New Carrera, Road Trip tips!

[Va_Powerman]

Hello!

I picked up an '85 Carrera RoW targa (a loaded "COO" car) about 3 weeks ago, which is my first 911. I drive it daily, and just really enjoy the car. It runs great, with the only hiccup being that it tries to (and sometimes does) stall after depressing the clutch coming to a stop - but typically only when cold. After reading what I can on this website, I've tentatively chalked this up to the DME relay, and have that on my "to order list." It also leaks somewhere around the targa top, not too badly, but enough to need to address - which I assume will end up being new seals.

Questions for the P-car brain trust: I'm about to take a road trip - r/t which is 500 miles one way - what parts should I have in the vehicle, just in case (it's down I-40 from Va to Tn)? Also, it needs tires. I'm thinking of 225/50 (on 16) and 245/45, Falken 912's. Does anyone have experience with these, or other suggestions? I'll be driving the car mainly around town (except for the odd road trip) year round. Finally, can the targa top be adusted to perhaps expand more, to make up for the age-compressed seals?

Thanks!

[nineball]

cell phone, charger, credit card and AAA membership. those 4 items can take care of any problem you may run into.

[Bob Kontak]

Be careful on the seals. Make sure you talk to Dan Pechtel as the new Porsche seals are not an in-kind replacement. Same part number - different size.

Vintage Porsche Parts and Targa Tops for Porsche

[nesslar]

There are adjustmentss you can make as well. Seals might be OK, top might not be "situated" properly.

[Va_Powerman]

Holy cow - that's the same toolkit I carried in my TR-4!

But, I was thinking along the lines of DME relay, etc. But, I don't know what the etc should be...

How do I adjust the top? Is there a tech tip somewhere? (search found nothing)

[techman1]

The idle problem sounds more like the idle speed valve or the throttle closed switch.

[Por_sha911]

Welcome! Have you posted a pic of your pride and joy yet?

Let me say that I doubt that the stilling is due to a DME relay. Having said that, you still need to order one and put it in the glove box. Ask me how I know.

Now on to the travel list (besides AAA, cell phone, credit card):
-I made a list of Pelican recommended repair shops in a few places that I travel. It took a while to compile the list as I read the requests over a few years. You can use the search button a few few nights to look for shops in those states.
-Make sure you have a factory toolkit. It will have basic tools needed for chanign a spare, replacing a fan belt, etc. It should have a fan belt and spare fuses (the bullet type).
-DME relay.
-Round relay. The red can be used to replace red or black.
-Spare tire inflater (again, ask me how I know).
-If you have a concours car you may want to bring a bottle of no sodium carbonated water. It makes a great pressure sprayer for knocking off bird bombs so they don't harden and burn your paint while away from home. Just put your thumb over a freshly opened bottle and shake it up.
More than these usually means needing more tools, time and a lift.

[Va_Powerman]

I don't think that I have posted up a picture here yet - I'll do that.

Thanks Por_ that gives me a great place to start shopping.

Where in Tennessee are you? I'll be driving from Fredericksburg, Va (just south of DC) to Knoxville. By chance, does your list of shops run through that I-40/81 corridor?

Techman - is there a tech page that will give me tips on how to isolate the stalling issue? Or, conversly, it only does it when it is "very" cold - should I not worry about it?

[Jonny042]

EARPLUGS..... ASK ME WHY I'M SHOUTING!!

But seriously, 7 or 8 hours in a 911, unless it's had all it's leaks fixed (mine hasn't - yet) will damage your hearing.

[javadog]

If you have too much wind noise from the front of the top while on the trip, run a strip of tape across the top to cover the gap between the windshield header and the front edge of the top. Use tape that won't damage the paint, when removed.

The noise could be a misadjusted top, a problem with the front seal, or a problem with the top itself.

You might throw a couple quarts of oil in the trunk, some windshield cleaner, towels...

JR

[Por_sha911]

I'm tords Chattanooga. Not a whole lot on my list between DC and Knoxville. I've had a few place suggested in the Charlottesville/Waynesboro area and one or two in Knoxville itself. Will you have time to check out the Tail of the Dragon?

[WIL84911]

Don't forget DME & fuel pump relays, short jumper wire, small screwdriver to adjust the idle, extra fan belt, distributor cap & rotor.

[jtratza]

A young woman. That's what my wrench told me to bring along when I asked him what spares I should bring to the 1998 Porsche Club Parade. I wouldn't worry to much. My 1987 hasn't been to the shop in over two years for repairs and I drive it a lot. knock on wood.

[efhughes3]

Congrats. I'd not think the DME relay would cause any stalling issues. Typically, they work, or they don't.

[Jonny042]

Originally Posted by jtratza

A young woman. That's what my wrench told me to bring along when I asked him what spares I should bring to the 1998 Porsche Club Parade. I wouldn't worry to much. My 1987 hasn't been to the shop in over two years for repairs and I drive it a lot. knock on wood.

A "spare" young woman is not likely to go over very well in our household.