New member, new questions!

[Guest]

Hi all!

I'm a recent newcomer to the world of the 911, having finally realised a childhood dream to own one of these with a blue coupe, and still not quite believing that I've finally got it!

A quick check-up at JZ Machtech revealed a need for a top-end rebuild in the next 6 months or so, not such a surprise as it's covered 95k and not had one yet - and the previous owner 'looked after' it by driving it occasionally and usually on short journeys. However, other than that it's tidy and even most of the electrical system works by God! Apart from the hot air blower only working on maximum setting but I can live with that for the rest of the summer at least.

I've got loads of questions to ask about the car and I've been a member of PCGB for a couple of months now and am getting a lot of information off the boards by reading other people's similar questions, plus the info at Pelican, etc. So please be patient with a newcomer who is bound to ask the 'it's been asked before' same old questions!

One of which is about oil for the car. Looking through the service history, it's regularly been fed Mobil 1. When I bought the car, the seller handed me a part-used Halfords 10/40 semi-synthetic oil that he'd been using to top up with. I've read various conflicting things about oil, one of which I think said you should stay with Mobil 1/Magnatec once it's been used (can't remember why). So can I continue to use this Halfords stuff?

I'm still at that early stage of learning all the intracacies of looking after the car properly, so feel like if I breathe on the paintwork in the wrong direction I'll do the car damage!

Sorry for the long post - I'm new 'ere!

Thanks in advance for a warm welcome and warm future with Porsche and their drivers. []

John

 

[dtunnicliffe]

Hi John and Welcome!

Notwithstanding JZ Machtech check-up - are you sure it needs a top-end overhaul? Check some of the earlier threads on the 3.2 Forum. you may find them enlightening. Also get someone who owns/knows 3.2's really well to check it out before you go parting with cash. Also, Rennlist and Pelican are good in the US - mainly because there are lots of subscriptions. BUT, the lads in PCGB are pretty hot on stuff and I am sure you will be bombarded with willing help.

Happy Porsche Motoring

Dave

 

[bones]

John get a second and third opinion on the rebuild , as you live near London I'd have a look at it if you have the time to spare , is it clearly burning oil or are you rebuilding because that's what you've been led to believe at this mileage. You can change brands of oil when you like so long as it's the correct stuff, someone one else will chip in with what 's best for your engine but Mobil 1 sounds fine. I use Castrol Magnatec in my SC and it's a great oil IMHO

 

[mark piper]

It's only just run in at 95k miles, I've just bought a Carrera Cab with the same mileage and it purrs. Get a leakage and comrepssion test to determine the state of the top-end before committing any money.

 

[mark piper]

John, I see you're not far from Broxbourne. Martin Harvey there is a great guy to take the car to - call him on 01992 462662 and ask his opinion/go and see him.

 

[Guest]

Hi Dave,

Wow, I'd been told that PCGB members were a good bunch but the speed of people coming to my assistance and giving me a welcome is still quite humbling - cheers folks!

No, I'm not sure about it needing a rebuild. It's just that I don't relish the idea of kicking myself for various reasons. It was serviced by a good independent specialist only in December, who's done it for the last 3 years, and I'd be amazed if it's gone suddenly downhill from then to April when I bought it but maybe it has... I just don't know. JZM did a leak test and I've since read on another Porsche board that even these tests can give wildly inaccurate readings under certain conditions... so I'm more confused!! The readings JZ Machtech gave me were:

3: 32% 6: 34%
2: 29% 5: 54%
1: 18% 4: 34%

They said I could drive it still, so long as I keep the revs under 4,000. They were really helpful and said the rest of the car was in excellent condition. I just wonder if the readings might be caused by something else. Well wonder = desperate hope, I suppose.

I'd like at least another couple of opinions from people to look at it and who really know what they're looking at, so that I can feel sure one way or the other what the condition truly is. There's no smoke when it starts up, none when moving away from lights, traffic, etc., it doesn't seem to be using more than I understand it needs normally, but beyond that I don't know whereas someone else who know's 3.2s really well might know immediately. I've kicked myself already about not getting it looked at before I bought it, now I've bought it and I just want peace!!!

When I came away from JZM I was pretty despondent after the previous three weeks' thrill of having bought the car - it was pretty bad news. Particularly as the budget I had put aside for looking after it doesn't stretch to rebuilding for a while because that was the last thing I would have expected it to need for a couple of years at least. It might be that it really does need a rebuild but I'd feel more comfortable knowing for sure.

Yes, I'm in desperate need of guidance.

Cheers for your help and advice.

John

 

[Guest]

Hi bones,

Thanks for your offer, it's MUCH appreciated - I have no evidence of it clearly burning oil at all, and the oil level isn't plummetting. I'm using it for my daily commute, around 25 miles each way, which includes a fairly clear run, varied revs, good speed. I'm now desperately afraid to push it as I have no idea really what damage I could or could not be doing, what true state the engine is in, etc.

