This site has made me Paranoid!

[bassfishman]

I purchased my 1976 Targa with 78,000 miles on it back in August. The PO said that the car smoked a lot so he took it to a reputable Porsche shop in 2001 and had the 2.7 completely redone. The PO spent 10K on the rebuild and only drove it 1200 miles since then.
Now the issue I have. The car runs perfect and everything checks out good. On the 10 year old paperwork I have from the shop lists new Divilar studs, “Pistons and CANS” Chains and guides( no tensioners) Rods and 3k in machine work They upgraded the fan and valve covers but there is no mention of head stud inserts in the case.
After reading this forum extensively I am paranoid about my chain tensioners failing (not oil fed) and my head studs pulling out. Should I really worry about this? Is there a way to check to see if Stud inserts have been installed?

[daniel911T]

There are a couple of important questions that need to be answered before you worry!

What kind of tensioners are in it? If they are the 930 type, then they are known to have a long and good life. Put on some $20 collars if they aren't already there and don't worry any more.

On the Divilar studs: Wiser people will speak up, but it was my strong impression that Porsche had more than one flavor of Divilar stud. The originals had issues, I believe the second generation was much better.

Also, think of the extra heat on the motor when new, 5 bladed fan, thermal reactors, comically restrictive exhaust, as far as a stock engine goes, '76 was a pretty bad year.

However, you said that those issues had been resolved. If you have an 11 bladed fan, no thermal reactors, and your oil temps stay midrange, then you have nothing to worry about.

So long as she runs well, drive her and enjoy her! If the motor goes, oh well, finding a good used unit is not that hard or that expensive.

Have fun! Don't worry, be happy! Drive your Porsche!

-Dan

[Charles Freeborn]

Have the tensioner upgrade done, and while they've got it in the shop they should be able to see if certs were installed. "$3k of machine work" makes it likely they did, unless there were other issues, such as line boring, or crankshaft work done.

[motogman]

PHP Code:

So long as she runs well, drive her and enjoy her! If the motor goes, oh well, finding a good used unit is not that hard or that expensive.

Have fun! Don't worry, be happy! Drive your Porsche! 


What Dan says... I like that advice. Or, doing the engine again (which can be expensive but why do it if you don't need it?).

In particular, although hydraulic tensioners are much better, the collars can provide cheap safety and may never be needed.

[bassfishman]

I was thinking about dropping the engine this winter and upgrading the tensioners. Do I have pull a cylinder to check for stud inserts? I purchased this car because of the motor rebuild and the good overall condition should make it a great driver It has working A/C and the temp never gets over 180 soI assume the studs should be OK. I know the car is one of the least desirable I do not want to invest any more money in it

[mholbrook38]

No doubt about it. You are paranoid. Enjoy it.

[80-911SC]

as the others stated ... drive ... enjoy ... enjoy ... be happy ...

everything cant b perfect but ...just enjoy

[vracer]

Have you picked up the phone to talk to the shop that actually did the engine repairs? They will probably say, "Back in 2001 it was our standard practice to do X, Y, and Z".