Porsche 912 garage find- Where to start?

[Coach House 911]

Hi all.
I just today brought home a very original 912 that has been sitting for the last 26 years in storage.
My mechanical experience is very limited and now that I have the car I want to get it started. I have not turned the engine over by starting it however it does turn by hand. The previous owner stated that it was running well when it was parked. The oil looks very clean. I really would like to get it running so I am looking for any and all advice on where to start.

Thanks,
Mike

[C. Clark]

The 912 Registry is familiar with all the issues. Change the oil though......
912 Board
Chas.
356912911

[Christopher E]

Might be stating the obvious - but if it's been sitting - DO NOT START IT!! - until you've cleaned out the petrol tank. Old gasoline might have turned into an oily sticky goo that you most certainly do NOT want sucked into pipes, carbs and engine internals. Clean the tank, change petrol filters and oil before you even try starting it. Put an in-line fuel filter between the tank and your electric fuel pump in order to catch any rust or sediments. Or run a separate external source of fuel until you made sure the tank is clean and ok. Before firing - crank it for quite a while with the lead disconnected from the coil - in order to get all that oil circulated and somewhat of an oil pressure before the engine actually gets fired up.

Good luck and congratulations on your find!

[Coach House 911]

Thanks for the info. Any thoughts on how to clean the gas tank? Should I replace the gas lines as well?

[WFBowen]

I'll add a few points to Christopher's list, but keep in mind I'm a little paranoid about cars that have sat for decades. I'd pull the plugs and spray light oil into each cylinder and let it soak for a day or so - I know some guys who fill the crankcase with a diesel/motor oil mix. By filling I mean pouring the mixture in until it literally can't hold any more. Then the motor is gently turned by hand allowing soaking time between each revolution. The point I'm making here is that I've seen VW guys find a barn/field find, put some oil and gas in it and bump-start it. Even if it does run, the once frozen rings are now damaged, having been "popped" free.
Also, I'd go ahead and pull the carbs and clean them now. The gas tank should be pulled (easy job) and pressure cleaned. Either clean the metal lines or replace them. You can use a remote gas can to initially start and check the running condition of the motor. As far as barn finds go, there are lots of "stories" attached to why good cars were just parked and left for years. If you trust the sellers then you might expect a useable motor/car.
Good luck.
Bill.

[upwardr]

Coach house where in Canada are you located?
Perhaps someoe local could assist?

[Coach House 911]

Originally Posted by WFBowen

I'll add a few points to Christopher's list, but keep in mind I'm a little paranoid about cars that have sat for decades. I'd pull the plugs and spray light oil into each cylinder and let it soak for a day or so - I know some guys who fill the crankcase with a diesel/motor oil mix. By filling I mean pouring the mixture in until it literally can't hold any more. Then the motor is gently turned by hand allowing soaking time between each revolution. The point I'm making here is that I've seen VW guys find a barn/field find, put some oil and gas in it and bump-start it. Even if it does run, the once frozen rings are now damaged, having been "popped" free.
Also, I'd go ahead and pull the carbs and clean them now. The gas tank should be pulled (easy job) and pressure cleaned. Either clean the metal lines or replace them. You can use a remote gas can to initially start and check the running condition of the motor. As far as barn finds go, there are lots of "stories" attached to why good cars were just parked and left for years. If you trust the sellers then you might expect a useable motor/car.
Good luck.
Bill.

Thanks Bill that is very useful information to me. I have very little mechanical experience but the jobs you suggest I should be able to do.
I checked the oil level last night and it is half full and the colour is light to dark brown with what I think is a good viscosity. Do you recommend I fill to the top level? Also, what method do you suggest I use to spray oil (type as well) into the cylinders?
I also went through all the paperwork that was in the glove box and found mechanical receipts from '74 indicating the performance muffler install. Should I take the muffler off as well?
Thanks,
Mike

[Coach House 911]

Originally Posted by upwardr

Coach house where in Canada are you located?
Perhaps someoe local could assist?

