Oil in cylinder

polizei · 05-24-2007, 09:05 AM

I wanted to give you those of you who have advised me so far an update on my persuit of a 1987 911 Coupe.

The PPI was overly positive, but it was discovered that the car smokes on startup and on idle. I had the mechanic look into it more as he took the valve covers off to check the head studs. He found that oil is leaking into one of the cylinders, and he believes this is causing the smoke. He said that worse case scenario the valve guides would need to be replaced, and this could leave a bill in the neighborhood of $5000.

In order to best identify the root of the problem he would need to go through with the compression test and leak down test. I contacted the seller and told him that I'm not putting any more money into inspections, and that he would have to pay for the remainder for me to even think about buying. Furthermore, I dropped the ceiling from $20k to $19k, and told him that the price would have to be dropped further in accordance with the cost of repairing the problem (could be $500, $5000, or more).

What do you guys suspect the problem is? Would you walk away now? Your advice and input is ALWAYS appreciate. Thanks a lot guys.

Andy

SeaDweller · 05-24-2007, 10:25 AM

I just started looking for another P-car, after having sold my Targa, wow, I guess it's going on a year ago now......

My personal opinion: There are enough cars on the market that you don't need to settle for something you're not comfortable with. I spoke to someone today that really opened my eyes; he said "every owner thinks that their car is the one that everyone is after."

Given the prices out there right now, that certainly seems to be the case.

Take if from me, after having bought a '78 SC that I shouldn't have, but let my emotions run away with me......If you feel the least bit uncertain, walk and never look back.....Believe me, there will be another car around the next corner.....

JB36 · 04:21 PM

I'm not to sure technically about the oil problem, but if I remember correctly, you have a mileage discrepancy as well. Between the two issues I'd probably walk unless the seller decided to reduce the price further. I wouldn't image he would drop $5K, but if you split the difference or so, you would at least have a 3.2 with a fresh top end. My 3.2 checked out ok during PPI, but I suspect it's only a matter of time before a top end is required.

I would think the seller would get pissed when you state the car needs major work. This happened when I had a 964 PPI. My mechanic told me and the seller the motor needs major work; including new P/C. The seller got pissed and refused to budge so there was no deal. It sucks spending $ on PPIs and no deal, but I guess it's better than paying later.
Frank

polizei · 05-24-2007, 04:27 PM

No, I don't have a mileage problem, but the car does require a 60k major servicing. I negotiated the price based on that need.

I'm going to hear back from the mechanic tomorrow regarding the source of the oil leak. If the verdict is that a valve job needs to be done, I'm guessing it's game over.

DW SD · 05-24-2007, 04:36 PM

How does he know oil is leaking into one of the cylinders? Is one plug oil fouled? A lot of cars do smoke at startup, but goes away. This can be suggestive of issues, but not conclusive.

Does the mechanic specialize in air cooled Porsches? Virtually all of the 3.2s and 3.6s can have valve guide issues.

Oil can also seep in through the rings, if the engine doesn't run for a long time.

Post the results of the compression and leak down. Also, snap a picture of the smoke on startup.

Doug

polizei · 05-25-2007, 04:24 AM

Doug,

I'll find out "the why" today, as the mechanic is investigating the leak. The mechanic does specialize in air cooled Porsches. He's been working on them for 30 years, and he even won an award for Porsche Master Tech from Porsche A.G.

I'll post the results of the tests when I receive them, but I'm not sure I'll be able to get a picture of the smoke. Thanks!

JB36 · 05-25-2007, 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by polizei
No, I don't have a mileage problem, but the car does require a 60k major servicing. I negotiated the price based on that need.

I'm going to hear back from the mechanic tomorrow regarding the source of the oil leak. If the verdict is that a valve job needs to be done, I'm guessing it's game over.

I thought you posted a thread with a discrepancy between the odometer and car fax....must have been someone else

polizei · 05-25-2007, 09:30 PM

Updated thread:

Worn valve guide - need help