expensive engine problem

yOnKiNaToR · 03-11-2002, 04:52 PM

well, after noticing that oil was leaking somewhere, even though it wasn't leaking to the ground, i decided to take it to the mechanic to see what's wrong. after realizing that the back tire was even more bald (down to metal) i know now how stupid the P.O. really was:

the car was hit in the right rear and he didn't fix it so the ride height was a Centimeter to low, not to mention it needed an alignment. i just did a timing belt job not to long ago and i'm gonna need another one. along with a new distributor seal, crank seal, and balance shaft seal and maybe some pulleys. this is b/c oil is leaking throughout the front and back of the car. i have oil on the timing belt, balance shaft belt, pulleys, the distributor(my second one) and even in my coolant.

i just did 400 bucks worth of repairs today and i still need roughly 1,100 dollars worth more to get those seals put in. does anybody know where i can get it done for cheaper up here in north eastern PA or that if it's easy enough for me to do myself?

i'm thinking about selling it just b/c i'm sick of dumping money into it. especially considering i'm a kid and don't make a whole lot of money in the first place. i love to drive it and the mechanic said it would be a perfect car for the track but i dunno...someone tell me why i should keep it.

Britwrench · 03-11-2002, 05:01 PM

If you did the timing belt then you can most certainly do the front seals. Make sure you REMOVE the balance shaft front housings from the crankcase and replace the o-rings. We always replace the oil pump drive, seal and o-ring. There is a kit will all of the parts except for the oil pump drive, seal and o-ring becasue there are two types depending on the engine number. If you have the manual and the parts-tech book you will be fine. You need a
bi-hex socket for the cam pulley bolt and a 32mm wrench to hold it with. Apart from that, all the tools for replacing the timing belt will do for the seal job.

Of course, now you in there, changing the water pump may not be a bad idea.................................

yOnKiNaToR · 03-12-2002, 06:04 PM

first, i'm not gonna change the water pump b/c i just changed it with the timing belt job 1,500 miles ago. but the only reason i'm getting a new timing belt and balance shaft belt is b/c oil dripped down on it and i don't trust belts with oil b/c they wear faster.

i don't have those kind of tools so i may have to take it to my mechanic...i'm sure he can rip apart and put new seals in it. as for the distributor seal: i didn't even know there was one and it seems that it would be easy to put on..any input there?

Bob's944 · Bob's944's Garage

Sounds to me like the seals should have been done 1,500 miles ago Yonky, gonna have to go right back and pull both belts again. I know.. now ya tell me. But once that's done, yer gonna be good to go up front for some time other than the simple inspection and retentioning. If you ever need a clutch, make sure they get that rear mainseal at that time too, when it's accessible. Should not cost 11hun for the front seals tho, I know you have limited places capable to work on it where you are... maybe try calling some places in Binghamton or Scranton that will save you a pocketful of money for a short drive.

yOnKiNaToR · 03-12-2002, 07:47 PM

i would like to do at least some work myself...(maybe the simplest seals?) i'm gonna buy everything myself. what all should i get? oil is basically leaking down the front and back of the engine..oh, also, i just remembered...i have white sludgy substance in my coolant tank. i would assume it is also oil. what does that mean?

i went to feduke dealership to get that estimate; which is why it's so high. i'm gonna check around and see if there are any shops that have had experiences with Porsches that are cheaper. if not, i'll try letting my dad's friend, who is a pretty good mechanic try it. he did pretty good with my timing belt before, especially since he didn't even use one of those.

yOnKiNaToR · 03-14-2002, 06:23 PM

when doing the timing belt, i needed a new distributor b/c my old one was shot. when i went recently to the porsche dealer mechanic he said that oil is possibly getting down into the distributor and ruining it faster. is that possible and can i buy just the distributor gasket?