two part 912 question

[bugstrider]

Hello,

I am working on a 1968 912 and I have two general questions for the experts out there. The original engine was smoked due to a failed oil cooler and replaced with an engine out of a 1967 so I know my numbers do not match for the car. My first question is pertaining to the case casting or serial number found on the bolt hub behind the generator.

Yes, before asking this particular question I have been attempting to understand the past posted topics on this matter, and it is still like looking through a class of soupy mud. I understand that the set of numbers found on the right bolt hub relate to the year series, however if I can successfully attach a photo to show what I am talking about it should be easy to see.

The query I have is on the series of numbers on the left side of the case. All of the available sites with tables do not cover this series of numbers and there is no info available. Has anyone seen this series of numbers and is the first digit a "1" or a funny "7"? The following is a photo of the numbers.


My second question is relating to the generator. I know that Porsche bumped up the output of the generator for the 1968 year. Since my 912 has a 1967 engine installed, should it be running with the larger generator for the 68 year or does it even matter?



Thanks for looking and any information you may pass to me on this. I look forward to talking with the 912 fans on the site.

[WFBowen]

IIRC, the left number is the casting number. The other one, as you know, is the engine type (i.e. 616/36; 616/39)
As for the generator, what matters is that the generator output matches the voltage regulator on the car. There are also differences beyond the actual generator and stand size between the two setups, including fan, cover plate and some smaller parts.
I notice in your engine bay photo a series of fuel filters - did the car sit for a long spell?
Bill.

[bugstrider]

Hi Bill,

Thanks for the info on the case casting number, that makes sense why the numbers did not match up with the serial number data base. The different sites are very unclear on that. It seems that many others say that is the serial number.

As far as if the car sat a while....yes. I know that when I reviewed the paperwork, that an electric fuel pump was installed many years ago when the mechanical pump failed. The original pump on the 67 engine is still in place so I was thinking of rebuilding it and scrapping the electric pump. The car was taken to a local Porsche place in Auburn where they got it running. I can tell that the engine has a way to go before the true life of the engine is awaken to its potential. In looking through the repair paperwork on the car I can not tell if the proper voltage regulator was installed. I know that there are several "electric" gremlins running around with regards to lights, gages and switches where things work then don't.



The previous owner even installed an additional three gage panel that does not work properly. I can not even get an oil read on the original. When the engine turns the temp goes from stone cold to buried hot in about 5 seconds and the oil light stays on. So, as far as electrical I'm even still discovering what I actually have to work with. I will include some of the photos of the bay. You will even see the mess that was made of the original pressure/temp switch when they added some rubber hose bypass that leads over to the extra temp and pressure gage.


Some form of an auxiliary oil pressure/temp sensor


The original temp/pressure switch rigged with the auxiliary gage...I think


another angle


fuel pump filter line.

Trevor

[Jaems]

I used the same electric fuel pump on my R. It has never given me any problems. It is one of the best for the 912. Some do not like the electric fuel pumps. However, it saves a lot of wear on the battery and starter. If the car has been idle for a few weeks.




I would get a 912 65-68 wiring diagram. Then take all that stuff that the PO did to the engine off and put the wiring back as it was originally. (with the exception of the fuel pump). If you want and like the oil pressure and temp gauges with the numbers. Then replace the two left hand gauges with 911S ones. For 68 you would need the black ones and the oil pressure sender for the gauges instead of the idiot light. The picture below is of the green gauges for the 65-67.



This way the engine compartment would be much cleaner and easier to work in.



It looks like you have a 009 distributor. This distributor was designed for the VW bug engine and is not curved right for a 912 street engine. You will want to replace it with one of the following: 022, 031, or the RS0012. The cheapest one is the RS0012. It is a recurve 009 that the John Benton Enterprizes has done to match the curve needed for the 912 engine. All the 912ers that have RS0012 will swear by it. The RS0012 can be found a Will's Classic and Speed Parts. As anyone of the 912 BBS.

There is the 912 BBS where most of the 912er go. They have a great archive of 912 problems and fixes. Since you live in Cal. There is also the 912 Registry with several hundred 912ers.

[bugstrider]

Jaems,

Thanks for your insight on the FP, Gages, and Distributor. On your FP, did you install an inertial cut-off switch? I installed a rotary pump in a 1966 Cal Bug I fixed up several years ago, I pulled one from a wrecked Ford and wired it in line to the FP, just in case I was in a crash and did not want fuel pumping to a hot engine. I appreciate the input on the reliability of the pump, that makes me feel better. Do you know if it is possible to install the pump in the trunk closer to the tank? I also noticed that the wrong distributor was installed but was unsure of the differences between the different versions. On yours, did you install one of the electronic pointless units, and if so how does it work for you?

I actually do like having a gage rather than an idiot light so I will be looking into the option, thanks for that one, thus my quest begins.... I belong to the 912 registry but due to some unknown reason, the database will not allow me to log in to post a question or topic. will not allow me to access through my user name or even member number, so I have shot a query off to the secretary of registration with the hopes of accessing my account....finally.

I really am looking forward to interacting with others about this car and appreciate your input and sugestions..... It makes it all worth it.

Trevor
This 912 is definitely a project along with the learning curve for me. I am still learning what was done to this car to understand what lies ahead.

[Jaems]

The reason that the pump is in the back. It is a rotary pump and pulls better than pushes. Just put a cut off switch under the dash or on it to turn off the fuel pump and all the electric in the car..

I use a 031 pointless distributor with a CD box. I only mention the RS0012 because it is cheaper and I would say that everyone that uses it loves it. Very few have had problems with pointless and the name that they use slips my mine for the moment. However, Will at C&S parts carries the one that they all like. He also carries the RS0012 and can ordered with the pointless ignition.

The 911S or L gauges are you best bet Since you have white/black type make sure that the ones you get are the ones that use the brackets in the rear to hold them in place. The ones that slide in use a bigger gasket and the holes in the dash are bigger. The are two places that recondition the gauges if needed Hollywood, and San Jose are both VDO repair.

The 912 BBS and the 912 Registry are two different ones. However, they are slowly merging. There is also another place that carries OEM new and used parts That is "Parts Obsolete" up in Oregon. This where the Parts Obsolete Campout is located. This year it is in July and with all classic Porsches camping out for the weekend.

[Jaems]

The numbers on the right side of your picture, since it is a 67, will be 616/36. The engine number is on the third piece of the case just below the generator stand. see picture The engine number will start with a 7xxxxxx, if it starts with an 8xxxxx, then it is was originally in a German or Swedish delivery car.

[bugstrider]

Unfortunately, there is no number on the generator stand other than the part number on the side facing the distributor. That was the other little mystery with this engine...

[Jaems]

The engine was a factory replacement engine because the original blew.

The replacement engine came without any serial numbers. Some dealer stamped the original numbers back on. While others just left it blank. On the right side of your picture. The 65-67 would have the 616/36; the 68 would be 616/39; the 69 would be 616/40. The left side number is the casting number. 106850 would make the casting of the case the last of April or beginning of May of 67.

[WFBowen]

Here are the 2 regulator numbers:
for 350watt generator: 616 603 202 01
" 420 watt " " " : 616 603 212 00

[bugstrider]

Jaems & WFBowen,

Thank you to both of you for the information. It is very helpful and I appreciate the input. I have my work cut out for me and look forward to the challenge.

WFBowen,

Just out of curiosity, where was the info on the casting number? I spent hours looking for a reference that could explain the numeric sequence and got nowhere. My luck it probably was right in front of my nose.

Thanks again guys,

Trevor