912E Timing Chain?

[GenX Porsche]

I have never seen this car but I am looking at having a friend purchase a 912E for me down in Southern California. I asked him about the mechanical condition of the car and he came back with the timing chain needs to be replaced. I have been looking on the internet about 914 2.0 engines and timing chains and I havent found anything. He got this information from some kind of official document, I think it might be from a shop or something like that because the owner decided not to fix the problem.
My question is, is this possible? And where can I find information on where to purchase a new one? Also do they make them with master link? I know it depends on the damage but is it feasible to drive it the 8 miles to my parents house without it blowing up or am I going to need to tow it? Any information you can give me would be awesome. I know this is very vague and there are alot of if's but any kind of information you could give me would be great. Also the time and money involved in a job like this would be greatly appreciated.
David

[craign]

GenX,

I know nothing about the 912E except what I read here.

The only experience I have had with timing chains was not good. I broke one on and old datsun while stopped at a stop light. the damage that was done was significant and it cost me $$ to fix. Luckily none of the pistons were cracked but I did have to replace all the valves associated hardware. I don't remember what else I had to have done but it cost good $$ to fix at the time.

Any way to find out the particulars of this one?? If the engine was running when it broke you might be in for more of a headache than you want.

Craig

[WFBowen]

David:
No timing chain on the 912E; the camshaft is gear driven off of the crankshaft. I'd be real careful with buying this car as, even though they're based on the Type IV, they can be expensive to fix and if this car has been run for any length of time with unfixed problems, the motor could be in seriously bad shape by now.
Good luck,
Bill.

[COLDBASS]

Speaking from personal experience, I concur with what Bill states. It can add up very quickly, especially if you are detailed oriented . "Bad timing chain" Pehaps bad/worn timing gear??? Sounds as though you will probably have to split the cases and do extensive work. You may want to have someone that is a bit more familiar with 912Es or Type IVs check this vehicle out for you. I currently know of 3 912E s for sale here in So Cal. I personally would never purchase a vehicle sight unseen, but then again its not my money...

Because you are in California (vehicle emmissions ugh!), and may enjoy the use of a heater, the two areas of real concern should be the condition of the heat exchangers (spares are extremely rare) and the Thermal reactors (rare and $$$$, smog emissions related) being included in the sale.

My 2 cents...

[piperpilotduane]

Correct! There is no timing chain on a Type IV engine. But the cost of a complete rebuild is a fraction of any 6 cyl. Porsche engine. All parts to do a rebuild are around $1000. If you do the work the labor is free. If you need tech advice this board and the 914 board will guide you through. Plus Jake Raby has a video. Good Luck!


P.S. Read all the poasts on the 912E, because there are some 912E only parts to consider. #1 Heat exchangers.