Need assistance in Allen, TX - 84 Carrera Engine noise
 

Hi Everyone -

Need some help/advise. My 84 911 Carrera started to make a really odd engine noise the other day as I pulled away from my house (like a clanking metal noise). I managed to turn it around and make it into the garage. The power was really low and seemed like it might be the clutch might have gone, but I need an expert to help. There was a slight noise in the engine (like a chain or something loose) and slight burning smell before I shut the car off. There was no smoke and no oil leaking anywhere.

Should I tow it to a shop here in Dallas/North Dallas or can anyone recommend a good mobile mechanic that I can help me diagnose? My preference if for someone to help me determine what the problem is and help me troubleshoot so I can determine the best course of action. I might take on a rebuild myself if I can muster the courage and use the power of these forums. I'm also open to posting videos or sound files. I also did some searching on the forums but seems like I need more help than a search box can give me at this point.

Apologies in advance for my terminology- I'm learning on the car (and have been for quite some time). This is the first major thing that has gone wrong on the car since I bought it 10 years ago.

-Shane
84 911 Carrera
Allen, TX

Take a look at your fan.

Shane, if your "clanking" sound is similar to a tingy bell, Chris can be right. If it is the fan hitting the fan housing, the visual for the two parts making contact is usually around 1 - 2 o'clock inside the fan housing. Contact occurs from the fan housing first cracking, then warping, that warping allowing the fan shaft to go out of center and so allowing the fan to hit the housing.

If it is this, it's a very simple fix. And you can find all the guide info here in the forum so I suggest no worries.

Here's a fan and housing from a 1985 3.2 that made contact.


http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1406060868.jpg


Initial reason for contact...

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1406060929.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1406060956.jpg


While a warped housing can settle into place and last for any length of time including years, the sooner the issue is addressed the better chance there is of not having to buy a new cooling fan. The reason for the housing taking the fan down with it is frictional heat --- it eats up the rear edge of the fan blades (not easily seen but can be felt) and can cause gas/air pockets inside the fan to blow out as you can see below.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1406061119.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1406061165.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1406061197.jpg

If you need a wrench and want one within a 30 min drive :

Mayo Performance
1521 Baccarac Ct, Euless, TX 76040
Phone: +1 817-540-4939

Thanks to both of you! I'll check it and report back. The sound is more of a rattling but I can see where it might be possible. I've removed and reinstalled the fan before so it would be awesome if it were just that.

Thanks pc100porsche for the recommendation. If I can't diagnose further I'll call them. I'm not too crazy about taking the car there without knowing at least more info. However, I have heard of their reputation and will most definitely use them if needed.

I'll also give them a call and see if they do house calls (though I think I know the answer).

Shane, I'd give up on the house call thought. You would pay much more if you were willing to find someone to do it. They couldn't fix it without tools, etc.

Just use your AAA or similar and have them send the flatbed. Please report back!

Do not start the car! It sounds like you might have a collapsed chain tensioner. "Clanking metal noise... Like a chain or something... Power was really low."
If your tensioner has collapsed and the chain has jumped a tooth or two you can bend valves. Your cam on the side that collapsed will be out of time leading to valves and pistons coming into contact. Anything less than this will be good news.
As suggested use your AAA and have it taken to Mayo's.

Ok guys thanks. I'm going to double check the fan and then take it into Mayo's if I don't find anything obvious. I will absolutely not start the car!

What was the solution ?

The fan looks fine. I'm taking it to Mayo's. I'll report back once I know the verdict. Thanks!

Apologies for such a late reply. I had the car towed to Mayo's after Christmas and they fixed me up. It was the clutch! After a new one a a few other things while they were in there (CHT sensor, CAT delete and straight pipe, new fuel lines, and new pulley) I'm back in business. I also had them do a valve adjustment since I'm short on time these days. The car is running better than when I bought it 12 years ago!

-Shane

Glad to hear that they were able to take care of you. On days like today and tomorrow it will be great to get it out for a drive.

Sounds like maybe it was the original rubber centered type which has a tendency to break up and do just this sort of thing. Glad to hear you got fi fixed!

Nice! Happy ending!

+1 on flatbed stait to Mayo performance. Don't let anyone else mess with your car. It will be in good company with 50 other air cooled Porsches and mechanics who can take it apart and put it back together blindfolded.

Oops, I didn't read your later posts...

Awesome news, I need to take a trip out to Mayos