Intro and Engine drop ?

TargaWatcher · 08-03-2003, 06:40 PM

Hello to all who visit the PP BBS!

I'm new to the forum as of last night. Bought my 1983 911SC targa (white) in 86. It's been driven a couple thousand miles every year and has 80k on it. I thought about trading up for a newer porsche. When I looking at all the cars available, the one's that caught my eye were the old style targas. So I don't need to spend all my money on a different car, I just need to spend all my money on new parts!
I have never changed the oil myself, but after buying 101 projects I succesfully changed out the fuel stainer and accumulator. When I pulled the large heater hose to get at the accumulator I noticed it had many holes in it. (the tips of the accordian areas). One reason my heater lost it's oomph. The isulation on the top of the engine compartment has completely fallen and now rests on the fuel system if it hasn't broken off. These things ( and a few others) make me think of dropping the engine and finding out what else is wearing out from time. I also went to a porsche concourse in my area and saw their engine compartments. WOW! Mine has the original dirt and grime in it from 83. However, It's popping out of first gear now. The date I have set up to fix the trans in the shop is Tuesday 8/5/03. this is the question that keeps going through my mind. Should I drop it myself and bring in the trans when I get it out or take in the whole car on Tuesday? I have been reading everything I can find. Tried to get the Porsche manual that Porsche makes but they are no longer available. I've tried more than a couple parts houses and Ebay too. I have the Bentley manual along with 101 projects. Is this enough documentation for a newbie?
At any rate it's enjoyable reading all these messages about people and Porsches. Thanks!

Jim Richards · 08-03-2003, 06:57 PM

TargaWatcher, there's a number of threads on this forum about engine drops and questions people have asked. Use the seach feature of this forum. DiY engine drops aren't too hard, but for the first time I'd suggest you get some fellow Chicago area Pelican-heads to stop by and help you through it. Ply them with food and drink, and you'll learn a lot, save money, and make some great friends along the way. Here in Northern Virgina (NoVA), we have a great gang that helps each other with DiY projects like this. Maybe you can delay your tranny fix a week or so, giving you time to set this all up. Good luck, whichever way you decide to go with this.

GB83SC · 07:04 PM

Welcome to the board, If you have a garage and a freind to help in droping the motor, you will save about 300.00 dollars in labor. If you have owned the car for a few years and just started doing basic oil changes, than maybe you are not a good candidate for a engine drop and separating the trany. The work is not hard, but it could get tricky for you. If you take things apart and get over your head than the basic labor charge ends up being a bargain. Try to find PCA mumbers in your area that you can learn from, or would be willing to help.
Good luck.

Groesbeck Hurricane · 08-03-2003, 07:22 PM

Welcome aboard!!

I would ply some locals who have done the drop before with food and drink! The drop is not difficult. Unfortunately, I have gotten mine down to a 30 minute job. Too much practice! I would not do this by myself. If you are not used to working on cars, I would get locals. You will have fun, learn alot, and save much money!

Oh, and yes, the '83SC Targa is one of the BEST Porsches out there!! :-)

TargaWatcher · 08-06-2003, 06:05 AM

Thanks for the replies!

I went ahead and dropped the engine yesterday. Now to decide what to replace and there is a whole lot of cleaning to be done.

___________
Don
83 Targa SC

GB83SC · 08-06-2003, 06:16 AM

Congrats on your first drop!
Here is a list of must do:
replace the pressure switch
replace the O-ring in the thermostat
Replace the main seal both front and back.
Replace the o-ring intermeadiate shaft.
Replace gasket oil breather hose.
Relace the 3 seals at the oil cooler.
inspect the S hose and check for condition,
Check to see if the runner hoses are puffy if they are replace them.
change your spark plugs.
adjust valves and replace gasket if you dont know the last time it has done.
I am sure I left out a few.
Good luck.

dad911 · 08-06-2003, 06:34 AM

There is an excellent tech article on this site : http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/911_engine_drop/911_engine_drop-1.htm that details an engine drop step by step.

