common problem or bad tranny

[drouse]

I'm in the process of buying a 1986 911 Porsche cabriolet, The vehicle has 74000 at a price of 24900. Since the vehicle is 2000 miles away I had a machanic look at it that works on Porsches.

I was told the tranny has the start of a common oil leak problem that all 911's have. Also when the vehicle is placed in first gear the gears grind a little bit. He said this is not a clutch problem, but a synchro problem.

Please comment, This not a done deal.

Thank You.

Update, The mechanic told me it's cam gear box leak shows the signs of a leak and the tubes going to the cam gear box are leaking

As for the local cars prices are just as high with more miles on the
vehicle.

[BlueSkyJaunte]

I'm no expert on 915 transmissions but I've never heard of a common transmission oil leak. My car leaks oil--many 911s do--but none of it comes from the transmission!

The first gear grinding is common, but this is indicative of past abuse (or perhaps just carelessness). Chances are the synchronizer for first gear is worn, and the griding you're hearing is the toothed hub attempting to seat before everything has reached the same rotational speed.

I had my transmission rebuilt due to: 1st gear grinding, 2nd gear balking, and 3rd gear crunching. I also had the clutch replaced (90k miles on it). Total cost was about US$2300 including labor, if I recall correctly (the engine has to come out to remove the transmission). You can rebuild the 915 transmission yourself but there appears to be a dearth of information out there on how to do it! From what I've seen many guys here have rebuilt their motors but have their transmissions done for them.

First step (if you buy this car) is to change the gear oil to Castrol, drive it for 500 miles, then change the Castrol to SWEPCO 210. This will flush out all of the accumulated gunk, and SWEPCO has a good reputation for having the proper lubricating properties required by the 915 transmission.

I'm sure if the car is in his/her area one of the good souls on this site will be happy to look at the car for you.

Just a note--I stand on the shoulders of giants! Many here can provide better feedback/advice.

[nostatic]

The price is pretty high. $25K should get you a low miles G50 car ('87-'89). Have you been looking long? YOu shouldn't have to look 2000 miles away...California has plenty of cars, and if you're willing to pay top dollar, you can find one quick.

[GB83SC]

If you like the car get a real Porsche mechanic to check the car out, If the oil leak is near the trany it could be the pressure switch, the thermostat o-ring,
the cooler seals, or the rear main seal if he cant diagnose a problem that simple than he is missing other areas.
The cost to repair all of the above areas should be no more that 1000 dollars by a shop or you can do the repair yourself for that amount including putting in a new clutch.
Good luck.

PS. price is little high.

[Rot 911]

Originally posted by nostatic
The price is pretty high. $25K should get you a low miles G50 car ('87-'89). Have you been looking long? YOu shouldn't have to look 2000 miles away...California has plenty of cars, and if you're willing to pay top dollar, you can find one quick.

In my opinion, Nostatic is giving you the best advice.

[Argo]

That is an awful hefty price for a non G50 with syncro problems. Keep looking.

Argo
88 Targa

[JR911]

I bought an 86 Targa last Dec. It had 99k on it, it needed a clutch and when shifting I could tell that a tranny rebuild was not far off. I had a Porsche shop in town do a PPI on it, the engine checked very good and there were no surprises on the report for the rest of the car.

Looking back, during the PPI I wish I would have had the shop drain the trans oil and look at the magnet for metal....because that is what I did 3 weeks later when it was my car and found many dog teeth (part of the syncrho system) on the plug.

I'm not complaining, I did buy this car because knowing that it would be somewhat of a project car. I'm rebuilding the trans myself and it is almost done, and I'm enjoying doing it.

The other guys gave alot of good info, if this is the car you really want, pay a little more for a PPI who works only on Porsche's, and have them go deeper into the car on the inspection.

BTW..I paid $15K for my car...straight, very clean, but needing mechanical attention.

Hope this helps.

J.R.

[mike f]

That's definitely too much money for the car you described. And I agree, there is no such thing as a usual tranny leak. Look elsewhere.

[targa911man]

I agree with nostatic and Argo. Keep looking and you will find a near identical car with no tranny problems.

[KTL]

I would guess that the "usual" trans. leak to which the mechanic is referring could be the stub axle seals. Seems like a lot of the 915's i've seen have this condition. It's not a drippy leak. Just a moist one. Trans. could have been overfilled also. This makes the fluid spill out of the vent on the top of the trans. case and down the sides.

[makaio]

I agree with Nostatic. California is the p-car capitol, and you are in a very good location(between the bay area & LA). I would not mess with one 2000 miles away, unless it's exactly what you want ( or if it was an 2.7 RS, RSR, etc.)