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Advice on servicing

robslade

robslade

PCGB Member
Member
Hello everyone,

This is my first post on PCGB forum, although I've owned my manual 993 C4 for just under a year now. Fabulous machine - now I understand why everyone loves these cars ! It's due an annual service and I'm hoping for some advice on which to get done, 12k or 48k, and where to go. The car has done only 43k miles and was last serviced in Dec 06 at 38k, inc new rear disks/calipers, by the dealer I bought it from (Charles Ivey); this was a a 24k service. Previous services were at roughly annual intervals and all OPC, but with only 3-4k miles between each. Unfortunately I don't have much paperwork from those.

Naturally I want to give it the care and attention it deserves, but I don't want to start replacing things that were only changed at the last service (eg: plugs). On the other had, it could have very old transmission oil.... So I'm uncertain whether to get a 12k service now, then a 48k in a year's time when it will actually reach ~48k, or just splash the cash and go for the 48k service now.

My local independent (AutoFarm) said I should expect ~£1k for a 48k service. This is rather more than the prices in the FAQ on this forum.

Any opinions appreciated !

Rob

 
I have a C4 also. Good choice!

From what I understand of your service history the car had plugs changed at the last service. If this is the case, based on the low mileage the car has covered I would be inclined to have a 12K service now and save your pennies for the big one at 48K. You may want to spend your money on new distributor caps and rotor arms.

A number of garages publish menu service pricing online. Have a look at JZM, Porscheshop and Hartech for starters.

pp
 
I'll ditto that.
  • I would recommend that you always have the oil filters changed every year (when you put Mobil 1 0W-40 in it too [:D]). The engines on these cars have hydraulic tappets, which are very sensitive and need high quality, clean oil. The maintenance schedule specifies a two-yearly interval for oil filter changes, which is a false economy IMHO.
  • I would also suggest that you put top notch fully synthetic gearbox oil in your car. The very best is Mobilube SHC 75W90 (Delvac).
  • Make sure that you change the brake fluid every 2 years, whatever the mileage, as it's hydrophilic. That includes the clutch slave cylinder. Quick & cheap job to have done.
  • I would certainly change the distrubutor caps & rotors too, but soak those fixings with Plusgas for a while first if you're doing it yourself - you don't want to strip the heads of the screws.
  • Remember that fuel filters can internally degrade after a few years, so I wouldn't stick to the mileage service recommendation.
This is not a comprehensive list but might help. These cars are wonderful, but must be serviced properly and regularly. Any decent indie will give you good advice on what needs doing & when. Maybe your local regional group could advise further. If you plan to do some things yourself, p-car.com is a good start. I can email you my "enhanced" service schedule, based on the original Porsche one, with a few "extra" treats added in if you like, just drop me a line.

Cheers,
Roddy [;)]
 
You're absolutely correct Maurice. I couldn't remember if it was hygroscopic or hydroscopic, so plumped for hydrophilic (meaning simply: water-liking), a lazy second best!

Hygroscopic means to absorb water from the atmosphere, as you will no doubt know.

Is there anything you don't know?!!! [:D]
 
I was in a similar situation and didn't know which mileage service to plump for, I ended up tailoring to my own needs and buying the parts myself. Berlyn supplied the parts at a reasonable price and I asked my indi to fit them for me. I had read some good reports on the Swepco gearbox oil, loads of owners in the states swore by it. Although not synthetic it meets the GL-5 specification and has quietened my gearbox with less notchy shift, they also report increased longevity but that I cant confirm. The synthetics offer stability at higher temperatures and will last longer, so it depends if you are going to track her and how often you'll change the fluid. I think we all treat our cars with great care, changing brake fluid and engine oil regular so why not gearbox oil. Both the Motul and Castrol are fine fluids, neither contain Silicone. The ATE 200 was factory fit on the 993, ATE still sell it but branded as ATE Blue. This is around half the price of both other offerings, Dry is 536 F and Wet 388 F, so as long as it's changed at least every 3 years it shouldn't be a problem. The caps and arms become pitted over 30k ish so worth changing but the leads also break down over time as they become hard with the heat. Filters and oil, I agree with everyone else here and change as frequently as possible. The oil question is a massive debate, you pays your money and takes your choice.
 
Maurice, if you want to convert a PDF to Excel, do a google on 'Cogniview PDF2XL' - there's a free 'evaluation' version which does a very good job of the conversion.
 
once you've got it into Excel you can easily create a text output, or just as easily create a .jpg file. If you aren't sure how to do it, PM me and I'll send you some instructions. Can you see my email addie? If so, if you want to send it to me I'll convert it and send it you back for upload.
 
Hi Maurice, The link to Opie for the Motul is £10.79 for 500ml, as I said Berlyn is selling ATE for £14.10 a litre. http://partsforporsche.co.uk/osc/advanced_search_result.php?keywords=brake+fluid&osCsid=3186537cff560d7d9f78db4b4521d549&x=0&y=0 The Motul does have a slightly higher spec and it does depend on individual circumstances, as Porsche factory fill the ATE is fine for me. Of course shipping costs will apply to all deliveries and I wouldn't recommend from the states ;o) Rob, I have always had good service from Berlyn amongst others and I have no affiliation with any. If you are going to supply your own parts to an indi then buying from one source will save you shipping costs. I have also found type-911 helpful, have a compare on prices. Your money, you choice. Dan
 
Thanks for the advice, Dan. I too have used type-911 for a few bits and bobs - v. good service.
 
PP, Roddy et al - thanks for the advice, guys. The car is currently in for a 12K service, inc oil filters, with flexibility to do extra work if needed. The brake fluid is OK as it was changed in Dec '06.

 
Hmmm ... still no photo of the car in my profile, although I uploaded a gif of the right size. Does it take a while to register ?

And I'll have to 'phone the club office some time to get that "Non Member" fixed !
 
Yep. Let's see if I can embed it here:


3EAA5F837D984B4893D8ECB371A5ACAD.gif
 
She's a "beaut" [8D]

Have you been to My Profile & tried uploading image to be your avatar?
 
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