Engine mentor - Ventra to Santa Maria CA?

[B.Green]

Struggling with decisions on smoking 88 3.2
Done lots of work on car with the help of Pelican forums, but hesitating on engine work because of lack of experience, but would love the satisfaction of DIY.
Bought and read Wayne's book mostly when I got cold feet, but that would change with a mentor near by. Expect to compensate. Located in Goleta CA.

[Flieger]

I would check with Henry Hinck at Schneider Auto Haus. I don't think he's got time to be a mentor but I bet he would know someone who could.

[DRACO A5OG]

Do you have all the tools needed for this task?

Smoking is kind of subjective. Maybe a compression check and leak down Test so we know what you are dealing with? How many miles and type of use?

[B.Green]

No doubt will have to acquire / borrow some tools. Investment..
Smoking and oil useage I expect to be 3.2 valve guides. Fairly recent (by mileage) leak down at Schnieder's was 3's and 4's. 110K street and AutoX (for learning car control) before I mostly stopped driving it so I don't beat up the valve seats.
Thanks for input.

[DRACO A5OG]

3-4% leak across all cylinders is not bad at all if this is what you mean. What are the compression numbers?

110K, you still have time to gather all parts and do my research. How much oil are you burning every 500 Miles?

[B.Green]

I don't have compression numbers - just leak down.
And yes, all cylinders last checked between 3 and 4%.

Number five spark plug generally is more black than the others when checked after a smokey start and Schnieder's reported #6 exhaust valve having play that indicated the likely need for a top. That came about when they said the valve train seemed noisy and that I likely wasn't adjusting the valves tight enough - so I asked them to do one for comparison.

Oil consumption is likely going to be in the 3-400/qt. range this time - but my driving is self limited to short 20-30 mile sessions to full temp to keep other things happy until the decision is made.

Sounds like I need to get a compression test for more info.

[DRACO A5OG]

Yeah, you need a long hard drive, couple of Italian tune ups will not hurt.

You can also remove the heat exchanger on P-side to confirm leaking valve seals. I think you wrench is being truthful but would not hurt to check for yourself.

So he suggest top end, he is being too gentle, Rebuild is a better way to go the IMS bearing for sure is worn and chain stretch. Cylinder to case is most likely warped and after top end would start leaking.

Like I mentioned, I would enjoy it for the last 20-30K miles and gather parts for a rebuild in the future. I am no expert but I could guide you, Gratis just beer and pizza , the most important thing is to tear down properly especially the head studs. Ask me how I know.

PM to discuss.

[DRACO A5OG]

Bo, your pm is full, tried to send you a pm, no go

[picinkoff]

Any progress on this?
I am also available for support/advice as well as tools.
My last engine was a full rebuild on my 88 3.2, last April.
Engine had 175k miles.
All stock parts, except for Supertec head studs.
Shipped heads, and crank to Ollies (in AZ) for rebuild and inspection.
Web Cam refinished cams like new.
Replaced original Alusil cylinders with new Mahle Nikasil.

Either way, as Draco said, enjoy it for as long as possible.
Because it's my personal 911, I spent many months gathering parts to help ease the pain $.

Paul

[Trackrash]

Back in the old days, I took an advanced automotive repair class at the local college. The class required you to overhaul a motor. I did a Chevy V-8. One of my class mates did a 3,0 V-12 Ferrari motor.

Those were the days. Cars had motors you could re-build. Cars had carburetors. There were classes that taught true technical skills.

[picinkoff]

Originally Posted by Trackrash

Back in the old days, I took an advanced automotive repair class at the local college. The class required you to overhaul a motor. I did a Chevy V-8. One of my class mates did a 3,0 V-12 Ferrari motor.

Those were the days. Cars had motors you could re-build. Cars had carburetors. There were classes that taught true technical skills.

Trackrash,

Those type of classes are still available in some places. Less popular though.

Have you had a chance to rebuild one of these P911 engines? There's lots of rebuilding to do. It just depends on what you want to tackle yourself.

Paul

[Trackrash]

Good to hear some classes are still available. Only thing I've heard about lately are Diesel tech and all the ASE certificates.

I just finished my 3,0 SC build for my '71. It has just finished it's break in. 500 miles including 5 autocrosses. It will be replacing the 2,5 that I built in 1985. I did everything in my garage, including the heads. I have it all documented, but chose not to start yet another "3,0 SC build" thread. I have a friend who has over 35 years experience as a air cooled machinist, with his own shop. He does work for a couple of shops in SD. So any technical questions I have he can answer. Or if I need some work done beyond my capability he is available.

It is based on a '78 SC motor, but with JE pistons at 9.8-1 CR, John Doughtery cams, and Webers.

[picinkoff]

Originally Posted by Trackrash

Good to hear some classes are still available. Only thing I've heard about lately are Diesel tech and all the ASE certificates.

I just finished my 3,0 SC build for my '71. It has just finished it's break in. 500 miles including 5 autocrosses. It will be replacing the 2,5 that I built in 1985. I did everything in my garage, including the heads. I have it all documented, but chose not to start yet another "3,0 SC build" thread. I have a friend who has over 35 years experience as a air cooled machinist, with his own shop. He does work for a couple of shops in SD. So any technical questions I have he can answer. Or if I need some work done beyond my capability he is available.

It is based on a '78 SC motor, but with JE pistons at 9.8-1 CR, John Doughtery cams, and Webers.

Nice work!

It's a slippery slope when you get started.
I started off with wanting to replace cracked rubber fuel hoses.
I ended up doing a whole engine, trans, and suspension rebuild.
It's hard not to clean and replace "while you're in there".