pop-off valve?

[98GTW]

I'm about to pick up my '77S in Florida and drive it back to NY (Can't wait to see it !).
Anyway, the idea of it makes me nervous - it's a long trip in a relatively unknown car. Should I buy and install a pop-off valve before the trip, or is that pretty low on the risk tree? Are there other precautions I ought to be considering?



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Dave
'77 911S to be
Rochester, NY

[cabman]

A pop-off valve can definitely save your airbox from exploding during an occasional backfire.

However, if you dont properly glue it in place and an air leak occurs, you'll have problems keeping the engine running.

Also, during a backfire, an improperly installed valve may come dislodged (or completely come off) and then you have to glue it in place again

[wckrause]

Talk to the PO to see if he's ever seen the car backfire. It may only happen when the temps are cool or cold, so you would be OK for a summer drive. In any case, you should plan on adding a pop-off valve as soon as you can.

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Bill Krause
'79 911SC Euro
MY PELICAN GALLERY



[This message has been edited by wckrause (edited 08-21-2001).]

[Clark Griswald]

It is an important upgrade, but hey - that car has made it 24 years without the pop-off valve.

I think you can drive it home, take your time and do it right in the comfort of your own garage.

That is assuming the car is running fine and not backfiring. If it is not running fine, you might want to reconsider driving it home.

[98GTW]

Clark,
You're probably right - if it's make it this far it should keep going.
It's hard to judge the severity and likelihood of problems just by reading about them here. There's a wealth of information, but it's also true the people post here when they have problems and questions, not necessarily when everything's going great.

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Dave
'77 911S to be
Rochester, NY

[SeaDweller]

I'd still install the POV at your earliest convenience. My car made it 22 years, and "kablooey"!

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Michael
'78 911SC Euro

[Early_S_Man]

A blown airbox could sure mess up your drive home ... to the tune of several hundred $$$! Do you feel lucky?

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Warren Hall
1973 911S Targa
1992 Dodge Dakota 5.2 4X4 parts hauler

[TargaEuro]

If it hasnt happened to the current owner yet, you will most likely be fine. BUT...Since your driving habits will certainly differ from the current owners there is always a chance that things can go wrong. Blowing an airbox happens upon cold starts usually so unless you turn a key different than the rest of us do, I would not worry about blowing an airbox. You really should have a quailified shop in the area inspect the car before you buy it and then you have peice of mind and you will know what to expect from the car on the trip back home....TargaEuro