Restoring 84 944

[Alchemist]

Hi, new to the forums.

My family has a friend with an '84 944. About 3 years ago he purchased a new car and the 944 has been sitting around ever since. Now, we've been talking to him, and he says that he doesn't want the car (944) and he'd practically give it to us.

Now, I haven't gotten the car yet, but I was wondering if anyone has dealt with a car like this. What type of problems would you expect to see for a car that hasn't been driven in 3 or 4 years? Would it be work that one could do in house or something that would require a mechanic?

If anyone could give me some insight on this subject that'd be great.

Thanks!

[Porsche-O-Phile]

If he doesn't have documentation on what maintenance has been done recently, I'd expect to change all the "usual" expendable items like the oil & filter, gas, fuel filter, spark plugs, cap, rotor, wires, etc. I would STRONGLY recommend replacing (or at least having checked) the timing and balance shaft belts & rollers (they may have gotten quite brittle in a few years time) and the tires (I know this one from experience).

Worst case is replacement of all the front belts, seals, rollers, tensioners - probably about $2,000 to have it done or about $1,000 for parts & tools to do it yourself. I'd strongly recommend not planning on driving it for a while until all that stuff is done or at least checked out.

Enjoy it! Fixing them is rewarding - it's a labor of love (albeit an expensive one).

[scheistermeiste]

and dont ask how to put a turbo on it!!!!

and check the grounds too.

[FLA944]

Welcome to the board!

Sitting for 3-4years early '44

Cam and balance belts and rollers, front seal kit, waterpump (will be there anyway doing belts and seals) oil cooler seals, Coolent hoses and vacuum lines. Check the tires for cracks

Normal stuff fuel filter,oil filter,air filter, plugs,cap,wires,rotor

If have minimal wrench experience all jobs can be done easily with the shop manual and various hand tools. Oh yeah patience too.

Rick

[UconnTim97]

Welcome to the board...

[serge944]

Originally posted by Porsche-O-Phile
If he doesn't have documentation on what maintenance has been done recently, I'd expect to change all the "usual" expendable items like the oil & filter, gas, fuel filter, spark plugs, cap, rotor, wires, etc. I would STRONGLY recommend replacing (or at least having checked) the timing and balance shaft belts & rollers (they may have gotten quite brittle in a few years time) and the tires (I know this one from experience).

Worst case is replacement of all the front belts, seals, rollers, tensioners - probably about $2,000 to have it done or about $1,000 for parts & tools to do it yourself. I'd strongly recommend not planning on driving it for a while until all that stuff is done or at least checked out.

Enjoy it! Fixing them is rewarding - it's a labor of love (albeit an expensive one).

Its really not 1000 in parts...unless you buy the porsche belt tensioner (600 bucks) which i have done a belt change without...and no problems. I might get flamed for this...but you can use the kriket tension tool (which is like 20 bucks) or do it by "touch" (this is what i did, and very risky). Im not recommending the above ways, but they can be effectively used. You can probably buy all the parts for about 300 and do everything yourself. Check ebay, lots of good combo deals.

Enjoy it if you get it!

[Porsche-O-Phile]

He's correct - I did base my $1,000 in parts & tools on the 9201 Porsche tool. Personally, I'd use nothing else, but opinions vary on this - the 9201 versus Krikit versus "by feel" debate is one of the more hotly debated ones and that decision is yours to make - good luck whatever you choose!

[Alchemist]

One more question. Considering the time that it has been sitting around... Is it possible that the gass left in the tank has gone bad, or does that take more time?

[FLA944]

Yes, it is bad. Pump out tank then jack up the rear (chock front wheels) remove the hose at the pump from the tank then pour remaining into container. Reattach hose and replace the filter and the check valve on the end of the pump.

add gas (5 gal) add with gas a bottle of injector cleaner.

Rick

[Gordon Rankin]

I want to know how I can turbo his car...
(ducking quickly)

Gee, its hot outside..

Originally posted by scheistermeiste
and dont ask how to put a turbo on it!!!!

and check the grounds too.

[Porsche-O-Phile]

Either that or you can get easy access to the tank through the rear hatch - lift up the carpeting and CAREFULLY remove the fire matting that covers the fuel sending unit, remove it and you'll be looking straight down into the tank itself - easy access for a syphon. Just don't forget to put everything back when you're done.

And NO SMOKING!!!

[divezic]

I'll bet the AC compressor (if it has AC) is bad after sitting for years without use. Best case you charge it up and it works. Likely case, the compressor has siezed and/or your AC hoses have sprung a leak.

Also, VERY IMPORTANT, drain-flush-and refill your entire coolant system. If there are any deposits that have formed while sitting (rust/scale) they can break loose and clog your radiator. Change all the hoses and the thermostat. This is all really easy, except for the $#%$^&* thermostat. Get a good set of snap ring pliers (SnapOn) for the thermostat and save yourself aggrivation and knuckle skin.

[Alchemist]

Are anny of you guys familiar with towing the 944? I've read that the 944 isn't one of U-hauls "authorized" vehicles to tow... but the VW rabbit is?

[Gordon Rankin]

Flatbed



By Alchemist
Are anny of you guys familiar with towing the 944? I've read that the 944 isn't one of U-hauls "authorized" vehicles to tow... but the VW rabbit is?

[Alchemist]

Where do you guys suggest buying all of your parts? Best price, etc?

[TCMdocs944]

P E L I C A N.. for everything...

Except the seal "kits" and some tools.
engine builders supply
vertex auto-but they gauge you on the handling and tax.

[scottmandue]

Originally posted by Alchemist
Where do you guys suggest buying all of your parts? Best price, etc?

Where are you located?

[MikeCT]

Originally posted by divezic
I'll bet the AC compressor (if it has AC) is bad after sitting for years without use. Best case you charge it up and it works. Likely case, the compressor has siezed and/or your AC hoses have sprung a leak.

Also, VERY IMPORTANT, drain-flush-and refill your entire coolant system. If there are any deposits that have formed while sitting (rust/scale) they can break loose and clog your radiator. Change all the hoses and the thermostat. This is all really easy, except for the $#%$^&* thermostat. Get a good set of snap ring pliers (SnapOn) for the thermostat and save yourself aggrivation and knuckle skin.

You might want to check out the coolant for any traces of oil; the oil cooler seals could be going.

[serge944]

About the thermostat...if its bad, dont bother replacing it. In fact, taking a heavy duty screwdriver and forcing it out is good anger relief. The thermostat really isnt that necessary...

[Gordon Rankin]

IF you are in warmer climates!

Originally posted by serge944
The thermostat really isnt that necessary...