Turbo is starting to make noise, when to fix? On that 86 944T

Vroom · 08-09-2001, 05:47 PM

Boy, my last question, "Why do 911 owners look down on 944's" really caught on!
Anyway, if you'll recall, I want to buy my brother in law's 86 944Turbo with 138K.
Body is great, interior good. He just gave me the lowdown on all the work that's been done on it, but then he said, "but , now for the bad news". Apparently, he's starting to hear a little sound in the Turbo, after he's driven it , and then let it idle, maybe a little whirring sound. Said that it probably could be driven a while longer but that it might need a new turbo soon.
Told me that he could get the part for 300 to 500 bucks. Labor would be 4 to 6 hours.
Can you guys tell me about the turbo, and what happens to it, and when it should be replaced?

In addition, I'd love to get your thoughts on the work he's done so far, if you could?

Apparently the original owner did race cars. That's who sold the car to my b-in-law. My b-i-law made a lot of money from this guy's repairs. The engine was running hot, and they finally changed the radiator...that solved it. Anyway, repairs done: all the belts changed in the last 5000miles/ head gasket changed/ head was pressure tested for leaks , no leaks/
valve stem seals were done as needed by a machine shop/ clutch replaced/ Oh, he says that sometimes the clutch doesn't come all the way up, gets a little hung up. He just pushes it sideways and it frees itself. Is that easy to correct?/
2 new wheels in back. / Steering Rack and Pump replaced/ water pump replaced/ front engine seals replaced/ oil pump check valve resealed and upgrade of check valve/ new thermostat for both the engine and the turbo/ the electric water circulating pump was changed/ the relay for the cooling fans was changed/ new radiator/ hood shocks replaced/ he wasn't sure if the heater valve was changed/ manifolds were replaced by original owner at the dealer/ new battery/
He has two steering hoses that he hasn't put in yet.
The car is having problems with rear brakes squealing, particularly in reverse, that he can't get rid of, even after using silicone and other remedies...any ideas?
Exhaust system in good shape. Says AC probably needs charging....how good is the AC in these 944's? He has replaced the plastic gears for the sunroof.

I asked him to get it "emissions tested" to be sure it would pass New York Emissions. He hasn't had it tested yet., has just been using his "repair shop" plates on it.
Anyway, that's it. What do you think?
Thanks in advance . ave

Sergio · 08-09-2001, 06:13 PM

The AC on these cars is not that bad, but not that good it seems. It will more than likey have a leak at the compressor (o rings)They all seem to leak there as they get old. Depending on where you live, you may want to try an aftermarket rotary compressor, I have heard good things.

RaF944 · 08-09-2001, 08:49 PM

I'd get it and then put a big turbo on it...Get the car cheaper...and then You can upgrade the turbo and you are set!

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85.5 Porsche 944

Blackfoot · Blackfoot's Garage

it sounds like the car has been fairly well taken care of. but realize it was a track car and no doubt has seen way more than average abuse. it's inescapable-nobody goes to the track and drives like they do on the street (except if you have an auto, then it's pretty much the same :-) ).

if you decide to buy it, get it at a lower price than you otherwise would for a non-abused 951. then upgrade the turbo.

Vroom · 08-10-2001, 05:08 AM

Thanks guys, .....any opinions about the sticking clutch pedal/ rear brakes squealing...?
Ave

PrerYDoG · 08-10-2001, 08:29 AM

VROOM, it's a fact of life, the brakes on Porsche's tend to squeek. It generally has to do with the pads, not with anything going metal to metal or being problematic. I've yet to run across a 951 in my area that has brakes that don't squeel. As for the clutch, if it's not always "springing" back up, it's probably a master or slave cylinder. Is it leekin fluid?

UK952 · 08-13-2001, 03:48 PM

Is the noise after shutting down the engine? If so it's the turbo water pump it should run for approx. 30 secs after shutting down, every time.
(And the Turbo is faster and more predictable than a lot of 911's on the track)