Issues that need looking in to on '81 SC

[Looking_for_911]

I have a couple of issues that I want to start looking in to on the SC.

When I bought the car I noticed that the battery had overflowed into the plastic box it was resting in. I have recently addressed the prior corrosion to the battery box and before I start driving the car much I need to look into ths overflow problem as I don't want more acid flowing about under my boot.

I was suspicious of the voltage regulator and asked for a technical opinion from our hosts. Bob emailed back and suggested that the alternator should also be replaced along with the regulator as they work hand-in-hand, so to speak.

I am wondering what results other Pelicans have had with having their original alternators rebuilt as opposed to buying a new one? Any issues I should be aware of or things to look out for? Any particular things I should tell the alternator shop to do?

Thanks!

[DUK]

When I bought the car I noticed that the battery had overflowed into the plastic box it was resting in. I have recently addressed the prior corrosion to the battery box and before I start driving the car much I need to look into ths overflow problem as I don't want more acid flowing about under my boot.

Either quit driving so hard, (not an option) or get a gel battery (optima, odyssey, or like).

[vash]

i might not agree with bob.

have you put a voltage meter on the battery post? what is the battery charging at? you need to know. and most good alternator shops will test both pieces for you. i had my alt rebuilt at a local shop for $125. my VR is untouched.

[80-911SC]

dont remember what alt is in my 80 sc its a later model that has the reaulator built in the alt, great upgrade .

found it " Paris Rhone alternator with the onboard voltage regulator and the nut with regular threads
dont know if wayne sells or not was on car when i bought

and on the battery if your worried about it buy an optima and you dont have acid to scare you

do you think the po drove it that hard to spill the battery, i'd check the tie down they probably left it loose and cracked a battery or it was just old, the fact it was in a box ?? replace the box.

what was the question again, i forgot

[Looking_for_911]

Originally Posted by 80-911SC

dont remember what alt is in my 80 sc its a later model that has the reaulator built in the alt, great upgrade .

found it " Paris Rhone alternator with the onboard voltage regulator and the nut with regular threads
dont know if wayne sells or not was on car when i bought

and on the battery if your worried about it buy an optima and you dont have acid to scare you

do you think the po drove it that hard to spill the battery, i'd check the tie down they probably left it loose and cracked a battery or it was just old, the fact it was in a box ?? replace the box.

what was the question again, i forgot

At first I suspected heat was the culprit in making the battery overflow... I have since been told that heat should not have done it. Maybe the guy was right, maybe not. The battery's vent tube was broken off the vent pipe on the battery, so when it overflowed it went into the plastic tray it was sitting in.
There was no battery clamp because the tray was covering the holes where the screw would mount. That's another thing I plan to correct.
It is possible the car has been driven hard enough to slosh some acid out of the top...but not by me... I don't think!
The battery is about 2-years old, so it's probably half or better through it's life expectancy.
I am suspecting if not the heat causing the overflow then the voltage regulator and/or the alternator combo like Bob mentioned in his reply. After I posted the original question I made a mental note to run her by an alternator shop at the first of the week - for some reason I don't trust the mass-merchants of parts to do it - and have the numbers run on reliable equipment. Bob sent me the numbers I should look for.

[80-911SC]

be very careful of shops , one quoted me 1600 for an oil,lube, filter,sparkplugs cap roter and a valve adjustment ?? adds up to about 150 parts 1450 labor and took me(not porsche trained) maybe 7 hrs

the paris alt is sold here i beleive

[Looking_for_911]

Originally Posted by 80-911SC

be very careful of shops , one quoted me 1600 for an oil,lube, filter,sparkplugs cap roter and a valve adjustment ?? adds up to about 150 parts 1450 labor and took me(not porsche trained) maybe 7 hrs

the paris alt is sold here i beleive

Sheesh! That sucks.
The "shop" I mentioned is an alternator shop that's been around about 50-years....
And as far as mechanicals go, I know of two guys here that would be the only people I would let touch the car as I know they're trustworthy.
Thanks for the tip, though.