[sksail]

ok, I have driven the car a few times and it drives and handles great. I am so glad I got this car!

There was only one issue that I noticed with the car, the temp guage was all over the place, up down, pinned all the way up, but the engine never seemed to be hot when I checked it.

The clutch seemed a little weak to me too.



I found a good porsche mechanic through the local Porsche club. In talking to him he seems like a great guy. He likes boats too, so he can't be too bad.



Yesterday I had him completley go over the car. I figured he could fix the temp gague and since I didn't have any recent service records, he should check everything out. He said the car looks good but there are a few things that he needs to go over.

The temp guage wasn't working at all, he took apart the dash and went through all the insturments and now that works great.



the other issues are:

There is a small oil leak around the cam seal.

DME code 34 Hall signal - 252 times - he said they reset this and we will watch it

He said the timing belt has been replaced and that it looks ok. He is not sure how long ago it was replaced.

He lubricated the clutch and it seems better, but he felt that the clutch is nearing the end of its life.



I have to take it back to have him check out the cam seal leak, I was thinking of just having him replace the timing belt since he is there anyway.

I was wondering if anyone had any other suggestions?



Thanks

Steve

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[xrad]

brakes

battery tray drain check

change antifreeze to a non-phosphate type

change transaxle fluid

A/C?

check power steering hoses?

rear bushing check at front A arms.

front torsion bushing check.

new airfilter (K+N)

change engine oil and filter

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[sksail]

Thanks Xrad



Most of these have checked out and/ and or been done.

I do need to make sure I get the bushings checked out and get the transaxle fluid changed



I really appreciate your suggestions.



Steve

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[94SilverCab]

Just a quick comment about your mechanic...



I really appreciate a mechanic who takes this type of approach...Fix the absolutely neccesary, create a list of things that need tending so you can begin to lay out a plan.



My 968 is now on a 5 year rotating maintenance schedule for most replaceable items ( nott counting oil and various fluids) and I can plan my cash flow accordingly. There will always be an unforseen circumstance, but I am hoping that with the right plan I can reduce the number of these instances.



Sounds like your Mech is a gem...



Jay

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[sksail]

Jay

thanks I like your Idea of a rotating schedule.

I'll have to incorparate that in my service plan.



My mechanic seems great. so far I have only had to invest about $500 in my car and he says there is nothing else that it needs! That is unless I start upgrading things. reading all these posts makes me start thinking!



I love driving this car it is so much fun! can't wait for my first track day, I am hoping to make the DE event in NH in august

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[earossi]

I didn't pickup the mileage on your car, so I have a few other things that should be checked out at not to high a cost.



First, you mentioned having the timing belt changed out. Since you don't know its age, this is certainly something to absolutely do. At the same time, while the belt covers are off, have your mechanic check for any seal leaks on the front of the motor. Also, have him check for coolant leakage at the water pump. He should also replace the balance shaft belt when he does the timing belt.



When you have him replace the cam seal, have him also pull the valve cover and do a sprocket inspection on the cam sprockets. If the car is anywhere close to 100K miles, you should consider replacement of the chain that connects the two cams using the above mentioned sprockets. When you replace the chain, you will also need to replace the plastic chain ramps that are part of the assembly. Of course, in the process of pulling the valve cover, you'll get the spark plug seals and valve cover seal replaced.



In all, if your belts are good and your cam sprockets and chain are ok, then you have covered the major items that have any history of breaking and doing major engine damage.



If your clutch is gone, you're looking at about 3-4 hours of shop time to replace the clutch plus the price of the parts. Incidentally, I just priced out a complete clutch kit from Sunset Porsche (who discounts OEM parts to us) and found the cost to be only about $600. When the clutch is being replaced, the mechanic should look at your dual mass flywheel which is a two piece affair separated by a rubber donut. These DMF's will deteriorate with age, and will eventually need replacement. You can get the DMF for about $800 from Sunset or for $730 from someone like Vertx. Since the clutch is already out, just add in an additional hour or so to R&R the flywheel. If you do replace the DMF, replace the rear main seal on the engine which is behind the flywheel.



Sorry for the overload on information, but those are the things I would look at in the engine.



Lastly, change out all fluids. Chances are that the car has had regular engine oil chainges, but if you don't have records, you should have the transaxle lube drained and replaced. While the trans fluid is draining, go ahead and replace the fuel filter which is right next to the trans.

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[sksail]

Wow

thanks, it is not an overload of info, great to get all the input I can get. It helps having so many people with so much experience with these cars.

The car has 94K miles

I have changed out all the fluids, and done the fuel filter as you mentioned.

No other leaks and all else seems good or so says my mech.



I hope my clutch will last this year, if not it will be worth the investment. thanks for the heads up on pricing.

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