Engine is out

[mickey356]

I posted a few pics in another post about SSI & M&K but I thought I'd start a new thread in an attempt to get some help,

The engine is out of my car and though it's too early to tell how far I'll need to go I thought I'd look for a little help/guidance here. The oil leak(s) don't look like they're coming form the usual culprits up top (breather, oil therm switch, etc -see pic) I have a feeling it's in the oil cooler area (you can see the oil on the driver side HE in the pic of the exhaust). Also initial inspection says I'll need valve guides at the very least so the heads will be going out. I'm in the Philly area so I was going to send them to Alderman who has a good reputation. Monday we'll start diggin in and see what's what. I was originally thinking about putting in a set of 964 cams but the more I thought about it the more I came to the conclusion that I just don't need anymore out of the car then what I have (or will have with the SSI addition). I already get frustrated driving and not being able to use what I have so adding more would be a waste of money. All that said I'm probably going to just go with a stock refresh/rebuild unless someone can convince me otherwise.
Other than addressing the obvious things as we find them is there anything I should be doing while the engine is out? I am planning on going over the CIS with a fine tooth comb but really don't know what to do other than clean it and check for vacum leaks. By all means fire away with suggestions.

[mack6820]

Be sure you take a good look at your transmission gears. Now is a good time to replace any worn gears.

[boyt911sc]

Michael,

When you do your top end rebuild, consider sending them to Jess Miller Machine Shop (610-692-2193) in West Chester. Dougherty and other top Porsche shops deal with this machine shop. Very friendly and excellent technical know-how. When you are ready to put the engine back to the car, contact me and will put the engine on my test stand. You could do the fuel pressures and vacuum tests with the engine running on the test stand.

Help me in my golf swing and I'll take care of your CIS troubleshooting. Nice meeting you.

Tony

[mickey356]

Tony,
you got yourself a deal. I'll know more as things progress. It maybe easier to move the stand than the motor so I'll pm you when I have a better time line. Thanks for the machine shop tip. I'm 20 mins from west Chester.
The PO had the trans rebuilt about a year (2k miles) before I bought it but it wouldn't hurt to look around. Thanks

[Billyfeet]

Mickey, I missed the lead up to you pulling your motor. Good luck with your rebuild! I am hoping to avoid this process with my Targa, but you take tour chances with these 911's. Keep the faith!

[gregwils]

How do you know your guides are bad? You said initial inspection indicates new guides, but what type of inspection. If you weren't consuming more than a quart per 1,000 miles, you may be OK.

I am at the end of my first rebuild, so I don't have a lot of experience. However, it sounds at though you are committed to some engine work, so I will suggest a few things. First, I would do the tensioner upgrade. Second, if you are in there doing some work, I would have the cams and rockers done, including the rocker bushings. You don't need to regrind to 964, but I would freshen them. Also, consider new rings if your end gap indicates wear and you have nikasils.

Measure everything, take your time and have an open mind. However, if you weren't using oil in the first place and the car ran ok, I would fix the leaks and button it back up and enjoy until you start using oil. There are a lot of SC's out there with 200k that have never been opened.

Good luck what ever your decision.

[mickey356]

Thanks Will.

Greg,
When we took the HE's off my buddy slid a pair of screwdrivers up inside the exhaust port and could feel a tiny bit of wiggle in the valve. I was burning about a qt every 800-1000 miles. I can't say if it was leaking out or burning up through the exhaust, maybe a bit of both. I just figured as long as I have the time and a place to do the work (or help do the work) I'd do what I could while the engine is out. We still don't know the extent of what is needed, but as I mentioned, I'm no looking to go crazy, just a nice stock rebuild/cleaning, seal everything up nice and tight, and put it back in with my shiny new SSI's and M&K.
Thanks for the advice on the cams, rockers, and rocker bushings. The tensioner upgrade has already been done. I'm also doing the heater backdate while it's out. We'll get eveything out, measure it (twice), and send out what needs freshening up and buy new what needs replacing. Hopefully not too much.
This is exactly the type of help I'm looking for. I'll get a list together so my buddy and I can inspect all that needs to be inspected and measured. With my buddy experience, Waynes book and this forum I think I'm in pretty good hands

[TibetanT]

Subscribing for information purposes.

I am no expert but could the seals on the oil return tubes have caused the leak? They are directly above the area where the heat exchangers show oil from the picture posted here.

Just a thought.

Good luck with the investigation and rebuild. Looking forward to the pictures of this adventure.

[stormcrow]

A good detailing wouldn't hurt. I am getting ready to put my engine back in. I powder coated the intake runners, along with the fan housing and fan blades themselves.

[mickey356]

WOW Stormcrow! That is a great before and after.