Introduction, and 930 discovery!

[Blue S2]

Hello everyone! This is my first post, so i would like to introduce myself. I am a regular on Rennlist and pretty active with my local PCA region. I have a 1991 944 S2 and love everything about these cars.

Ok, basically this has been on the back burner for a while, but i am really considering stepping up to this, and i would like some advice.

I know of a 1988 930 Cab. that is basically in need. I know the owner well, and i am looking to aquire the car as a long term restoration. It has 22,000 miles original miles.

Problem... it has not moved in over 10 years. The car was 100% perfect prior to storage. The owner had other toys and this one just kinda forgetten. (yeah yeah, i ask the same question, HOW!?!?!?!?!?!)

What would i be looking at to get this thing on the street. I assume its frozen up, but not sure. The owner just recently for kicks tried to fire it up. Lights turned on, etc.., and the started made noise, but no firing. (i wouldnt expect it) My mechanic told me to try turning the fan manually next time i visit the car.

I ordered the 911 rebuild book. Basically i want to get this car back to street. I am not really looking for massive performance. Stock would even be fine. I love these cars for more than just power. Since the car has such low miles, would the rebuild cost less in parts? What should i expect. Any thoughts on a car like this? I have a little mechanical skill, backyard stuff. I am not an idiot though, and i am technically pretty bright. I have access to the tools as well since i am good friends with good Porsche mechanic in the area.

Any suggestions, good beginning guidance, etc... ? I am not very familiar with the air-cooled engines since im coming from a BMW 633 and a 944 S2. (and yes, i have been reading through the archives here...)

[Wayne 962]

Unless the car was left outside rusting, the insides should in general be okay. There are a bunch of topics in the BBS on this - you might want to do a search. I wouldn't be thinking rebuid - just a refreshening...

-Wayne

[Blue S2]

Ok, lets add a twist to this... The car WAS outside. It was well covered and protected from the elements as much as possible though. It still "looks" good. I havent gotten underneath it yet.

What happens if the car IS outside like that, but protected. How much could this effect my situation?

[Tim Walsh]

hmm.. 10 years is a long time.. search the BBS and you'll find alot but one thing.. after 10 years I'll bet you've got varnish for fuel.

[ChrisBennet]

Mice have probably gotten into the car by now. Look for the signs. Insulation blowing out the vents when you turn the fans on is a big tipoff.
Dogs may love trucks but Mice love Porsches.
-Chris

[SRISER]

I would pull the fuel injection relay, drain the fuel and just try and turn the motor over. Refill the fuel tank. Put relay back in. Drain the oil and refill. I would also pull the fan housing and see if any critters are guests and get those out. Check the spark plug wire connections and make sure they have not corroded. Check major grounds. Check all of the fuse connections in the trunk.

Mechanically, this car should turn over. Sitting outside for so long the challenges may be electrical. The fuel and oil are probably trash and you don't want to run this car with either in that condition.

[Blue S2]

Can some one tell exactly how to turn the engine over manually. Ive had the process described a while back, but i just want to be sure.

[ChrisBennet]

Originally posted by Blue S2
Can some one tell exactly how to turn the engine over manually. Ive had the process described a while back, but i just want to be sure.

Put a wrench on the fan pully nut and add tension to the belt with you fingers to keep it from slipping.
-Chris

[SRISER]

...and clockwise only...

[Blue S2]

AH! Tension on the belt! Thats what i was forgetting! Ok great. I recieved my engine rebuild book and have been totally reading. HAHA, i even got an OK if i wanted to rearrange a corner in the basement and bring it inside! (we have easy outside access to the basement)

Reading this more or less, i cant wait to get this car up and see whats really going on. If the pistons are frozen in place, what can be done? Replace them, or can they be reconditioned?

Oh, what should i be expecting in terms of transmission on a car this old that has sat? Would that need a rebuild, or just reoiling everything?

And if the clutch and flywheel are stuck together...is there a special way of freeing them up to be reusable?

[SRISER]

Pistons shouldn't be frozen. I think that if you can get the car out of gear then the clutch disk is not stuck to the pressure plate...unless the fork is broken. Speaking of tranny's, you may want to drain and refill that one too. Most of your mechanical issues will probably be related to dried up seals. That motor may leak like mad...but it is all fixable.

[Blue S2]

Yeah, I plan to do a full restoration if this ends up working out in my favor. I will keep everyone up to date.

[john walker's workshop]

it will probably have frozen injectors. replace them all, along with the fuel filter, drain all the old gas if there was any, and see if it runs.

[Wayne 962]

The long block will probably be in okay condition, providing not a lot of moisture ended up in there. Do what John says. Replace everything that looks dirty or worn on the top of the engine but leave the long block alone. Then start it up and see how it runs. Give it at least 500 miles on fresh gas and oil before deciding what to do...

-Wayne

[Blue S2]

Ok, so i should go ahead and try to get it running. Im sure i will have to do a rebuild anyways for all the seals, but i should just run it a little and see what happens? (gently i assume) I will probably need brakes and rotors off the back too. Is there anything else i would probably need. (aside battery, etc...)

[Blue S2]

Ok guys, here is a fun pic from the last time the car was checked on! (recently) I will take more pics of greater detail next time i swing by. (yes, the car is a lot more protected than the picture shows!)