Bought an 86 today

[mazdaverx7]

Saw the ad for the car online and went and bought this nice 86 today. Got it home and though it has new timing and balance shaft belts, it appears that the timing belt has jumped a tooth and the valves have come in contact with the pistons. The timing belt is intact and feels as if it has proper tension.. However, the previous owner stated that he had the belts and water pump replaced 15,000 miles ago, but never had the belt tension checked after the initial install. I see evidence that he is telling the truth as the water pump and belts do look new. The compression results are as follows:

#1: 85psi
#2: 85psi
#3 35psi
#4 0psi

So, I'm thinking that the valves are trashed and hoping the pistons are not destroyed. I got a decent deal on the car considering. The paint is really really nice, the interior while dirty is complete and everything, including the original Blaupunkt stereo and sunroof works. There is ZERO rust on the car and the car came with a clear title.

I have my work cut out for me this time, especially with my early 85 M456 car in the middle of a restoration. This car has only a few options to include sunroof, sway bars, rear wiper, and 30mm raised hub steering wheel. Here are some pics of the car as it sits in my garage:

[POPS 83 944]

This makes number three, you are a mad man!! Hopefully they don't drive you to the poor house!

[TrailRider]

Looks nice... Good interior / exterior.

[ckelly78z]

The paint does look good (I like that color), and the interior doesn't look too bad, nothing a good wipe down and a rug doctor couldn't fix. With the unknown motor issues I hope you didn't pay too much for the car, it could be an expensive fix.

[Slam]

My fave color combination, with a Fiberwerks valance too. You lucky dog! Good score.

[mazdaverx7]

Thanks for the compliments guys!! I really like this car and plan to get it back on the road. My only dilemma is this:

I have a good running and driving 944 that I have no title for. I could just take the entire engine out of it and install it in this 86 and be good to go. After I pull the engine, it would become a parts car and I really hate to do that, especially considering its an M456 car. I could use plenty of the parts though and sell the rest. I guess if the demand for the parts were high enough, I would do that. Gives me quite a bit to think about..

[Rasta Monsta]

don't think m456 is that big a deal in terms of value. . .all it is is konis and big sways

[mazdaverx7]

True. Maybe I'll just part it out then.. I could have most of it stripped down today.

[TrailRider]

I hear you on not wanting to part the car. I've parted a 951 before and feel a little bit guilty and sad for it. But, at least it went to helping other 951's stay on the road. So.... it'll help your nice 944 stay on the road so it is worth it...

[mazdaverx7]

That was kind of my thought. Parting the 85 would help fix my early 85 and this 86 and the parts I don't use I can sell off cheap and help keep other people's 944's on the road.

[mazdaverx7]

Got some goodies with the car! Found the original tool set and the original pack of gloves that came with the car:

[mazdaverx7]

Went out and took some more pics of the car today and wanted to share.

Replaced the right door handle. It had a non script handle on it and I happened to have a spare to match the original driver's side script handle:



Cleaned the interior a little:



Newly reupholstered driver's seat:





Original 30mm raised hub steering wheel:



The front bumper is growing on me:



Non original car key but original wheel lock key. Unfortunately the wheel locks have been drilled out long ago:



Original rear carpet with sunroof bag and cargo shade:



Options sticker:



Pic of the engine:

[mazdaverx7]

Got the cylinder head off tonight and found four bent valves. I found that the belts were intact but that they were damp with oil and coolant. Perhaps the belt had slipped and jumped a couple teeth and bent the valves due to the contaminants on the belt. Here are a couple pics. I will get some more later of the head.

[guru944]

Mazdaxerx7;
Same color as my S. Interested in upgraded vales for an 8% increase in power. Pm me asap. Worth doing for sure... later...

[mazdaverx7]

Head goes to the machine shop tomorrow. I'll know the extent of the damage this week.

[uvachief]

Originally Posted by mazdaverx7

Got the cylinder head off tonight and found four bent valves. I found that the belts were intact but that they were damp with oil and coolant. Perhaps the belt had slipped and jumped a couple teeth and bent the valves due to the contaminants on the belt. Here are a couple pics. I will get some more later of the head.

YOU ARE GIVING ME NIGHTMARE FLASHBACKS! I had broken rings and the oil was flying by but my compression ratings were only down 10% in the first 2 and 25% in the 3rd with the 4th in spec. Lifters and valves were salvageable. Just had to resleeve, add rings and rebuild the top end - that's all. Runs great now with no oil leaks. The engine bay looks stock but in need of addressing.

[uvachief]

Rebuild the engine or look for a tested used one?

[Arizona_928]

I'll bet money it was installed wrong....

[mazdaverx7]

Not sure. The previous owner said that he drove the car for 15k miles after the belt change before this happened. I can't be certain. The belts and tensioners all look good. I will replace them regardless.

[Arizona_928]

All four intake valves?