Looked at an '83 SC today...it has a few problems

I looked at an '83 SC w/about 85K on it today and noticed the following probems with it:

1. The previous owner put 17" Kinesis wheels on it ($$$). I noticed that on one of the fronts, the sides of the tires had been gouged by the fender lip. Did this guy get the wrong size tires? Is the offset wrong? Does the lip need to be turned up? On my way home I wondered if driving the car up on a block of wood (say 2 inches thick) and then turning the steering full swing and then putting pressure on the fender that's blocked would reveal any problems with an oversized wheel/tire combination...is this a decent test? I'm wondering if the problem still exists or whether or not it was fixed after the gouging of the tires.

2. When the car was cold, I noticed a slight grinding when putting it into 1st gear. I immediately thought synchro's, but since the clutch is cable operated vs. hydraulic, could the problem be nothing more than a cable adjustment or replacement of some of the shifter bushings? Also, when accelerating, if I take my foot sharply off the gas pedal, I get sort of a "slamming" sensation...not serious, but noticable. Could this, and the grinding problem be indicitive of a weak pressure plate? I don't think the clutch has ever been changed. I DID NOT see any significant RPM jumps/settling when accelerating or putting the car up a hill in the higher gears (in other words, the clutch doesn't look like it's slipping), but then again I didn't really push it.

3. When looking at the oil pressure, the needle was vibrating about +/- 1/8 of an inch off (what I assume) is the center of it's vibration range, or actual oil pressure. Is this typically a gauge or a sender problem?


Thanks in advance,

Bill Wagner

[This message has been edited by Bill Wagner (edited 01-06-2001).]

[This message has been edited by Bill Wagner (edited 01-06-2001).]

Bill before you buy any 911 find a good mechanic and get a pre purchase inspection it will be the best $150 you spend on the car that way you get piece of mind and are not worrying about whats going to go wrong next.Also its best to find a car that had all the necessary upgrades done like the tensioners and pop off valve....hmmmm I am new at this too and I found an outstanding 81 911sc that I will get in and drive anywhere without worrying about it. My car has several minor things I have yet to do to it but then again any car of that age will not be perfect. I love my SC and would never go back to driving american cars.

Bill,

When you get the pre-purchase inspection, have the mechanic adjust the clutch freeplay, it is dragging or you wouldn't have the first gear grinding ... was it also grinding into reverse? You may be able to get rid of the gauge vibration by removing the sender lead next to the fan housing, and slightly crimping both sides of the 1/4" quick disconnect female connector with needle-nose pliers, then test to see that it takes significant force to replace on the sender! It is DEFINITELY A WIRING OR GAUGE/SENDER PROBLEM!

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Warren Hall
1973 911S Targa

My oil pressure gauge is a little jumpy too, and probably a weak connection.

The clutch may need replacing. Carrera tensioners are necessary for this car, and a sign of proper care if it already has them.

Professional inspection - the only way to go.

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'83 SC