'87 c targa needing top end?
 

Please go slowly with me as this is my first post and first porsche, and I am sorry for not knowing all the lingo, but I am trying hard to not be ignorant.
I just bought this targa with 106k (8K dollars) and was told in the PPI that it needed a top end rebuild, as 4 of 6 cylinders had significant oil consumption, however, the car peformed well according to the unamed mechanic. The car otherwise was in very good shape, but now I have to decide what to do. The mechanic stated that as long as I kept if full of oil and new plugs, that it wouldn't hurt the car to be driven, but I don't have a clue. What would you motor guru's do?
My email is llcooljwt@hotmail.com if any of you might need it. Thanks for being there, all of you.

Unfortunate and common symthom of worn valve guides on the 3.2 liter engine. How much oil are you going through. Have you driven the car long enough to log the miles per quart of consumption?

400 miles per quart is bad. 300/ quart and you just about adding a quart at every fill up. Time for a top end rebuild.

Once the guides get worn, they do not transfer the heat away from the valve. This can overheat the valve and it could break and do serious damage to your engine. Drive it for awhile and determine how much oil it's using. With winter coming, it's not likely to overheat if you drive it in a sensible manner.....

Thank you guys for your input. I have only driven it about 250 miles and it doesn't seem to be smoking or using much oil but I will keep you posted. If it did need a rebuild, what exactly would you do, and given I would want to do it myself, what would it entail? Thanks for your help/suggestions.

I was where you are now a few weeks ago, only instead of worn valve guides I had a 30% leak on two cylinders. I started with a top end on my 125K mile 3.0L and ended up with a complete rebuild. I'm glad I did in the end because most of the bottom end was trashed as well.

Anyway, I'm dragging on here, the point I wanted to make was that you should buy Wayne's book, well both of them in fact, 101 projects and the rebuild book. Even if you don't do a rebuild yourself, it has great information in it, it even talks about your valve guide issue.

Oh, and welcome!

Welcome.

Can you post the numbers the shop got during the ppi on your leak down and compression tests?

Do you have pics of the plugs. You'll want new distributor cap rotor plugs. Does it smoke your garage out when you start it up? If you run it up through the gears on the highway how much smoke does it leave behind?

Lets look at the leakdown, compression numbers and guys will let you know if they would run it, and if so the motor does or does not need a valve adjustment at that point(and a tune up). I would let some one else look at it. What I do is make sure they are Porsche only specialists. You could say you want them to listen to it running and if it needs a valve job, how long for them to do it, plus the plugs cap rotor maybe wires.

And pics buddy...

Regards,

Like Scott said, buy the engine rebuild book, read it a couple of times, and you'll see that a top-end rebuild is a very doable project, even for the amateur. I know - I did it! As did a couple of others in my circle of Porsche friends.

It was definitely worth the time and experience. Allow a few months for the project (unless you've got nothing but time!). You don't want to be under any time constraints. You'll want to clean everything thoroughly, and take your time with some of the trickier stuff that requires accurate measurements (cam alignment and cam timing for example).

And, have the heads rebuilt at a shop with a great reputation. The end result will (hopefully!!) amaze you...

JB

Does the car have maintenance records? Look for what other work has been done. Valve guides at a qualified repair shop will set you back $4-5K. Definately do not use a mechanic that doesn't specialize in Porsche air-cooled. DIY is doable but you would probably need help as a newbee. You may want to post your location and see if there are other pelicans that are near by. Also, look up your local PCA chapter and see if there are folks there that would be willing to assist. If nothing else, they can tell you what mechanics to go to or stay away from.

not too bright
 

Well guys, appreciate all those of you who took your precious time writing to help me. I did buy both of Wayne's books. I also did the valve adjustment 3 times, and now it purrs like it should. I also note that it is not smoking (really at all) so I am wondering if the valves were just badly out of adjustment. (learning point to remember). In addition I did replace the cap/rotor and I am awaiting on plug wire (magnecor from PP) In addition I am now finally starting to measure oil consumption, which I will post. In addition I am ashamed to say the PPI I paid for was junk, but I said what the heck for 8K, I was buying it anyway. I will post some pics, and I apologize for the delay but being a full time cardiologist and a part time mechanic doesn't work out sometimes. Thank you again all of you, and I will be doing a leakdown and compression test soon, and will post those numbers. Jonathan

Jonathan,
if you are in the Bay Area of CA there is a lot we can do to help you, I rebuilt my top end and between JB and myself we have all the tools/etc. I live in Saratoga and JB lives close. If you are close, I will come and take a look. First let's see how bad the consumption is and as mentioned don't run the engine too hot for awhile.. You can do the job but you will need space, time and patience. Read and understand every word in the Wayne book. One thing that is good about Porsche engines...if you know what you are doing they come apart and go back together fairly easily...the parts are easy to get and not too expensive for 3.2 cars... that's my 0.02...since you only have $8k in the car...you can feel good about putting a significant amount of $ in and have a great car to drive for years to come.
-Henry