anyone in Toronto area that can help...?

Eldorado · 09:17 PM

is there anyone in the toronto area that can help me tension my timing belt, and install a new one if need be? dont feel like paying the shop $70+/hr to do it for me... but I'll gladly compensate you with some cash and beer... (to my american buddies close to the border, that's *canadian* beer - might be worth the trip

) lol

just post here if you can help out or know someone that could.

Dave L · 08-11-2005, 05:06 AM

Personally i would bring it to Hiemrath or mantis. If you go to either one you will see lots of 944's. Do you really want to take a chance on your timing belt.

Eldorado · 08-12-2005, 03:02 PM

hiemrath or mantis?
not familiar......

Dave L · 08-12-2005, 04:19 PM

Hiemrath performance cars in scarborough. Ludwig hiemrath competed in the Porsche Turbo cup series. Mantis racing is in oakville, Ernie races in the Targa Newfoundland. Both work almost exclusivly on Porsche and there are always a few 944 in the repair bays.

I have a local guy to do the mundane repairs that thankfully havent happened. when I do my belts and timing chain tensioner in the spring I will drive the 1hour+ to either of these guys to do it.

Eldorado · 05:18 PM

any idea on labour costs?
if I know it'll be done right, I guess I dont mind paying the hour labour or so to get it done... it's not worth a kitten's life...

wanna go together? might get a discount.. lol
I'll need to go soon, seeing as how Zlatko never serviced the T-Belt in the year+ he owned it before selling it to me..

Dave L · 08-12-2005, 05:39 PM

I think about $92/hour.

Eldorado · 08-14-2005, 09:51 AM

thanks Dave...
do you know approximately how many hours a tension and/or replacement from someone experienced would take?

Dave L · 08-14-2005, 12:46 PM

Total job for belts and waterpump would be around $1000. Bring it in an get an estimate or just call.

hpaulb · 08-17-2005, 06:32 AM

If you want to save some money, I can help. Just did my engine after a belt break by the previous owner. Not sure when I'm going up to Toronto later but you can phone me for all the help you need. I could walk you through it. While your in there replacing the belts,you will most likely want to change the bearings, water pump and seals. Not a hard job. Takes some time and patience.

Eldorado · 08-17-2005, 11:00 AM

the thing is I have like next to no experience working on cars.. I'll need someone to take me through it..

I could drive to you - where in ontario are you located?

hpaulb · 08-18-2005, 05:33 AM

I live just west of Cambridge. The job will take a day at least barring anything breaking if you want to replace everything. Recomended if all original. Everything except the water pump if it's been replaced once. If you just want to tension it, it will only be a couple hours at most. Replacement: If the car is still running, it's a lot easier since you line everything up then remove the parts and replace. You would need to purchase all the parts and be ready. You can get everything here at Pelican. UPS will hit you for a handling fee based on value. Cheaper if you get everything in one load. USPS is 10-14 day with only $5 handling and tax. You need all four belts, water pump if you want. might as well get all the front seals and gears, oil and air filter, 10W-40 oil and antifreeze. Replace just belts: get all four belts. Not expensive and maybe an extra 1-2 hours on top of tensioning time.

hpaulb · 08-18-2005, 05:44 AM

O" it also a good idea to go to Canadian Tire or other and get a hayses manual. Read up and for reference.

Eldorado · 08-18-2005, 05:47 AM

I dont mind taking the car there if you dont mind helping me out!

there's 140+K on the car - i doubt the belts and waterpump is all original... lol

the car is still running, and a quick (and i mean quick) visual inspection behind the rad at the belts shows that they're at least not all falling apart.. lol

I've got a new air filter, and a new oil filter / change is gonna be done this week or next...

I'll pick up all the belts... have you got part numbers for me for the 4 belts?
Also, do you have a tensioning tool? or would i need to provide that too?

this car is, in my opinion, a half decent example of a 944 in good (but not perfect) condition.. so i dont see anything breaking.. and if it does, then i guess I'm out a tow.. lol

hpaulb · 08-18-2005, 06:37 AM

Don't have the part numbers but their easy to find here in the New Parts Catalog. Never use a tool. Use the 90 deg twist on every car I've done. Domestic or foreign. Just as accurate and never had a problem but if you want to use a tool, it'll be an experience. If just the belts, there's also Whale Tail in the Toronto area. Replace them as a set. We can arrange for a Saturday in a few weeks if you want. Busy rebuilding my cottage till September. My shop is just down the road in Washington on the old 97 if you want to look up the direction on Mapquest.com.

Hey, just noticed the Spell Check box. I really need it.

hpaulb · 08-18-2005, 06:49 AM

Had a few minutes:
Balance 944-102-219-04
Timing 944-105-157-04
Alt & AC 999-192-206-50
PS 999-192-236-50

Double check with the phone order guy just in case.

Eldorado · 08-18-2005, 07:11 AM

yea I've heard of WhaleTail - they're in Milton if I recall correctly... I should check them out..
I've been to Pfaff - if you ever get a chance to look up there - good lord... that was an experience and a half... brand new shiny porsche's all lined up... an entire parking lot full.... the glare was insane... and here comes my (then rattly like a coffee can full of nuts and bolts) dull painted unwashed 944 with a shot clutch master / slave cylinder stutter through the parking lot... lol (all problems which are fixed now by the way.. lol)

can you PM me the address of the shop? I'll be looking for a saturday meet probably too... also PM me how much you'd expect for the job...