944S (probable) cam belt woes

millimeep · Jun 14, 2009

I've finally found a good set of 12 point spline xzn bits, to give them their official name, and hopefully enough for the Search to find this [8|] This link should be very helpful to those other brave souls taking heads off... [link=http://toolstoday.co.uk/shop.php?sec=prod&prod=2419&cat=&load_page=Sealey+Spline+Socket+Bit+Set+8pc+1%2F4%26quot%3B%2C+3%2F8%26quot%3B+%26amp%3B+1%2F2%26quot%3BSq+Drive]xzn 12 point spline bits[/link] I was a bit stuck with removing the tensioner, but I've looked at Clark's Garage, and it looks like I've missed the other 3 bolts that hold it in...

zcacogp · Jun 14, 2009

Iain, OK, good. I have seen them referred to as 'triple square' or 'cheesehead' bits - or at least the ones that fit the CV bolts are called this. Never heard of 'xzn' bits. Amazing what you learn ... Heep us posted. And all the best with the work. Oli.

millimeep · Jun 25, 2009

ORIGINAL: 944 man Its more likely to be the chain on an S; especially one thats had a regular belt change.Â At the very least itll need a number of valves and possibly all of them.Â At the other end of the spectrum itll need a new head and camshafts too.Â Its common for the chain to wrap around the web which carries the tensioner and rip it out, when it fails.Â Accepted wisdom is that this cant be repaired, although Ive heard differently recently.Â Valves are very expensive from dealers, but you can use valves from other vehicles which are identical, which are available for a fraction of the price (<Â£10 rather than>Â£70each!).

Possibly the slowest head gasket job ever continues [8|] I should get the head off today, as I've got a few days off work, so I was wondering if you've got any more info on which valves are Â£10 instead of Â£70, and where I would get them? Thanks!

zcacogp · Jun 25, 2009

ORIGINAL: millimeep I was wondering if you've got any more info on which valves are Â£10 instead of Â£70, and where I would get them?

Something I (and many others, no doubt) would be interested in knowing as well! Oli.

tref · Jun 25, 2009

Hmmm... most people agree with the adage "you get what you pay for", though it is true, you can save a tidy sum by cutting out the middleman/tax man, or various other routes. In anything though, question if they really are like-for-like... one thing which could make a considerable difference on a valve is the material, and whether they are sodium filled or not. I honestly don't know if 944 valves are sodium filled (or exactly what the effects are) anyway - but it is something worth checking. Of course... technology has moved on, it may well be that new valve designs are cheaper and superior. The difference in price in this case seems too dramatic.

Hilux · Jun 25, 2009

I honestly don't know if 944 valves are sodium filled

The turbo ones are IIRC, its dissipates heat evenly and quickly.

millimeep · Jun 26, 2009

Well, I've finally got the head off, and it looks like you were all right! (well those of you who said there would be valve damage) It was great fun heaving the head off by myself, I ended up with one foot on the chassis rail by the fuel filter and the other on the engine mount on the other side[:-] Anyway, to save clogging up the forum with pictures of my engine, I've put them on my [link=http://www.millimeep.co.uk/]website[/link] You can see the intake valves on no 1 aren't sitting right, but the others don't seem to have any obvious problems. So, anyone know anywhere good for reconditioning heads, and roughly how much it would be, or does anyone have the tools to get the valves out? I haven't quite decided how I'm going to sort this out yet... [8|]

millimeep · Jul 7, 2009

Latest update is that the head is at the engineers having 3 bent valves replaced. They managed to source them at Â£34 each instead of the eye-watering Â£70 or so. Just waiting on a head gasket kit, which are a bit tricky to find for the S. Question time! Have the other brave souls who've had the head off used a hoist to get it back again, or is it possible with two people and no hoist? If the latter is true, does anyone with a strong back fancy helping out? Car is near Lambeth Bridge, central London. It'll probably be the weekend of the 18th/19th July. Thanks! Iain

tref · Jul 7, 2009

My usual trick is to A) have as little on the head as possible (exhaust manifolds/inlet manifolds etc all off). B) use a long stud, or piece of hardwood dowl etc in a couple of the bolt holes so that you can ensure that the gasket and head are all lined up and there is no risk of scratching or jambing anything, or the gasket half falling out as it goes together. I usually have a few other bits of softwood to prop it on so I can support it as I need a break gradually lowering it into place.

zcacogp · Jul 7, 2009

Iain, A hoist to replace a head? Sounds like overkill. It's an alloy head, and only 4-pot ... is it really that heavy? I'm surprised. How did you get it off? I've done heads on Golfs single-handed before. Are those that much smaller? I'm sounding negative - I'm not meaning to be, just am a bit surprised. I'd offer to help but we're out of town on the 18th/19th July, and busy the following one - very sorry. Oli.

millimeep · Jul 7, 2009

See above... it was tricky to say the least to get it clear of the studs, once I got it moving I wedged bits of wood underneath it as it kept dropping down, then stood in the engine bay and heaved [8|] It certainly did seem heavy enough, and it's also at an angle so it's not a straight drop. And I did realise that the weekend of the 26th is your 'hands on' day too!

zcacogp · Jul 7, 2009

Iain, It's heavier than I expected, clearly! And you are better-built for hauling heavy things around than I am ... 26th ... no, the hands-on day will need to be the one in August. In fact, I need to update the thread. Mrs zcacogp has decided that other things need to happen on the 26th ... Oli.