Hi Larry.
I am located just outside of Guelph, Ontario. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Mike

[WFBowen]

Originally Posted by Coach House 911

Thanks Bill that is very useful information to me. I have very little mechanical experience but the jobs you suggest I should be able to do.
I checked the oil level last night and it is half full and the colour is light to dark brown with what I think is a good viscosity. Do you recommend I fill to the top level? Also, what method do you suggest I use to spray oil (type as well) into the cylinders?
I also went through all the paperwork that was in the glove box and found mechanical receipts from '74 indicating the performance muffler install. Should I take the muffler off as well?
Thanks,
Mike

Mike: After you're sure you have an absolutely clean fuel supply through the carbs, dump the oil, replace the oil filter (cleaning the cannister and the sump screen.) As for new oil, you can get some cheap 10-30, adding some to the filter cannister before you close it up and put the rest in the sump. I'm not a fan of cheap, thin oil but for this project you can use it to spin-up the motor and (if it fires) bring the motor up to operating temp. If all goes well, let the motor cool then take it back to operating temp again and let it stay there for a few minutes always checking for leaks, etc. Now dump this oil/filter and put some good oil and fresh filter in. I've had good luck with Rotella HDEO straight 30 (big-rig truck oil), but I'm in So.Calif. so you might want a multi-weight oil.
Definitely leave the exhaust system on as anything in there will just blow out. For the cylinders, you can spray in cheap chain lubricants using the little red straw fitting.

[Coach House 911]

Thanks for the great info. I will pick up the oil this weekend and follow your direction.
Mike

[Christopher E]

youre on your way! Sounds like fun.

While your down there - adjusting the valves might be a good idea as well. It's easy (step-by-step-guides are available - google it), takes fifteen minutes, you'll avoid unnecessary damage, get a closer look inside under the valve covers (can't hurt?) and the engine wont run well if the gaps aren't correct.

have fun!

[Butzip]

You are pretty brave buying a car that has been sitting for 26 yrs when you "have very little mechanical experience". Trust me, you will after this journey! Good luck we will help all we can! Where did you pick this car up from?

Change the oil
Adjust the valves
Change your plugs (Bosch WR6BC)
Change your wires Bosch 7mm available at AutoZone
Check your timing
Check your carbs and throttle linkages
Make sure your clutch is not frozen
Check your tranny fluid (Swepco 201)
Check your brakes and brake fluid
Check your suspension for rust/old bushings/bent tie rods etc.....

[upwardr]

Coach house, there are many Porsche guys in the area and a couple of 912 guys I know.
Resoration Design has opened up there new facility in your fine town and Mike is very knowledgable in older Porsches.
We have a local bunch of guys that own 356, 912 and early 911s that get together every month to BS about cars, 12 to 15 show up for beer and conversation.
Also drives and things happen around your way so getting some help should be no problem.

I've got a 912 I'm currently working on.
If you want you can give me a call.
905 730 7985

I'm only 45 min from you.
Larry

[Coach House 911]

Thanks Larry. You can expect a call from me. Also, please let me know the time and date for the next BS session.
I have been meaning to stop by RD to check it out and may do so this aft.
I can be reached through my work cell # 647-409-3998.

Thx,
Mike

[Coach House 911]

Hi.

Thanks for the info. I just purchased a set of wires off of ebay but haven't found and spark plugs yet as I didn't know what type was needed.
I picked the car up just outside of Boston.

Mike

[Coach House 911]

Peter,
I pushed the brake pedal down as per the tow truck driver upon removal (we had to drag it out as all 4 wheel were initially frozen -the FRight was the last to break free)- After doing so the pedal itself did not spring back into place.
The clutch pedal also springs back very slowly as well.
The transmission gate/linkage shifts freely hand. I believe it is a 4spd. H gate with Reverse left and up?

[Jaems]

You will need to rebuild the pedal cluster. It is probably corroded.

[WFBowen]

Originally Posted by Coach House 911

Peter,
I pushed the brake pedal down as per the tow truck driver upon removal (we had to drag it out as all 4 wheel were initially frozen -the FRight was the last to break free)- After doing so the pedal itself did not spring back into place.
The clutch pedal also springs back very slowly as well.
The transmission gate/linkage shifts freely hand. I believe it is a 4spd. H gate with Reverse left and up?

Sure sounds like a 4sp gearbox. I hope everything works out on the car - I'm in the middle of reading Tom Cotter's "The Cobra in the Barn" (all about famous and infamous barnfinds.) Either way, it'll be a fun project to wake-up the car and get everything functional again.
Good luck!
Bill

[upwardr]

Sorry you just missed the BS session it was Thursday. Would like to see another 912 owner in the group.
We are having a drive coming up in May 29 I think. It is going to end at RD for a barbaque. Hope you can make it.
I will give you a call through the week maybe next weekend I can pop in to see your car.

I am currently welding in a new suspension pan in my 911 getting it ready for painting.

I'll have more time when its gone to the paint shop.

Larry

[Coach House 911]

Sorry to have missed the get together. I did stop by to see Mike at RD and he gave me the full tour which was fantastic.
It would be great if you could stop by and take a look at the car. I have cleaned off all of the grime in the engine bay but so far all is I do is sit and stare at the car for hours it seems. I am hesitant to start removing things without having a shop manual nor the experience to put back together. I have taken more photos which I will post later this week.