Flatbedding to the mechanic - SC saga begins

[78_Targa]

So the '78 SC 3.0 is being flatbedded to the mechanic today. Please say a prayer.

Last night it didn't want to start - turning over slowly. After about 6 cranks it reluctantly started and ran. I noticed what sounded like excessive valve train noise from under the engine. The engine sounded like it was laboring. 30 seconds into running the engine starts with a jet-engine-loud grinding noise. I jump to the ignition switch and turn it off. The engine comes to an abrupt, grinding halt.

I call the local Porsche guru and he arranges for the flatbed. I will document the process from here on out and provide updates to the group.

Any thoughts on what sort of catastrophe I am facing?

Known Facts:
Completed valve adjustment last month
Oil change complete with valve adjustment
Oil level good
Oil pressure good
Fresh trans fluid last month
New alternator last month - unit good including bearings

[landrover88]

ouch

[Mitch Leland]

You're probably not dealing w/ a tune up so if you have to get into some serious engine work is your mechanic up to the task? Or is this mechanic someone you've had a long trusted relationship with?

I hope it's not as serious as it sounds...

[CCM911]

Sorry, I just read the initial post and you mentioned good alternator bearings. Are you sure they are good?I wonder if your alternator gave up the ghost? That would explain the slow cranking. And the "Jet Engine" noise could have been caused by the bearings disintegrating.

Just a thought.

[dshepp806]

Let's HOPE it's ONLY alternator-related!!!!!!!!!!

BEST!

Doyle

[cgarr]

How did you run it and how did it run at your last shutdown?

[Fan of F1]

Good luck. Hopefully the alternator as stated above.

[78_Targa]

Arrived at the mechanics ok. Talked a few minutes and he started her up. Hard starting, as if the car was having trouble turning the engine over. Started on 4th crank.

Ran for almost a minute before the loud grinding and laboring started. Turned it off. Mechanic said he thought it was the fan. Took the fan off and discovered it was in fairly bad shape and not fitting quite right. Put on a new belt, adjusted the shims, tightened the fan down. PROBLEM FIXED! Drove the car home.

BAD NEWS! I start the car again a couple hours later and after running for a minute the grinding and laboring starts again. So I figure somehow the fan must be messing things up. Remove the fan and belt and start the car. The loud grinding is present immediately. I swear white smoke was coming out of the exhaust too. The sound appears to be coming from below where the alt fan is mounted.

Has anyone experienced this? Thoughts?

[Scott R]

I would stop trying to start it personally. I would drain the oil first and look for pieces, then I would pull the rocker covers and the chain box covers and try and see what's going on.

[Charlie V]

Originally Posted by scott r

i would stop trying to start it personally. I would drain the oil first and look for pieces, then i would pull the rocker covers and the chain box covers and try and see what's going on.

+1

[j911brick]

Perhaps you can record a video for us and put it on youtube.

[Cairo94507]

Wow....does your mechanic work on these cars regularly? If not, please find one that does so further possible damage to your engine does not occur.

I too would not start the car again until the source of the grinding is located and resolved. Then again, depending upon how many times it has happened and been run....the damage may already be there.

Best wishes for a simple fix with no real engine damage.

[78_Targa]

Aaron at Flat Six is the man. The starter gear was kicking out when the car was running. Replaced starter and problem fixed!

[kiwiokie]

Nothing better than a happy ending!

[Charlie V]

Originally Posted by 78_Targa

Aaron at Flat Six is the man. The starter gear was kicking out when the car was running. Replaced starter and problem fixed!

Perferred over pulling the engine apart.

[Walter_Middie]

My starter did that not too long ago. I'd worry about what caused it. Mine was caused by a bad ignition switch that was not springing back from the start position. I hope your car is fixed now, but I'd be wary for a while.