RickM · RickM's Garage

Sounds like you might be wanting to detail the engine and engine bay. There are a few great threads with tips and pics....from respraying the compartment to polishing the fan/housing to having all the hardware replated. KTLs (Kevin) car comes to mind as an excellent example of meticulous detailing.

BTW, Welcome to the board.

Jdub · 08-06-2003, 07:23 AM

Powdered Toast Man:

Nice car! You will find that replacing the sound insulation pad is a breeze with the engine out. The valves are also much, much easier to adjust with the engine out. Use silicone gaskets when you button up the valve covers.

This may also be a good time to pull the rear taillight assemblies and clean all of the dirt and wet much that resides above the assemblies. Wax it well.

John

Groesbeck Hurricane · 08-06-2003, 08:57 AM

FWIW I took out the sound insulation pad and left it out. I like the engine sounds!

George gave a nice list. I would add the gasket to the breather on my list of replacements. Also, check your timing chains and replace the gaskets. Has the tensioner upgrade been done? You will know because there are oil lines coming out of the timing chain covers if the upgrade is done. If not, invest in the kit. Money well spent.

Oh, did we ask if you have checked the head studs?

TargaWatcher · 08-11-2003, 06:33 PM

Wow! thanks for the replies. That sounds like a good list GB83SC. On first look I actually knew what the S hose was. I'll have to check around to identify the others.
I'd really like to find those detailing threads RickM. I just replaced a tailight lense and gasket but didn't pull the assembly out of the body Jdub. The lights in my bumperettes are only held in by rust. All the screws felt stripped but no longer had clips to screw into.
Thanks for that link DAD911, maybe I can find the article on putting it all back together. and Groesbeck I do have the timing chains but what am I supposed to check the head studs for? Tightness?
If I get it all back together again I will feel accomplished.

thanks again from the ultra newbie

cstreit · cstreit's Garage

Makre sure you check and adjust your shift coupler before you take the car to a trans shop. Clearly they have a vested interest in finding a big problem. A simple adjustment of the coupler could stop the problem and save you a LOT of money.

Check the tech articles. My trans was doing the same thing, took 10 minutes to fix the problem, cost nothing...

Groesbeck Hurricane · 08-12-2003, 09:55 AM

Don,

Do a search on Head Studs. Many, many posts. The main thing is to take off the valve covers (done when oil is drained) and visually check the studs on each side of the motor. 24 total intact with barrel nuts on them is a good thing. Some people suggest checking the torque, others suggest leaving alone if the heads are not leaking oil and all 24 studs are in place. I do not know enough to make a suggestion.

If you find barrel nuts in the valve covers then you have broken studs. There are many schools of thought on what to do and when.

Reading your text I doubt there is any problems with your head studs, but I just brought it up so you could check it and verify.

Groesbeck Hurricane · 08-12-2003, 09:55 AM

Don,

Do a search on Head Studs. Many, many posts. The main thing is to take off the valve covers (done when oil is drained) and visually check the studs on each side of the motor. 24 total intact with barrel nuts on them is a good thing. Some people suggest checking the torque, others suggest leaving alone if the heads are not leaking oil and all 24 studs are in place. I do not know enough to make a suggestion.

If you find barrel nuts in the valve covers then you have broken studs. There are many schools of thought on what to do and when.

Reading your text I doubt there is any problems with your head studs, but I just brought it up so you could check it and verify.

TargaWatcher · 08-13-2003, 07:44 AM

Thanks for the replies cstreit and Groesbeck.

Pulled the front cover off the trans last Friday night and found many small teeth so we put the cover back on, cleaned it up, and took it to Fischers'. Just waiting for the damage report.
Spent yesterday bead blasting the rust off all the pan parts surrounding the engine. This engine drop is mostly for cleanup. If it all goes back together and still runs, I'll plan on dropping the engine again in the winter so I can check out some of these other items.

Thanks for the helping hand

Groesbeck Hurricane · 08-13-2003, 09:21 AM

Don,

While the motor is out I would strongly suggest you look at the studs. It only takes a few minutes. You can replace the valve cover gaskets with re-usable silicone bead ones.