Replaced starter; same problem

[lm6y]

Hmmm....
Sorry SoCal, but I had a belt go and not bend anything. I even bought another head with out tearing the car down. It CAN happen. Let's just hope he has the same luck. I agree it is doubtful, but we can hope....

[schnork]

(giggle)

I find it very interesting how my "wait and see" attitude comes across as being "in denial."

Having done my share of repairs on cars that ended up being unnecessary, I've learned not to jump to conclusions too quickly. The experience with mis-diagnosing my current problem as the starter is one example of this.

Perhaps I do have bent valves. I'll find that out soon enough. The camshaft turns freely. The belt itself did not break, but it is missing several teeth. I am cautiously optimistic since at time of failure, the engine was in an idling state (850 RPM) -- with no load, and the stall occurred while I had the clutch in. I don't know how much further the engine rotated from its own momentum.

I would be much more inclined to conclude I have bent valves if I at the time had been accelerating or had been cruising down the highway at 90.

I do appreciate the advice and comments, and the personalities who make them.

Particularly SoCal, whose comment below --

"While you are removing the head keep asking yourself why you are a twit and can't listen to 944 owners that have gone through the same thing. In some cases twice."

-- reveals to me that maybe the real reason he's sore is that he appears to have had this problem more than ONCE. Well, it takes one to know one, twit.

This 944 is the first water-cooled Porsche I've worked on. I used to help a friend who raced a '59 356 in SCCA, another friend who raced a 6-cyl 914 in SCCA, and I've rebuilt a 912 engine, not to mention several VW bug engines.

Thanks again for the advice; I will update soon.

[SoCal Driver]

Stuff your self rightous crap Larry.

You broke your timing belt.

Your valves are bent.

I would post a list of cars I've worked on in the last 40 years but it would jam Pelican's server.

[Baza]

WE learn by our own mistakes, and I am a very learned person.
That said let him learn. "May the BANK be with you"

[Roger Hall]

Experience is something you get just after you need it.

Good luck.

[carsontc]

Originally posted by SoCal Driver
Stuff your self rightous crap Larry.

You broke your timing belt.

Your valves are bent.

I would post a list of cars I've worked on in the last 40 years but it would jam Pelican's server.

40 years...of what, you always being right? never questioned anything?

well then, there you have it...that certainly gives you the right to bash the hell out of Larry for questioning us on his first post…good going

what else did he do besides "You broke your timing belt"

tell us everything Hugh...what about the rest of us with broken belts

do you think Larry had something to do with that too?

maybe he was the Porsche engineer responsible for the brilliant design of belts that needed changing every 30,000 miles…and after replacing, if you don't get them retensioned at 1000 miles, it's the customer's fault if they break at 1001 miles

I mean…that is unique isn’t it? just one more way of making sure the Total Cost of Ownership stays at the top.

I'm glad we got him now...btw, since we all have our torches lit...where’s his house?

[TCMdocs944]

Quite a spirited bunch on this board at times. Wouldn't have it any other way.

One thing is for sure though, you can get some really great information, help, tech support and occasionally a little emphathy here.

If all I had were the manuals to go on with this car I'd be f@%$#$.

[lm6y]

Well said Carsontc.
I can remember when we all hoped beyond hope when someone broke a belt that it turned out for the best, And we didn't think we were Gods that knew everything. We supported each other. I KNOW I haven't seen everything, and there is a good chance I won't see it all before I die. I spin wrenches everyday, and I see something new EVERY day. But I will be glad to share what knowledge I have freely.

aah, the good old days. I can remember when Ahmet had a STOCK early 944, and had a million questions. When members offered to drive 4 hours to help a buddy change a clutch (right Hoff ?). We are all here because we have a love / hate relationship with these cars, and want to help each other out. Not berate someone because we know everything, and they don't.

It brings to mind the old joke.... Why are porcupines, and Porsches different............

[SoCal Driver]

An open refusal to even consider that the valves are bent -- which they are 99.9% of the time -- then bragging that their friend knows more than 20 year owners of 944's because he works on 911's -- is just asking for it.

Ignorance can be over come through a willingness to learn. Stupidity is terminal.

I stand by my statement that Larry is a twit. At least till he shows otherwise.

[MrPants]

how are porsches different than porcupines?

[carsontc]

Originally posted by SoCal Driver
I stand by my statement that Larry is a twit. At least till he shows otherwise.

you can do that

(I'll stand by Larry)

[SoCal Driver]

Originally posted by yo mama
how are porsches different than porcupines?

It's part of a statement about 911 owners;

"What is the difference between a Porcupine and a Porsche?

A Porsche has the prick on the inside."

As 944's were never true Porsches in the first place (just ask the Porsche purist) the association doesn't hold true with 944 owner/drivers.

Well, in most cases the exception being the poor sot that buys a 944 thinking he has joined the 911 crowd.

[lm6y]

Good Luck with it Larry.