First time 944 owner

[tonyorlo]

I just purchased an 85 944 for $600. It’s actually the second 944 I’ve bought, but my dad took the first one off of my hands the day I bought it. I’ve had 2 914s, 1 for parts, and the 2nd I got 3 weeks ago and plan tk eventually do a rotisserie restoration on it some day.

The previous owner of this car bought it not running. I was told it needs a head gasket because the oil is milky. I plan to pressure test the coolant system and cylinders to try to discover the leak. The car has set since 2000 so it needs a timing belt, water pump, and all the normal odds and ends that go with them.

When we went to load the car on to my trailer, the key would not turn the ignition cylinder, and it wouldn’t turn the door lock cylinders as well. I have read to use a graphite lube on the key as that may help. I will try that, but if it doesn’t work, can I I get new keys cut from this 6 digit tag on the key chain?

Thank for any replies!

[9FF]

You can get new keys cut from the code but it’s likely they too won’t work. It’s probably the cylinder tumblers that are worn and the best way to ensure everything works in the future is to take all the cylinders and keys to a locksmith.

Btw if your oil is milky you should also do your rod bearings.

[mattdavis11]

Is it an 85 1/2 or an early car? Oval dash? I would go by the vin and have a locksmith cut keys.

Milky oil is most likely oil cooler seals, but could be head gasket.

[mattdavis11]

Nevermind, you have the resident expert in 9FF.