1977 924, interference engine?
 

My nephew got a rough 924, for $100 from a friend. It ran rough, so he started trying to fix "things". He took the timing belt off, I don't know why, something about getting to a thermostat. He claims he followed the manual (Haynes maybe) when taking the belt off and putting it on, and it did crank OK once he put it back on, but wouldn't fire up, so he redid the belt few times, God only knows what he was altering each time, and now it won't even crank even though battery is fine. If it is an interference engine, how much damage could he have done to the valves, just by cranking it with the battery? He didn't hear any large crashing sounds like I guess you would if the belt broke while driving. ....Kids.

Thanks

You are in luck. The 924 is not an interference engine.
Rben

the 924S is the interference motor

I want another running 924 for $100 :D

Thanks guys. I'll call my nephew and tell him he didn't total his engine.

Tell him to be a bit more careful. After all you should cherish any and all Porsches not experiment with them.

Yep - non-interference (lucky him). If it had been a 924s you're looking at new valves (minimum), possibly new head machining, springs, piston(s), cylinder wall machining or sleeving, etc. . . the list of horrors goes on.

Please tell him to treat these cars with respect - a healthy paranoia about them keeps 'em around. . .

Maybe you should refer him to pelican so the users of this board could help him get it running.

Thanks, I'll tell him all that.