rebuild 911 engine

[beany]

I just found out my 80 sc has a knocking rod. I suspected the problem and had a former 911 mechanic come over to the house and listen to it. It took about 30 seconds to give me the bad news. I have followed several threads where guys here and rebuild their engine in the garage. I could use some advice here. Thanksl

[VFR750]

Wayne's engine rebuilding book is your best first start It outlines everything involved, with lots of pictures and explanations.

[kodioneill]

I wouldn't attempt it unless you have at least some mechanical skills.

[boyt911sc]

Originally Posted by beany

I just found out my 80 sc has a knocking rod. I suspected the problem and had a former 911 mechanic come over to the house and listen to it. It took about 30 seconds to give me the bad news. I have followed several threads where guys here and rebuild their engine in the garage. I could use some advice here. Thanksl

beany,

If you are not mechanically challenged and wanted to do this project yourself, it is very doable and fun. Just remember one thing, if you think the project could be done in 2 months, allow more time as much as 2X or 3X or more. Since this would be your first time to do a rebuild, take your time and don't rush the work. If it takes longer, just be patient.

Overcoming your anxiety would be your greatest hurdle. You'll will need space, tools, $$$$, and mentor/s (adviser/s). This forum is a very good source for soliciting ideas and advises. And I was fortunate to find two (2) professional engine rebuilders who are members of this forum and willing to give you sage advises. PM me if you need their names. Both guys are from the south east region (FL & SC). I've done over a dozen 3.0 liter engines and still give them a call once in a while. While I was on my 3rd. engine, my mentor had done 200+ engines!!!!

Tony

[r-mm]

Do it do it!

I've rebuilt an alfa 4 cyl before and decided I could handle my 3.2. You can check my thread: 1st drop & top end observations & questions

Feel free to PM if you want advice. I'm compiling a really thorough list of tools, parts and their costs and will post them all upon completion. I'm on track to wrap this up in 2 mos, but didn't split the case.

[carrerarsr65]

I'm doing my 3.0 take your time and get the right tools ,get ready to spend $ allow an extra grand in your budget , I had to buy a new used crank,the first one I bought was also bad so just be patient, any ?s contact me , I'll try to help. Good luck also from Massachusetts

[beany]

Thanks for the responses. I am somewhat mechanically inclined. Most importantly, the guy who rebuild my engine 10 years ago is willing to oversee my work. I KNOW there is a lot of experience in this group and I have used their advice many times in the past. I don't plan on starting until after the first of the year due to busy holiday season. I have always wanted to try a a rebuild so I will probable give it a try. I have the bently manual and it has great information. Will try to take pictures and keep interested people in the loop. Beany

[JeremyD]

Take your engine out yourself - separate the transmission - then drive your engine to Mike Bruns and let him rebuild it for you. mbruns is his screen name. (He's in central Florida) Probably one of the top 5 engine builders in the country. You also have a couple of great shops down that way - KMW autosports in Boca Raton and 901 shop in stuart.

[porsche930dude]

just curious any clues as to why the rod knock came about? what oil do you run and how many miles on the engine? If it went bad after only 10 years I dont think id be taking advice from the last guy

[beany]

Actually the engine probably only has maybe 25000 miles since rebuild. It is a weekend car. I don't think the bottom end was done when top end was rebuilt. The only clue was the LOAD noise the engine was making. My first thought was a chain tensioner failing. I usede 10w 40 oil for the south florida area. It has always worked well. The car was "used to go to church on sunday " only. The engine probably has about 125000 total miles since new. Beany

[Tippy]

It's not hard, just time consuming.

Try Motor Meister, I heard they do engines cheap. Just kidding......

[Bob Kontak]

Originally Posted by porsche930dude

If it went bad after only 10 years I dont think id be taking advice from the last guy

Crap. This makes sense at first blush.

The guy should have pulled a couple of rod caps off 10 years ago to check condition of bearings. Maybe he did?

Oil is light for Florida. 20W-50. All year. You state it is a pleasure car so probably ok if not over stressed.

However, if you have done something silly, 10 years, 10 days, makes no difference.

There is a fly in the ointment somewhere. 3.0 bearings do not go out at 125k.

[porsche930dude]

it only does it when loaded? could be spark knock . try back off on the timing and run a higher octane. dont take one guys opinion. total rebuild is a major thing!

[Bob Kontak]

Originally Posted by porsche930dude

it only does it when loaded? !

I think he meant to type loud.