More surprises

[gwl123]

Discovered more issues on my '76 911.
1. 3mm end play to the distributor shaft.
2. Chain noise on left side in chain box.
3. Leaking at head gasket interface (head-to-barrel).
4. The worst...the studs might be failing.

Advise would appreciated. Can't afford the rebuild right now. I was quoted $9000+. How much to fix problems 1,2, and 3?

[goldsc78258]

Don't think about 1,2 and 3 till you can fix 4 , you can live with the others, but if the studs fail the engine is toast

[DRV2FST]

I am not a mechanic so I can't help with the estimate, but every time I have tried to go cheap on repairs for a 911 it has cost me double what it would have if I had done it right the first time.

[MattAlpha]

I agree with goldsc78258, you have to get the head studs fixed right away. There are several very good tech articles on how to remove the old ones and replace with new proper studs.

After that I'd move onto the chain tensioner (that's what I think you meant). Great articles on this one too. Follow their advice and you'll get through it pretty well.

I wouldn't worry about the head to barrel gasket unless there is a continual stream coming out of it.

I have no idea about the distributor shaft, but I'm sure others do.

[Early_S_Man]

I don't think you can do those piecemeal ... without expecting a bit of irony and disaster over the horizon.

If you let #1 go for now ... the distributor drive gear could exit the case to the left sideways and take out the case with it! The solution is fairly easy: new fiber washers, spring washers, and shims form a motor/alternator rebuild shop. This thread explains the disassembly, cleaning and refresh procedure:

distributor lube...

The #2 problem is easily assessed after you take off the muffler.

The #3 problem will be easily rectified when you take care of #4.

If you aren't or haven't been a DIY person ... you may want to start looking for an engine transplant.