and you get a new clutch, he said it will drive like a new car."

When someone says a car will 'drive like a new car', it means that after fixing it, it will feel fresh and perform much better, similar to how a brand new car would feel.

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Term

lumpy idle

"And it's obviously it's had an awful idle ever since I've had it. Well, that's probably as a result of the timing change. Yeah, exactly. So it's always had a lumpy idle."

A lumpy idle means the engine shakes or runs unevenly when it's not moving. This can happen for several reasons, like problems with fuel or spark plugs.

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Term

IMS

"IMS done, it would have been done a long time ago, so that probably still needs replacing anyway, so that'll all be getting done at the same time, right?"

The IMS is a part of some Porsche engines that can break and cause serious problems. Many owners replace it to avoid expensive repairs later.

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Porsche Boxster
Alexander Migl (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Porsche Boxster

"So this last week, Porsche announced that the, they're reintroducing the internal combustion KN Boxster."

The Porsche Boxster is a two-seater sports car with a convertible top. It's designed for performance and fun driving, and it's part of Porsche's lineup of luxury sports cars.

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Porsche Cayman
Vauxford (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Porsche Cayman

"...troducing the internal combustion KN Boxster. The Cayman is the combustion, the Cayman Boxster. Yeah."

The Porsche Cayman is a sporty car that has its engine in the middle, which helps it handle really well on the road. It's a fun car to drive and is designed for people who enjoy a thrilling driving experience.

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Audi A3
Alexander-93 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Audi A3

"...it's that level of, you know, even with my diesel Audi A3 with 205,000 miles on the clock, and that when pe..."

The Audi A3 is a small luxury car that feels nice to drive and has a lot of modern features. It's known for lasting a long time, even if it has been driven a lot.

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Porsche Macan
Alexander Migl (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Porsche Macan

"...ew Cayman Boxer, right? It's going to be like the Macan has been a sales failure. The new electric one. T..."

The Porsche Macan is a small luxury SUV that drives really well and has a nice interior. It's aimed at people who want a stylish and fun-to-drive vehicle.

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Porsche Taycan
Alexander Migl (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Porsche Taycan

"... Yeah, look, of course it's going to be good. The Taycan is good. They're great. They're great cars, right..."

The Porsche Taycan is a new electric car that is very fast and fun to drive. It's part of Porsche's move towards making more electric vehicles and is popular among car enthusiasts.

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Porsche Panamera
Alexander Migl (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Porsche Panamera

"... face it, a Taycan isn't that much different to a Panamera. And they're comparably priced cars against each ..."

The Porsche Panamera is a fancy car that has four doors and is designed to be both fast and comfortable. It's a good choice for people who want a luxury car that still feels sporty.

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Audi Etron
Alexander Migl (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Audi Etron

"no, not as bad as your electric car, you're delusional. You go out and buy a new A8 and tell me it's not depreciating as fast as your e-tron. Those things are poisoned when it comes to depreciation. Ask any of your class owner. Yeah. Yeah. So those that I get, I get the big"

The Audi e-tron is a fancy electric SUV that is comfortable and has a lot of tech features. However, it tends to lose its value quickly, which is something to think about if you're buying one.

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Mercedes-Benz Eclass
Diego Delso (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Mercedes-Benz Eclass

"depreciation. Ask any of your class owner. Yeah. Yeah. So those that I get, I get the big but even because even the e-class Mercedes, they get hammered on depreciation. Oh, yeah, that's true. Look, as practical as sedans and estates or slash wagons slash"

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is a fancy car that is very comfortable and has a lot of cool features. People talk about it because it loses its value quickly, which can be important if you're thinking about buying one.

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Porsche Cayenne
Alexander-93 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Porsche Cayenne

"...ou know, one of the new Volvos or a Mercedes or a Cayenne or something. You can't see around it, can you? Y..."

The Porsche Cayenne is a high-end SUV that drives like a sports car. It's great for people who want a big car that still feels fun to drive.

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Lancia Delta
Matti Blume (CC BY-SA)
Car

Lancia Delta

"...RC, and it looks like a modern take of the Lancia Delta Integrale, but I'm telling you, this is an exciti..."

The Lancia Delta is a small car that was really popular in racing back in the day. It's known for its cool looks and fun driving experience, making it a favorite among car fans.

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Toyota GR Corolla
TTTNIS (CC0)
Car

Toyota GR Corolla

"...ine. This car could genuinely compete against the GR Corolla slash Yaris and the Golf GTI slash Golf R in the ..."

The Toyota GR Corolla is a sportier version of the regular Corolla, made for people who love to drive fast. It has a powerful engine and special features that make it fun on the road.

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Toyota Camry
S5A-0043 (CC BY 2.0)
Car

Toyota Camry

"... the States, NASCAR, those cars are shaped like a Camry, but I've seen Camry's in the US. They don't soun..."

The Toyota Camry is a popular car that is known for being dependable and easy to drive. Many people like it because it's comfortable and doesn't use too much gas.

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16 cars featured

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