Is this worth fixing?

[seymore]

This is what I was told....

"Oil on the heater boxes. The engine is leaking primarily from the cambox to the head interface. Cost prohibitive to fix. cleaned SSI out with soap and water solution"

I was told by the guy who looked at my car that it was not worth fixing because the parts and labor would be more that the car is worth. And just live with the leak.

What do you guys think as I really don't know engines.

Thanks guys

[yelcab1]

that is a day's job if you know what you are doing. very little parts cost and all labor.

[jrolstin]

That's assuming the engine is already out of the car? Could be rocker shafts also... That can sometimes look like poorly sealed cam-boxes.

[sc_rufctr]

Depending on how bad it is >>> I would live with it until the engine needs rebuilding.
How cold is it were you live? Can you live without using the heater?

BUT... It's not really a hard or expensive fix if you do it yourself with help from this forum.

[gamin]

I have 2 911's and they both drip oil. I could care less. I would much rather drive the cars than pull engines and go looking for leaks. Buy a $10 drip pan at Wal-Mart and drive the car until you need engine work. Also, unless your 82 SC is a ragged out junker it is probably worth more than your mechanic thinks. They are durable and long lasting cars.

[yelcab1]

I have done it with the engine in the car on a Carrera. It is just one day,.

[DaddyGlenn]

Sounds like a "fix it" to me. But beware of the other stuff you will find while you are in there.

P.S. you need another mechanic

[Winter]

I say tap into the support and knowledge here, oil leaks can mostly be addressed with some basic DIY skills. Get some engine degreaser and go to a self serve car wash. Clean as much as you can (bottom and sides, don't spray into the engine compartment) and then see if you can get a better idea on the exact location of the leaks. Take some photos, post them here. The forum will help you develop a plan of action.

[yelcab1]

1. Jack car up
2. From the engine compartment, remove the engine metal plates around the cam box
3. Remove muffler and maybe the engine AC brackets
4. Remove the cam box cover
5. Remove the tensioners, plastic ramps
6. Remove the sprocket and let the chain hang loose
7. Remove the plate behind the sprocket
8. Clean it up, use new gasket and sealant, put it back
9. Reverse procedure but ...

You need to re-time the cam shafts.

You will need some special tools for the SC / Carrera to undo the camshaft nuts and retime the cam timing.

It is all labor, with $20gaskets.

[gregwils]

+1 I would just try first try to confirm that it wasn't the rockers as someone suggested.

Originally Posted by yelcab1

1. Jack car up
2. From the engine compartment, remove the engine metal plates around the cam box
3. Remove muffler and maybe the engine AC brackets
4. Remove the cam box cover
5. Remove the tensioners, plastic ramps
6. Remove the sprocket and let the chain hang loose
7. Remove the plate behind the sprocket
8. Clean it up, use new gasket and sealant, put it back
9. Reverse procedure but ...

You need to re-time the cam shafts.

You will need some special tools for the SC / Carrera to undo the camshaft nuts and retime the cam timing.

It is all labor, with $20gaskets.

[seymore]

Thanks a lot guys. This guy has told me to to sell my car twice. He says it isn't worth fixing but I disagree. I love my car it runs like a watch and is so much fun to drive.

I was just getting some smoke in the cab and wanted to fix the leak that was causing it. He told me 3000 in labor and a few thousand in parts.

I will try myself or take it to another shop.

Thanks again, you guys are the best.

[72 four door]

Lose that mechanic my friend!

[seymore]

I think it's worth what a pretty good 82 Porsche 911SC would go for in this market. It's definitely not a dog.

[Alan Lindquist]

I wouldn't sell that car. Even if the motor runs out, you can get a good 3.2 installed for under 8K and just keep driving it.

[seymore]

Alan, I like the way you think.

[66DC]

Originally Posted by seymore

Thanks a lot guys. This guy has told me to to sell my car twice. He says it isn't worth fixing but I disagree. I love my car it runs like a watch and is so much fun to drive.

I was just getting some smoke in the cab and wanted to fix the leak that was causing it. He told me 3000 in labor and a few thousand in parts.

I will try myself or take it to another shop.

Thanks again, you guys are the best.

As a fellow Washingtonian, can I trouble you to pm me the name of this mechanic who is giving such crap advice so newbies (like me) don't make the mistake of giving him our business (if I'm hopefully not already).

Thanks!

[tdskip]

You can cut down on cost by dropping the engine (if it is even needed) and then bringing it to the shop, and then putting it back in. I've found that if you supply beer, are willing to get dirty, and are a good bloke people will help.

[seymore]

66DC Pm sent.

tdskip, Id like to think Im a good bloke. I do run a bar so beer or booze of any kind is not a problem. we also sell good pizza. So Pizza and beer for any one who can help a fellow Pelican.

[boyt911sc]

Originally Posted by tdskip

You can cut down on cost by dropping the engine (if it is even needed) and then bringing it to the shop, and then putting it back in. I've found that if you supply beer, are willing to get dirty, and are a good bloke people will help.

Seymore,

If you could wait till mid June, I'll make you an offer to consider. I live about 2 hours drive from DC. Bring the car to my place and I'll drop the engine and fix the oil leak. Need a full week or a week-end to week-end timetable to do the complete job. This is a hobby and don't work full time on these projects. PM me if you're interested and will put you on my calendar's things to do list.

Tony

[yelcab1]

You don't need to drop the engine for this project. But, if there are other things to do, then yes.