944S Ignition Sensors

[Rob-O]

Anybody out there have a 944 "S"? I have an '87 and and have read an article about doing the clutch replacement that tells me I have to pull the ignition sensors. Only thing is I see what I think is one, but not the other. Also, they wrote the article on a 944, not an "S", and the article said that they're both in an aluminum frame. I'm lost...

Rob-O

[wolfrpi]

On the late 944, espicially the S, the clutch is easier than the others as there is more room back behind the head for you to get to the ground straps and ignition sensors.

There is at least one sensor that must be removed. I did my 944S clutch last summer, but I can't remember how many there were. The easy way is to stick your hand down there after you have removed the throttle linkage and intake boot and feel for the second sensor. If its not there, you only had one to remove. If there is a second, it will be orientated in the same manner as the first and easy to feel with your hands or see with a flashlight. They are both secured by 10mm bolts.

Of course you can always remove the bellhousing with the sensors in, just make sure to give it a good tug! You want to break the aluminum sensor bracket cleanly so that you can glue it back together when you reassemble the car...lol...at least that's what the previous owner of my 924S thought...

Erick

[Panzer909]

I've got an '87 "S", and from what I remember last year, there was only one sensor. I had a mysterious driveline noise which I originally thought was a worn throw-out bearing. Thank God it was not.

You might be confusing the reading with the fact the 944S has two "knock" sensors. I think this might be the case(?)

[Rob-O]

Thanks Erick and Panzer...

I pulled one out. The one I could find was right near the ground strap (13mm nut on strap). The ignition sensor was a little black plastic dohickey with a wire coming out of it and a 10mm bolt holding it in. Does this sound right.

Could I wait until I get the driveshaft off but before I pull the bellhousing to give myself more room to see it. Or would that be too late? I'm just about leaned over the fender as far as my fat a** will allow and all I can see is the one sensor.

Also, the article stated that I needed 18 inches of clearance under the car to get the trans out. Did you find this was about the amount of room you needed? I have jackstands that go up to 17 inches, but the jack itself only gets to 14 inches. So...that's how high the car is now. I've got the exhaust out, the c.v.'s off, and the collar that connects the driveshaft to the tranny mainshaft.

Again...thanks for the help.

Rob-O

[Panzer909]

Rob, I'd say even if you can somehow achieve 18 inches of clearance with the equipment at your disposal, that would be mighty uncomfortable to take the whole tranny out. If you're gonna go for it, be very careful.

Do you have a local Porsche dealer? If so, walk right in to their service dept. and ask them to pull a diagram and see what really lies up there. But the little black plastic dohickey with a wire coming out of it and a 10mm bolt holding it in does sound right.

Hmm. Sounds like a big challenge without proper (or even comfortable) clearance......

[wolfrpi]

You don't need much clearance at all to take the tranny out. You may have to jack up the car if you want to put the tranny aside the car though. You can also remove the torque tube first. Have fun!

Erick