PO had it apart, what should I replace?

Juicedaddy · 03-25-2010, 12:50 PM

So I bought an 83 944 NA which the previous owner took the head off of. He said it was ticking but couldn't find anything wrong with it once it was apart. Anyway, it's been sitting that way, head off, for about 3 years. For $500 I figured it was worth seeing if it'll go again, especially considering I have another engine as a backup. So the plan is to replace the head obviously, cam/timing belts, distributor/rotor and anything with glaring deficiencies.
What else should I replace while it's apart this much? I'd prefer not to break it down much more.

dangerous · dangerous's Garage

Did the PO do a valve job on the head? Have that head checked for cracks, if it's okay...have it resurfaced, grind the valves, and have the valve guides mic'd. Update the oil valve since it's an '83 head and throw it back on there....See what happens. Head's probably fine. May just be a bad lifter or something completely unrelated.

I'd say you really should assess it yourself...can't act based on the PO's diagnosis. Never want to assume anything if you can avoid it.

SolReaver · 03-25-2010, 01:41 PM

Tough question. A lot of it is how far you want to go. As the head is already off and the vehicle is in for a service, consider the OC seals. It is a question of when, not if with them. Think about checking the Sensor block and connectors as well since this is one of the last times you will be able to get to it without major aggravation. The timing belt service can get pretty involved all by itself, inspect the seals and the WP. Replace any timing component that is remotely questionable. Some people replace everything and the front seals as well. Of course new belts at the least. If the fuel lines look bad, replace them to be on the safe side.

There is probably a lot more to be done. I am just throwing these items out there to give you a start.

wild man · 03-25-2010, 04:09 PM

Sounds like PO didn't know too much. Ticking? There probably wasn't anything wrong with it. If he was hell-bent on getting rid of the ticking, he likely only had to remove the cam box and replace the lifters.

SolReaver · 03-25-2010, 05:04 PM

Who knows why it was taken apart. I agree the ticking is an odd reason to take the head off, but people do odd things. At least you got your basket- project on the cheap so the PO wasn't so deluded that he thought it was worth real money in that shape ( I have met plenty of them) If the head looks good, you might just want to put it all together and roll the dice. Your call. Just consider that the alleged problem may not be the actual problem and I have had owners stretch the truth a bit to make the sale. Best is to not assume anything and do a full appraisal on what you have and what you want to do to it. Post some picture of the patient and I am sure all the happpy campers here will give you help with diagnosis and treatment.

###Pure speculation follows###

A more plausible reason to remove the head is if the timing belt went south. This also explains the current pieces parts condition. The TB job CAN get pricey with all the spinning doo dads and seals and tools. (oh my!) and a disheartened owner, unable to cope with the complexity (or cost) MIGHT just throw in the towel. IF this is the case, you should be on the look out for a bashed piston. The lower ends usually survive, but, there are no guarantees in life.

TibetanT · TibetanT's Garage

Personally, I would not put any more money into this car until you find out about the head being okay.

If head checks out okay, then:

1) New water pump w/gasket
2) New timing (cam) belt
3) New balance shaft belt
4) New oil seals for balance shafts, top and bottom
5) New cam seals
6) New crankshaft seal (on oil pump behind crankshaft pulley)
7) New oil cooler gasket set w/seals
8) New alternator belt (ribbed)
9) New power steering belt (if equipped w/ PS)
10) New rollers for the timing belts/balance shaft belts and tensioners, etc., etc..

Full tune-up maintenance:

Air filter, oil filter, new plugs, maybe new plug wires, new distributor cap, new rotor, rotor seal (plastic cap behind rotor) but you probably already knew that and have purchased some of these items.

Good luck with the car!

Grandad#3 · 07:18 PM

Drain out the old fuel from the tank. Be super careful cleaning the engine head surface. Head has been off for three years so look for any corrosion (white spots). Don't skimp on the cost of a good head gasket. Below is the best I can find on the front seal replacement (106 Pictures).

http://home.att.net/~porsche944/seals/page.html

Cheers,
Larry

Juicedaddy · 03-25-2010, 08:20 PM

Thanks for all the great input. I thought it was odd that he took the whole head off when it was ticking too but the head actually looks good (no bent valves), plus the timing belt is still in place and intact so I don't think the belt was the problem.
Question: Is it absolutely mandatory to have the special Porsche belt tensioning device to do a belt job or will one of the aftermarket tools work?
I'll post some pics of everything to see if that changes anyone's opinion of things to assess.

SolReaver · 03-25-2010, 11:53 PM

Jdaddy: you will need to tension the CB and BB somehow. I tension the belts by feel and ear. However, some people are not comfortable with that and prefer to use a tensioning tool like a cricket or the incredibly expensive porshe tool. I can walk you through the "using your thumb" method AKA "twist" method of tensioning if you want. I do recommend getting a cricket though as the first few times are the most difficult.

You MAY need some special tools along the way, depending upon how far you have to go. I opted to not do the WP when I brought my project back. 14K later she needed a WP (sigh) which brings me to the GOOD news....WPs have actually come DOWN in price in the 3 years the car has been sitting. IMHO, get her RUNNING, and THEN start putting in the new doo dads. It does mean that you will be repeating the jobs a bit, but hey, it is good practice.