I'd like at least another 2 opinions from people who know, for sure. At this stage, I'm only going on what JZ Machtech have told me and to be honest I really don't know.

Cheers,
John

 

[Guest]

Hi Mark,

JZM gave me a test with the readings that seem bad. Thing is, I read afterwards that readings can not necessarily indicate that the engine needs rebuilding and that other things need to be checked as well for the true picture. I don't know what though!!

Can anyone tell me what other tests I should do to be sure that the engine really does need an overhaul?

Cheers in advance,

Edit: Mark, I just read your second message about Martin Harvey - I'll follow your advice and give him a call, thanks very much!
John

 

[bones]

Well if the leak down tests are correct your engine is knackered but that's a crazy set of figures for an engine that is seemingly running fine . I smell a bad test, take Mark's advice and go and see the chap he's recommenced. I can give you a few others too. I'd be happy to have a listen to your engine your engine once you've seen Martin Harvey if you are still unhappy about things. Good luck

 

[dtunnicliffe]

Mark,

Take a look at the 3.2 Register listings and follow the thread for "Carrera 3.2 smoking...why?". You will find a healthy debate on there about flat 6 motors.

First of all, stop worrying, second get that second/third opinion. And above all go drive it, enjoy!

Dave

 

[Jamie Summers]

I'd echo what Jon says above about giving the car a good thrashing to blow out the cobwebs.

I had a leak test done last month out of curiosity as my car blows a bit of smoke. The results were between 4% and 8% on all cylinders, and my car has also done about 95K without a rebuild, so your figures sound highly suspect. The cylinders on mine are absolutely fine, but that is not the whole story. The main point of wear on a 3.2 engine seems to be the valve guides rather than piston rings and this means that an engine such as mine with low leakage figures can still blow smoke and ultimately be in need of a top end rebuild eventually.

I wouldn't panic though, the engine will never go bang, it will just start to use more oil and smoke more - mine still uses well within the allowable range. Gradually performance will start to fall off a bit. A top-end rebuild is probably the best bit of £2,500 as I'm sure JZ told you, so I would only go down that route once you've had a few second opinions. I'm not questioning JZ's judgement, they do not generally incur expenditure for owners unless really necessary, but merely explore all other avenues first.

Jamie

 

[Guest]

Thanks everyone for your kind and non-judgemental attitude, it's really deeply appreciated. I'm sure there were thoughts of "OOH, should've had it inspected first!"

The thing is, when I was looking for the car I didn't know about the whole rebuild thing and I didn't know about the pre-inspection either - ironically, I came across both of those topics while researching these very boards, the same weekend AFTER I'd paid for and driven the car home from the seller! But prior to agreeing to purchase, I did inspect it as best I could in all the non-Porsche-experience that I had (brakes, pads, supsension, electrics, corrosion, test drive, engine start-up, smoke, etc. etc.) and it was all good in those respects. The independent who'd been servicing the car, at the last service in 2003 said the exhaust pre-silencer would need replacing in the next couple of years - nothing said about the engine needing attention. So I took the risk (as I since realised it was) and bought it. When I found out about the rebuild stuff, I booked it in to JZ Machtech for the cylinder test out of curiosity, much like Jamie did, and only expected them to advise me on how to fix the sunroof, which was the only thing I was aware of being faulty (needs a new track). So them telling me the test results and that a top-end rebuild was on the cards, considering that the engine never fails to start on first turn over and there's no smoke at all, even on start-up in the cold and frosty mornings, was a true sit-down and breathe moment!

Your advice has been invaluable. It's had about 2 tanks of Optimax through it so far (previously, I'm sure it was being filled up with any other 95 RON juice) and I'm certain that the performance has improved steadily over that time. I'm using it as a daily driver and I'm giving it a spirited run for part of the journey each day, which is my preferred driving style anyway.

I'm going to call Martin Harvey during the coming week and arrange to let him have a look at it for its second opinion. I'd like a third too, so bones thanks for your offer of advice and information, I'd like to arrange something with you in the next few weeks or so!

I can't agree more with Jon's words - I've never been so excited when I'm in this car! It was a childhood dream, and if it does really need a top-end rebuild.... well, I realise it comes along eventually anyway, and my philosophical view is that when that day does come (more determined by how long it takes to save up the dosh at this point in time!) then I'll have the car performing even better than it does now. And, to be honest, I can't imagine being happier with the way it drives right now, so God only knows what it's going to be like at peak performance!

Sorry about the length of this post. I'm a very excited new owner and I seem to want to talk about the feeling of owing this car a lot!

Here's one tip I've found this weekend, regarding cleaning fabric in the car, such as carpets, which someone might find helpful: Ambersil Auto Groom Foaming Upholstery Cleaner. I'd tried one of Halford's carpet sprays on the floor mat and my expected cream-colour mat became a light brown. The Ambersil (comes in an aerosol cannister with an orange lid) worked wonders all the carpeting and returned the mat back to cream as well. I'd like to put this tip in the Top Tips section that I've read about but not found on the board yet.

