911 noob asking for direction and a starting point

[Carbster]

Other than RTFM...
I am a long time Porsche lover and short time owner, having some experience cutting teeth on German aircooled VW's and a 914/6 more recently, I finally dove in and bought a rather long in the tooth 87' Carerra in Guardsman (?) Red. The paint is quite faded and rubbed through in places. Mileage is over 200k, but it purrs like a kitten and pulls very strong for a little engine. Chassis, brakes and such seem in good nick, but the wiring has been an issue. I believe the PO replaced the boxes and PW switches doing a poor job.

Lights and windows are a problem. Im going to have the seller give it a once over, he owns a Mechanical shop in Purcellville Virginia and has a decent reputation. I want to sort the ac fans, add a fan maybe and get the ac working to an acceptable standard. Seems like defrost fan is out too, maybe the condenser fan knocked it out.

Short term plans: sort ac, sort the little wiring crap, fix the poor stereo wiring, a gentle trackday or two. Enjoy the fun! Red interior panels must go! Spit and polish.

long term plans: paint, rebuild & refresh and make a sturdier trackday/ Sunday driver.


My trackdays started with my Ducati Paul Smart and Suzuki at Summit Point WV. I knew it would push on to four wheels sooner or later.

Advice on good sensible books, manuals, forums etc is appreciated greatly. Im quite handy and enjoy fixing my own stuff, not being cheapskate but a passion for the machinery I love so much. Thanks Ken C

[wwest]

You might want to start by searching for and reading all posts with "kuehl" and "fan" within the contents, not "posted by".

[Bob Kontak]

I would suggest the Bentley manual for the 3.2 Carrera. It is comprehensive and pretty easy to use.

[Carbster]

kuehl sounds like something my friends slacker kid would say.

Where can I find a comprehensive wiring diagram? Bentley manual the best or does someone else know of a better source?

[Bob Kontak]

Originally Posted by wwest

You might want to start by searching for and reading all posts with "kuehl" and "fan" within the contents, not "posted by".

Come on wwest. This fellow has no clue of the wrestling match going on here outside of this post.

You will not take (have) this liberty for long if you continue this type of action.

You will be banned. This is far worse than calling Kuehl names. You are undermining the forum.

[Bob Kontak]

Originally Posted by Carbster

kuehl sounds like something my friends slacker kid would say.

Where can I find a comprehensive wiring diagram? Bentley manual the best or does someone else know of a better source?

There is a 3.2 bentely manual on line. Search google for Cannell Porsche manuals.

They don't always download first try.

Regardless, I like their wiring diagrams. Compartmentalized (if that's a word)

Edit - I just got the PDF file to download and it works.

http://www.2010.cannell.co.uk/manuals/manuals_porsche.html

Right click on "download" and save to a folder.

[wwest]

Originally Posted by Bob Kontak

Come on wwest. This fellow has no clue of the wrestling match going on here outside of this post.

You will not take (have) this liberty for long if you continue this type of action.

You will be banned. This is far worse than calling Kuehl names. You are undermining the forum.

I thought that I was being helpful, the non-Kuehl posts will have both "Pro" and "Con" comments and opinions, whereas Kuehl is a marketeer "first" and an experienced Porsche A/C specialist 2nd (or 3rd..?).

[CCM911]

Also, sort everything and save the AC for your ultimate reward. The key here is to take your time. Sort one issue at a time. Start with the lights, as these are pretty important if you drive at night.

And nobody has said "Welcome to the Club" so I will.

I also have a Ducati, but it is long in the tooth just like your Porsche, and I am going through the same thing getting that back in top shape.

Oh. We need to see a picture....or..."No advice for you"!! LOL!!

[wayner]

If you are just starting out, aside from the technical manuals, the 101 projects book sold here is an interesting place to start.

I'd also look for any project threads here to follow. This place is a wealth of information!

Here is how to search (yes, I even found a thread on that)
An easier way to search Pelican - Just thought I'd share.

Here are examples:

'78 SC Elephant Racing Suspension Rebuild

Well here she is -

water in rear footwells

Long term & Commonly Neglected Maintenance

here are some others that are interesting for other reasons
993 GT-1 recreation project

[Bob Kontak]

Originally Posted by wayner

......the 101 projects book sold here is an interesting place to start.

+1

I like Bruce Anderson's 911 Performance Handbook. Getting long in the tooth but he was such a great technical writer.

Originally Posted by wwest

I thought that I was being helpful, the non-Kuehl posts will have both "Pro" and "Con" comments and opinions, whereas Kuehl is a marketeer "first" and an experienced Porsche A/C specialist 2nd (or 3rd..?).

You are being spiteful at the expense of thread continuity and value.

[Carbster]

Thanks to all for th response? I can see there are some witty and funny people here in the few threads I have been through. I got into forums with my FJ-40 and then on with my motorcycle addiction. I can see Ive now found a new one!

I will be checking back and posting up some pics soon. thanks again gents.

[timmy2]

Welcome aboard and post a bunch of pictures of your car, post you location in your profile and fill up your garage.
Then we'll all pitch in to get your new car back in order.

[kidrock]

you will find out in very short order that your electrical gremlins probably have nothing to do with your wiring, and everything to do with your grounds, fuses and relays. Give everything a good cleaning and inspection, you will be surprised how many issues you can easily solve.

Don't forget the pix of the new ride. Welcome to the madness.

[Carbster]

Yes Im thinking the PO replacing the fuse boxes, power window switches, stereo install and various relaysmare the problem! Posting pics this weekend.