HELP

[Pinseekers]

I am new to Porsche and the $$ needed to get these bad boys back on track.
Anyway, I need help. I have spent over $4,500 on my engine alone, and STILL have a car that coughs, sputters and overheats!!!
The last mechanic blameds the first mechanic, but now my car is worse!!
Is there anybody that likes helping out others in need of everything (advice, helping hand, or ???)?
I don't know what to do, the 3rd mechanic said I had FI problems and to find carbs. I have a 2.0 74.
Sometimes I just want to burn this car. I have no more money a great deal of frustration and many mechanics (shops) that I don't trust and don't know what to do!!!!

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

Step 1: Go through the ignition system thoroughly. Make sure the points have the proper gap, they aren't pitted or corroded. Make sure the dwell angle is within spec. Make sure the timing is in spec. Check the plugs to see what color the deposits on them are. (Grey or white is too lean, black and sooty is too rich, tan or brown is good.)

Step 1a: While you've got the spark plugs out to look at the deposits, run a compression check. Look for fairly even numbers across the cylinders, all above 100 or so.

Step 2: Look at the vacuum and fuel hoses and make sure they're hooked up to the correct places. Check http://www.pelicanparts.com/914/technical_specs/914_20FI_diag.htm for where they should be.

Step 3: Go read http://www.914fan.net/djet.html . Re-read it. Go through it again. Print it out, take it to your car, and read it while you look for the various components and grok what they do. Then start going through the procedures outlined in it and checking all of the FI bits.

This should at the very least give you some idea of what is going on.

--DD

[campbellcj]

Sorry to hear about your frustration. Most of us have BTDT (hi Dave!)

Your profile shows that you are in So Cal -- if so, you do not want to put carbs on your car! Besides the fact that the stock D-jet FI is better for most/all stock-ish street cars, you will not pass CA smog in your 74 with carbs!

I am not very familiar with your area, but you may need to seek out another (!) mechanic who is well-versed in 914's and the D-jet FI system. Otto's in Venice works on my 73 and it runs perfectly. John W. is a real character and not everybody gets along with him personality-wise, but he is a true 914 fan and guru. There are other good air-cooled VW/Porsche guys around -- ask other teener or Type4 owners in your area for referrals.

Let us know what you find!

Good luck,
Chris C.

[This message has been edited by campbellcj (edited 03-31-2001).]

[WOODPIE]

I feel your pain. Ihave, at times, felt like taking a match to my cars too. But misery loves company, and to show you're not alone, check out this site thoroughly. You will find others who have, or have had, similar or exactly identical problems. It sounds to me (excuse me if I'm wrong) that you are more dependent on mechanics than on your own two hands and brain. If you are willing to learn how and do more work yourself, you'll not only save some money, you'll get a great deal of satisfaction knowing the job was done right, or at least that you know how the job was done. The 914 is not the most complicated car ever made, but it can seem to be when you have little or no knowledge and you head is stuck down in that tiny engine compartment. Try to eat that cow one bite at a time.
Also, I'd tell you Pelican Parts is a great place to get info and parts. D Darling knows his stuff on these sweet little sports cars, as do many others who post here.

PIE
75 Green 2.0 Kermit
73 Black 2.0 Dark Helmet