Anyway - enough from me. Many thanks!

John

 

[bones]

John I wouldn't beat yourself up about making a mistake when buying your first Porsche loads of people including yours truly have done it, I think we let enthusiasm get the better of us. Optimax is a good fuel but it's expensive I tend to use it when I know I'm going to using the upper end of the performance curve the other stuff is fine for daily use though. Also run some injector cleaner through there every 2-3000 miles, Redex or similar from Halfords works fine. Get in touch when you are ready and just keep enjoying it while the sun is out. You can add your tip to the SC Register 'Top Tips' post if you like.

 

[Guest]

John,
Agree with Jon and Jamie...
But, change your oil to a higher viscosity first.
Go to a 15/50 wieght or higher with this warmer weather. Use a run-of the mill mineral oil. Flogg the motor, thrash it! (assuming the tappets are adjusted right - these change all the time).
Get it hot, I mean hot ( I assume you have a remote oil cooler up front?)
You need to get it hot cause the remote cooler and pipes hold a few litres of oil - this will/can be old oil. Check the oil circuit to the cooler up front by putting your hand under the front drivers guard and feel the 2 pipes there... they should be warm/hot.[]
Having given it a damn good flogging, change the oil again, while its hot.
Use same oil (fresh) or a better one if you like, but keep the viscosity ( 15/50+).
Try it.
These things need good oil, just like a wombat needs a good root?

 

[bones]

Brilliant point about the old oil being retained ahead of the external thermostat that is food for thought indeed Peter .

 

[Guest]

Well, now I have got my internet access back (sort of, down since Thursday last week, but still not proper), I can join in this.

You have just got to hammer it - too much fun not to, it's never harmed mine yet (frightened me a bit, but maybe I'm just too soft !).

I use 'cooking' 95 unleaded, and the b*gg*r still pulls like a train.
Mine has done about 120,000 and leaks slightly from a cylinder head (or 2); the garage just said 'don't spend the money until you have to, which isn't yet'.

I've had mine since 1994, and it still gives me a buzz to drive it; and for a 1987 car, it still attracts attention (not the old bill, of course, I drive far too slow for that !)

 

[Guest]

Hi Peter,

Thanks for the advice about the higher-viscosity oil. I'll look into getting some 15/50, presumably the local Halfords will have it. I have no idea if there's a remote oil cooler up front, though. There's no mention in the owner's manual - how do I find if my car's got one?

John

 

[Guest]

Hi John,

Sorry I didn't reply on this thread sooner - no internet connection at home temporarily, too!

Well, following all the advice to hammer it (something I'd been wanting to do but the cylinder leak readings made me panic), thrash it, and generally drive it as it was designed to be driven, I've put my faith in everyone's advice on this thread and have been doing me best ... erm... within the limits of the law, natch (honest, guv... ahem).

We went to Brighton for the bank holiday, which gave me plenty of opportunity to drive the car with bags of 'enthusiasm' for the 200 miles there and back. Left it over 24 hours parked up in Brighton, and started first time for the 100 miles back home. It didn't falter at all in the entire journey, and I'm sure it pulls even better after that trip than it did beforehand. It seems to be steadily improving in performance all the time, even sounding more settled when idling than it did intially. []

So, I am supposing that very low and barely audible kind of whistle at the low end of the rev range, which I'd never heard before the Big Thrash to Brighton, isn't a major bad stupendously disastrous sound to have appeared...? I understand that some form of whistle type sound is characteristic of the engine at lower revs, I'm just a bit surprised by the sound coming from mine as it didn't make it before. The fact it's started it now does make me wonder if it might be caused by summat else.

I'm not prone to worrying/panic, you understand, just a noob! [&:]

Cheers for help, advice, etc. so far.

John

 

[bones]

Most engines will not acheive maximum sealing of piston ring to cylinder if they are always used at minimal revs, which you're car may have been. Hence as you do try to use the performance gradually the seal between piston rings and cylinders will become more effective, at least that's the theory. I've heard it said engines left to sit lose compression as the 'springiness' slightly fades in the rings but with use come back.

 

[Guest]

Hi John

When I bought mine I was advised Mobil 1, but when I took it to Northway Porsche, they told me that they always use 10W/40 part synthetic (they actually use Texaco Haveline) and so that's what I have stuck with - infact I also us the Halfords stuff. I think Northways argument was that this was the oil used when the car was manufactured.

Also, regarding engine treatments, I've just added a bottle of Comma D-Tox to my fuel from Halfords. I'll let you know how I get on.

Glad you're enjoying the car, like you, owning one was a childhood dream and nearly a year on I still smile every time I drive it - which is daily.