07-10-2005, 04:07 AM
Black Beauty rides again! Who is "Black Beauty," you ask? Well, that is the nickname of my black 968. I have a nickname for all of my babies, in fact. They are: Old Faithful (1990 S2), Fifty 50 (1989 951), and Red Rocket (1986 951). Back to the good news...
As some of you may recall, in early February, she started blowing her top (the #1 sparkplug cap) on a commute home. I investigated everything in early March, with the hope of only having to replace the sparkplug seals and the valve cover gasket. When I got in there for an inspection, however, I found that the #1 sparkplug had basically fallen apart, and was letting the air from the compression stroke through. So far, so good.... but then I also noticed (fortunately) that I had 6 missing teeth on my camshafts. After exploring all my options, I decided to have the camshafts re-sprocketed. I had been very reluctant to do so, but when the only American to have ever been through Porsche Factory Training told me that he had had excellent results, I decided to give it a shot.
So, in addition to removing and re-installing the camshafts, I replaced the camshaft timing chain and the tensioner pads. Of course, I replaced the plugs, sparkplug seals, and the valve cover gasket. While I was at it, I also replaced the distributor cap and rotor.
When I had her all put back together on May 8th, I cranked her, and she came to life. However, she was idling rough and when I took her beyond 2500 RPM, she shook violently, sounded terrible, and made very little power. Fearing the worst, I was relieved when a couple of buddies told me that the timing belt being off by a tooth could cause those exact behaviors. (Thanks Raj and David if you guys ever read this. <img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/smile.gif" class="smilie" alt="" />)
So, why on earth did I wait two months before I re-timed the belts? Well, between vacation, working some kinks out of my heavily modified 951, and starting a new job, time has been scarce. But, oh, how I've missed Black Beauty! Thankfully, yesterday I was able to dedicate a few hours to the re-timing of the belts, and I am so happy to report that she is now running like a thoroughbred!
Taking her out for a test/celebratory spin at midnight, I was newly enthused by her quiet, refined, resolute prowess, both through the curves and down the straights. If the Hurricane rains will hold off tomorrow, I look forward to washing and waxing every inch of her ebony frame. (Okay, that sounded a bit odd... but, forgive me... I am a very happy camper right now!) Long live the 968 and this fine site!
Cheers to all! <img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/biggrin.gif" class="smilie" alt="" /> <img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/smile.gif" class="smilie" alt="" />
As some of you may recall, in early February, she started blowing her top (the #1 sparkplug cap) on a commute home. I investigated everything in early March, with the hope of only having to replace the sparkplug seals and the valve cover gasket. When I got in there for an inspection, however, I found that the #1 sparkplug had basically fallen apart, and was letting the air from the compression stroke through. So far, so good.... but then I also noticed (fortunately) that I had 6 missing teeth on my camshafts. After exploring all my options, I decided to have the camshafts re-sprocketed. I had been very reluctant to do so, but when the only American to have ever been through Porsche Factory Training told me that he had had excellent results, I decided to give it a shot.
So, in addition to removing and re-installing the camshafts, I replaced the camshaft timing chain and the tensioner pads. Of course, I replaced the plugs, sparkplug seals, and the valve cover gasket. While I was at it, I also replaced the distributor cap and rotor.
When I had her all put back together on May 8th, I cranked her, and she came to life. However, she was idling rough and when I took her beyond 2500 RPM, she shook violently, sounded terrible, and made very little power. Fearing the worst, I was relieved when a couple of buddies told me that the timing belt being off by a tooth could cause those exact behaviors. (Thanks Raj and David if you guys ever read this. <img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/smile.gif" class="smilie" alt="" />)
So, why on earth did I wait two months before I re-timed the belts? Well, between vacation, working some kinks out of my heavily modified 951, and starting a new job, time has been scarce. But, oh, how I've missed Black Beauty! Thankfully, yesterday I was able to dedicate a few hours to the re-timing of the belts, and I am so happy to report that she is now running like a thoroughbred!
Taking her out for a test/celebratory spin at midnight, I was newly enthused by her quiet, refined, resolute prowess, both through the curves and down the straights. If the Hurricane rains will hold off tomorrow, I look forward to washing and waxing every inch of her ebony frame. (Okay, that sounded a bit odd... but, forgive me... I am a very happy camper right now!) Long live the 968 and this fine site!
Cheers to all! <img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/biggrin.gif" class="smilie" alt="" /> <img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/smile.gif" class="smilie" alt="" />
(This post was last modified: 07-10-2005, 04:11 AM by NeedPorscheSpeed.)
