Driving on borrowed time.....looking for a mechanic.

[trbrownback]

Alright, So I bought this '86 951 a couple of years ago from an individual who said he bought the car at auction. He said he was the second owner. I bought it with no prior records. I know, I know, I committed one of the deadly sins of car buying. But after looking the car over carefully and driving it I determined it had been pretty well taken car of. The interior was perfect. No dash cracks; no wear at all on the sport seat bolster, etc. The exterior appeared to be all original with original paint and no accidents. The mechanicals all appear okay. The car appears totally stock except the K&N filter and a period correct Alpine cassette stereo.

I have since replaced the tires, a rear tail light, a front fog light, all the fluids and a few other minor odds and ends.

The car had about 59k miles when I bought it. I have since driven about 4k miles in the last two years.

The only mechanical failure has been a recent failure of the clutch slave cylinder. I had a local shop replace the master and slave cylinder and the line between.

Now I need to replace the timing belt/water pump, etc. I'm looking for a mechanic in Atlanta, Chattanooga, Knoxville or Asheville areas. I live in Murphy, NC which is about 1.5 hours from any of these areas. I trust my local guy to do most basic repair work but would like to have someone who has done 951 tb/wp replacements before.

I have received a reasonable estimate from Jordan at Technica Motorsports in Atlanta.

I have been following you guys on the 944 forums for the last couple of years and really value your opinions. Any recommendations would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Tom

[Dave Colangelo]

I dont live in the area but just a general word of wisdom,

In this case go to a Porsche specific shop. As you have already mentioned you would like some one with experience doing this sort of thing and that is the right track, but I would only take it to some one with a bunch of 944/951's in the lot. The WP and TB take a bunch of special tools to change (although it could be done with out them) I would only go to a shop that has these tools and knows how to use them.

I dont know the 951 specifics but if the engine is as similar to the NA as I think it was not until 87 that the automatic tensioners were added so the belt may have to be tightened after it is installed and run a bit.

Regards
Dave

[BimPorDuc]

Try the Mechanics files over at cartalk.com and search by city and by Porsche. Following that - Call and interview them asking specifically if they've had experience doing belt replacement on the 944/951/968 - if not, look elsewhere. Ask if they use the Porsche 9201 tool to set the belt tension. If they don't - look elsewhere. You're looking at a front end reseal, coolant pump, belts, and rollers. Cost to you should be in the vicinity of $1,000.

Note that you'll need to go back in 1,500 miles to have the tension checked again.

The "automatic" tensioner came out for the '87 model year. I'm working on one now. Your car will have the earlier style eccentric-roller type tensioner.

[Ky914Newbie]

My 2 cents.

Without records, you should replace the Timing / Balance Belt, Water Pump, Front of Engine Seals, and Rollers. Get your estimates for all of these and make sure you know what kind of Water Pump is being installed (new or rebuilt and if rebuilt by who). There is a wide range of prices for water pumps. Off the top of my head, I bet you get estimates somewhere between $1,200 and $1,500 if not more. And don't forget you will need to retension the belts after the first 30 days.

If you have mechanical ability and the support of this forum, you can most likely source the parts and special tools (except 9201 tool to measure tension on belts) for under $800. First time I did mine I was scared to start it, but the job went perfect. My mechanical ability before I got the Porsche was limited to oil changes and fixing tires. I have the 86 951 also.

Good luck whichever way you go.

[AaronM]

Originally Posted by Dave Colangelo

think it was not until 87 that the automatic tensioners were added so the belt may have to be tightened after it is installed and run a bit.

Even with the "automatic" tensioner on the later 944s, the tension should be re-checked at 1,000 and 15,000 miles. Unlike the 968, which constantly maintains tension, the "automatic" tensioner on the 944 is a spring-loaded unit that is used to set the tension without the engine running and then locked down. It does not continuously adjust the belt tension as the engine runs; it just reduces the dependance on the P9201 tool for setting the static tension.

[CHICKS]

Tom, why don't you do this work yourself? There's a ton of info out there, and we're all here for your questions. It's really not that hard to do at all. You'll save a lot of money, even if buy all the special tools.

[Gawernator]

I agree ^

[Panzer909]

Originally Posted by CHICKS

Tom, why don't you do this work yourself? There's a ton of info out there, and we're all here for your questions. It's really not that hard to do at all. You'll save a lot of money, even if buy all the special tools.

A-fricken greed! It sounds like there's a lot of going back & forth to a shop even if/when you do find one and the labor bill for the job these days is mucho expensivo to say the least. When I first tackled this job myself, I went all out and did the full belts/rollers/WP/fluids/front seals and all kinds of little nik-naks while it was all apart. And you know what? it was NOT a difficult undertaking. You just have to spend time taking everything apart.

You'll learn a lot about the car in the process and dare say that it will be a lot of fun. There will be many "oh this is how it works!" moments. This board will help you through any roadblock you might encounter along the way. Then you can write yourself a check for $1000.

[Phantoms]

If you are still looking for shops my recommendation would be European Motor Car of Atlanta. They have 4 locations, I usually go to the Alpharetta/Windward one. They always do quality work but are on the pricier side.

[jchiodi]

86 na, I've put about 10k on mine since I got it 3 years ago, really want to do the timing belt, water pump and all the other stuff while i'm in there.

I can wrench a little, done about 4 or 5 tb's various cars, but I've seen that on this I have to have a special porsche tool, than I've heard there is a work around?

Anyone point me to a link?

[Gawernator]

Arnnworx makes some tensioner tools that are much less expensive

[Panzer909]

+1 with Arnnworx. I've had great luck with all of that guy's tools. His special wrenches to hold the rollers are fantastic BTW

[CHICKS]

+2 on Arnnworx tools, they are made really well, Bruce is a great guy, and you're helping a fellow 944 owner.