Resuscitating a 944

[SanyarcoKeith]

I'm a new guy on here. I picked up my first Porsche, an '86 944, a few weeks ago and need to revive it. The previous owner (who seems like a very straight shooter) bought it, but had another 944, so this one just sat. The car was cheap, is not a pig, and doesn't have a sun roof (which I like about it), so I thought I'd take a gamble. I've got some ideas for a maintenance list but was really hoping you folks might take a look and see if I am overlooking something. Here goes:

Timing belt, water pump and other front engine service items
Oil Change (I was told to use dino juice b/c its better at rehydrating seals)
brake fluid
fuel filter and fresh gas

For the belt tensioning tools: preferences? I've heard folks say (some one here) the Porsche tensioning tool is over-designed, and overly expensive. I've read good things about the Arnnworx. Thoughts?

To restart it, I was told to pull the plugs, disconnect the ignition, and fuel pump and crank until there is oil pressure. Then reconnect the ignition and see if there is spark. If there is spark, reconnect the fuel pump and see if it fires.

I'm hoping to use the car as a cheap-ish SCCA E-Stock autocrosser and maybe a few track days. Thoughts on legal mods for E-Stock?

Thanks for your time.

[968 GUY]

You seem to have gotten some good info.
May want to ensure the car IS actually serviceable before doing belts though.
Can't lose with some fresh gas and less expensive oil and filters.
I like the way Arnworx tools are priced and designed, although I have not bought any .....yet. I have heard good things from others about them and I have read the website and am satisfied enough to purchase the tools when I can.

[rick13]

welcome keith,

step 1. get it running. probably a good idea on fresh fluids and such.

step 2. yes to front engine service. i have never used tensioning tools on any belt. i use "the force". (actually i prefer the "dark side" but the ol' lady would rather me not).

step 3. drive it

step 4. break it

step 5. fix it

step 6. repeat steps 3-5

smith out

[mytrplseven]

Hi, and welcome to the adventure. What model 86 is it (S, turbo, etc)? How many miles? Can you check underneath with the bottom undershield removed (7 or 8 10mm bolts)? I recommend buying a flourescent dye kit at the autoparts store and putting some in the oil and running the engine for a little while (an hour should do it) and then using the glasses and special light, go over the entire engine top and bottom. You'll know real quick where all the oil leaks are. The dye check will pretty much show the origin of any leaks. These cars have lots of rubber seals and when they've aged as most have, the first minor oil drip is a precursor of more to come. If you see oil leaks I'd recommend that while you're replacing the belts, tension and idler belt rollers and water pump, consider doing all the rubber seals around the balance shafts, cam shaft (front) and front main crankshaft seal. I've come to believe the WYIT (WHILE YOU'RE IN THERE) is a mantra you should adopt with these cars. You don't want to go back again when another one leaks. Also do a vacuum leak check on all the vacuum lines. I've posted here before about using an aircompressor and PVC 2" fitting and soapy water to find them. It works.

[SanyarcoKeith]

Originally Posted by mytrplseven

Hi, and welcome to the adventure. What model 86 is it (S, turbo, etc)? How many miles? If you see oil leaks I'd recommend that while you're replacing the belts, tension and idler belt rollers and water pump, consider doing all the rubber seals around the balance shafts, cam shaft (front) and front main crankshaft seal. I've come to believe the WYIT (WHILE YOU'RE IN THERE) is a mantra you should adopt with these cars. You don't want to go back again when another one leaks. Also do a vacuum leak check on all the vacuum lines.

Its just a base model car w/ approx 120,000 on it.
I'll definitely give some consideration to doing the seals. The PO suggested that I might want to think about replacing the vacuum lines. He told me that's one of things hee's dont to just about all of his previous 944's.

Thanks!

[SanyarcoKeith]

BTW, what is the difference between the M474 shocks / struts and Koni Sports?