timing again?
 

I am new to this site, so I apologize for asking a question that has probably been discussed 2,345 times before. My son recently purchased a 1984 944. It stalled in the rain. I just went through all the suggestions I received from my last post (the weather finally cooperated a little). I found the problem - the timing belt teeth stripped away (about 5" worth). I've read up on confused:what I need to change the belt myself, the tensioner tool,etc., however, what kind of residual damage must be addressed? Bent valves? Is it worth it? I'm not sure that I can even hand crank the engine to TDC. ANY SUGGESTIONS would be greatly appreciated!

Wow, hopefully he didn't bend any valves, but most likely did.

Besides the waterpump, belts, rollers, you would be looking at getting the head resurfaced & a valve job. Or you can get a used head with good parts. You would also need a top end gasket kit as well. Figure on spending around $1k in parts. Labor depends on if you do the work yourself or have a shop do it.

Where are you located? Perhaps there is a Pelican near-by that could take a look and/or help out with the job.

-Nick

That's about what I had estimated. Thank You!

I am in eastern PA between Philadelphia and Allentown. Help would be great!!!

My son just asked if anyone wants a nice 944 that needs a little work?

hey im in bucks, sorry, wouldnt know how to help out on this one, but in the future, hopefully i will

Geohow,

The previous posts cover whats involved. Your son now has a roller. A roller is worth from $500 to $1000. If you determine valves are bent do some searching. You can brighten up your son's anguish and save him a few dollars by going cheap. As mentioned a proper repair will cost $1000 or more in parts-not labor costs. Also, once you take the head off look at the cyl walls. If you see a scratch that catches your fingernail its bad news...

Remove head and have a machine shop inspect the damage. If severe, do a thorough search for a used head. Many available just make sure no valves are bent. Price range $200-$300. Buy a head gasket set $110 +-. Buy as much as you can from Pelican to help support the forum. Of course get belts, hoses, exhaust gaskets and whatever else broke. My prices are average and you may get a lower price if your son works at it-check many sources. Learn how to tension the belts yourself. Low end price could be about $500.

This method may not be "the" approved method, but your son and more than likely you can save some cash. There are 2 experienced members doing the complete, professional and very expensive head gasket job now. Read their step-by-step posts for a lot of good information.

Also, this is the "beginning" of required repairs. It gets very expensive. Again, this is not the method an avid Porsche owner would advise.
Good luck.

John_AZ
1898 924S + 1987 924S

Yeah, if you're not the perfectionist type, just find a used head with valves, have it checked to see if it's straight and in reasonable shape, and just slap it on there. I've seen some go on ebay for much less than $100 that had valves. It gets expensive when you want 5 angle valve jobs, port work, and those sort of things. As long as the rest of the car is in good shape, it would be worth it if you can do it yourself.

Say $100-$300 for a head (depends on the condition). A cheap one might need a little work.
$100 for gaskets
$12 for a new cam belt
$20 for coolant
$40 for oil/filter

The balance belt probably should be replaced. ($35)
The rollers might need to be replaced. ( $ depends. You can get the complete kit with both belts and all rollers for $170)
The water pump should also be done if you have no idea how old it is. (another $120, but they're good for at least 60,000 mi.)

So anywhere from $300-$700 + time to do it. If you are paranoid, a couple guys here will usually lend out their factory tensioning tool for a small fee (often just shipping).

And http://www.clarks-garage.com/ is your best friend. Just go to the garage shop manual on the left column.