S Report -- Tensioner, Radiator, Injectors

[Evan_944S]

Well, I replaced my upper chain tensioner ramp, then did a high speed run from Indiana to Florida and back (thank you Mr. Valentine ). What a ride!! This car is fantastic. That said though, it's not without its gremlins (obviously).

First off, someone mentioned that I should have sucked it up and put out the $250 for the lower ramp (meaning the whole tensioning assembly). After inspection of the lower ramp, it was apparent that it had not worn nearly as much as the upper ramp, implying that it does not receive the brunt of the tensioning forces. Considering the relatively low miles on the car, I think the mechanical aspects of the tensioner should be solid. I'll keep on monitoring the tensioner assembly with periodic inspections, but for now I feel comfortable having addressed just the upper ramp.

I had one big problem pop up just as I was leaving Florida--my radiator cracked!! This delayed me a day in getting out, as I had to locate a new radiator and have it couriered in ($325—I performed the labor--too much I know, but considering the circumstances.........). What I discovered though is that the “old” radiator (from service records of the original and PO -- I believe it was the second radiator) was not the proper one, as the hose connections were all too small. I had been experiencing some low level coolant seepage from the hose connections—and this explains it as the hoses probably were creasing upon tightening the hose clamps. The new radiator is a German brand (sorry it’s on the radiator and I can’t read it now), and its hose connections appear to be the proper size. At any rate I noticed that the car ran considerably cooler on the trip home. On the trip down to Florida the temp gage just brushed the lower part of the upper white line (the one prior to the red zone). On the trip home, the gage registered in the lower region of the middle zone. The air temperature on my return trip was pushing 100 degrees F, somewhat hotter than my trip down. This brings me to my third topic – fuel injectors.

I have been fighting a cold start problem that I’ve tracked to a sometimes leaking injector (fuel rail will not maintain pressure – I smell gas out the exhaust on cold start). What I’m thinking is that the hotter running that this car has apparently experienced caused the degradation of the fuel injectors. With it running hotter, the cool down cycling of the engine over time caused a fractionation of the residual fuel in the injectors leaving behind a somewhat heavier than “normal” deposit. Just a theory, but it seems to make sense. The car now has just 44K—including my 2000 mile joy ride. I pulled the injectors before my trip and cleaned them by blowing ethanol though them (both ways) which initially helped tremendously – but I think one injector is just plain sticking now.

Oh well, just some observations I’d though I’d share. I know the S has been getting some bad press here, but in general the more I drive and learn about the car, the more confident I’m getting that I can keep it running well for a long long time. I do all of my own work – which I truly enjoy – so that makes ownership even more satisfying--at least for me. The 944 in general, and perhaps the S in particular, just need heightened levels of awareness of peculiarities, relative to other car brands. With that in mind, I truly appreciate this forum and all of the good advice supplied here. I hope some of my experiences will help.

BTW—The more I drive the S—the more neglected my M3 gets—almost time maybe to seek a good home for it!!

[AFJuvat]

Happy to hear you had a good experience (albeit after replacing the radiator)

In truth, your assessment about the injectors is probablky true to a point - It could be that they have worn out from age. You can replace just the faulty one, or you can shoot the moon and replace all of them - Either way, the injectors oon these cars are fairly durable - I've seen 200000+ mile cars with the original injectors, and have only had the seals replaced.

Chain Tensioner: In truth, you are probably correct and you can get by with the one you have for a while longer. That said, You will be coming due for replacement later. This is one of those jobs where it is almost better to "do it and get it over with" at a time like this. $250 for a tensioner is a little high, but nothing when compared to a valve job on an S if/when the tensioner fails.

AFJuvat

[Makis]

The injectors can be proffesionally cleaned at a fraction of the cost of a new one. Some injector cleaner fuel additive may also do the trick.
I have also got the tensioner out of my S2 and I don't understand why you can't get the second plastic part anywhere. That part looks like is attached to the tensioner by some screws. Surelely somebody can recondition them at a fraction of $250.

[bigyagi]

very nice to see yet another new member, obviously enjoying owning, and driving the 944.
i have owned my "84" 944 for 1.5 years now, and the very first thing i had to replace, was the radiator, which had cracked. next item was the clutch slave cylinder, and the clutch master cylinder, which failed after 8 months, and was recently replaced. in view of the fact that the car is approximately 18 years old, but in excellent condition, i'm quite amazed. obviously, there will be major maintenance, and replacement somewhere down the line, but its a daily driver, all year round, and i continually amaze myself, with its precise handling, and reliability.
i can only wonder at the level of performance, that the turbo owners have!
regards, bob.