Take it apart?

[fastbacker]

The car's an 88 930 with 5k miles that was stolen in 89 and recovered several years ago. It was found in the thief's garage and I have no idea of when it ran last. Some of the enine accessories were removed so I haven't run it.

1.After changing the oil and gas, could I do any harm to the engine by starting it?

2.What could go wrong with engine or other mechanical equipment if it did sit for 16 years without running?


Thanks-
Craig Backer

[adomakin]

id take it so someone who knows their stuff and let them go through a few checks first. money very well spent. there are bound to be things that have perished/siezed on the cis, maybe the wastegate too (that would be nasty) oil, fuel, fuel filter, tank, blah blah blah. some money spent early on will probably save you lots later. if you are lucky you may get away with minimal stuff and have yourself a barely run in 930 to play with! (although don't hold me to that)

[ken_xman]

If this is the white one. ... have someone look over it before you start it.
Minimally you want to turn the engine over by hand first, plugs out that is.
lots of pelicans in san fran... go buy beer.

[Joeaksa]

Craig,

Like Ken said, I would pull the plugs and then turn it over by hand several times. Make sure that everything is rotating fine and clear. You could get a slug of oil out of one or more cylinders, or nothing, just no way to know beforehand.

Then you might turn it over with the starter for 5-10 seconds several times, not more. Starter motors overheat easily and you would just be doing it to try and get some oil moving around the engine. It would be nice to see some oil pressure but it may not happen right away.

Only if everything else looks ok you can put the plugs back in and attempt to start it. I would be ready to prime it a very little bit. Do not overdo it. Before doing this I would have at least two people there, one to start the car and the other to be a fire guard, with a extinguisher ready just in case.

Do not crank it more than 5-10 seconds and 2-3 times max, then let it sit for 2-3 minutes. If it fires then let it run no more than 2-3000 for a minute or two then shut it down. Watch for several things, oil pressure, the generator light to go out and no unusual noises. Pay attention to the oil and fuel connections in the engine bay. Dry gaskets can leak and spray fuel everywhere. Its going to smoke from the exhaust, thats usually a given after sitting this long.

As well, as Ken says, get some guys in the area and get some help from people who know 911's and hopefully 930's to help. Pushing fast at this stage can be real costly, so its worth going slow and making sure that everything is ok and done correctly.

JoeA

[Gunter]

If the tank wasn't full during the 16 years of storage, it needs to be drained, cleaned and inspected for rust/debris. Even if the tank was full, it needs to be checked.

I would not dare to start this engine and get all that crap into the pump, check-valve, accumulator and system.

Clean the tank out and flush out the fuel lines going to the rear before turning the engine over.

[fastbacker]

Originally posted by Gunter


I would not dare to start this engine and get all that crap into the pump, check-valve, accumulator and system.

Seeing as I'm new to these cars, I need some clarification here. I assume you're talking about the fuel pump. What is the check-valve,accumulator and system?


Thanks-
Craig Backer

[ZLP]

Honestly if its been sitting for that long all the engine gaskets have probably gone to ****. I can refer you to a good local shop if you like but my guess is your not going to be able to just start it up and be on your way. A lot of cars that have so few miles and have sat usually have the bearings flatten etc. in the motor. I'd get it checked out by someone who knows thier stuff.

[RickM]

How come this car is sounding familiar? Is this the car with holes punched in the panels?

[fastbacker]

Originally posted by RickM
How come this car is sounding familiar? Is this the car with holes punched in the panels?

Yes it is.

CB

[FenderGuy]

I think for what you paid for it, you can afford a mechanic to go through it dont you think?

[Kevin Stewart]

pull the plugs shoot some oil in the cylinders, and crank it over,put the plugs back in, change the oil, see if it will start, if it was hurt it was probaly hurt be before you got it, i bet he started it from time to time just to dream, Kevin

[adomakin]

Craig, you got any pics?

[Gunter]

Originally posted by fastbacker
Seeing as I'm new to these cars, I need some clarification here. I assume you're talking about the fuel pump. What is the check-valve,accumulator and system?
Thanks-
Craig Backer

When a car sits for that long, the gas in the tank gets cruddy.
For a long storage, a full tank with STABIL added, will prevent rust and deterioration. Also, a Fuel System Cleaner, like Techron, is added and run through the system before storage. This way, there is both Stabil, and Techron, in the system preventing the gas from becoming cruddy.
I would not take a chance on sending gas that's many years old from the tank through the system. I would drain the tank completely, inspect and clean the small filter on the drain plug. Then I would inspect the inside of the tank by removing the level indicator lid on top. Use a small mirror and strong flash light.
If it looks good, I would close it back up and then concentrate on flushing the lines from the pump/tank to the accumulator.
There are 2 lines running from front to rear. Disconnect the fuel line from the accumulator to the pump, and also from the return line to the tank. (The second line is the excess fuel dump going back to the tank) Both lines have to be blown out with compressed air.
Re-connect the lines, Add 2 cans of Fuel System Cleaner to the full tank of 80 liters. Remove the plugs, squirt a little 5W30 into the cylinders and turn the engine by hand. The reason for a little oil is: after that many years sitting there some rust buid-up in the cylinders/rings can be expected. Without lube on the cylinder walls, scoring might occur.
Install the plugs. Remove the 6-pin connector from the CDI module. Crank the engine in the normal fashion and watch the oil light in the dash. After cranking for ~10 seconds that light should go out meaning: Oil pressure has been build up in the engine.
Now re-connect the 6-pin connected to the CDI module.
Reason for disconnect while cranking is a build-up of pressure without ignition.
It sounds like you are not familiar with the system. If you are not sure, let someone with experience help you or, get a Porsche shop to do these things for you.
With some care, this car might be very nice for you but, if you don't use precaution, a real head ache, and costly mess can result.
The above is not very expensive to do. If the tank is rusty, it has to come out and professionally cleaned and reconditioned.

It's up to you to make the right choice.

[mb911]

Gunter has sound adviseHowever I get the sense you are a do it your self kind of guy. I would sugest going down to barnes & nobles and get abook that covers cis fuel systems. I think the auther is Ben Watts and it has a picture of a VW GTI on the cover. It is very simple to read and will help you go through your system. Then as Most would want to do anyhow. Is to drain the oil put fresh in there and the same with fuel. Then remove plugs and disconnect cd box and crank it over until you get Oil Pressure. I would also consider disconnecting the fuel lines and flow fuel through them before starting it up. Try to get fresh fuel up there. I personaly do it my self as it is the thrill of the kill to get a resting beast started after sitting so long. I do think you need to be cautious. Good Luck