11-13-2012, 02:40 PM
Well, yesterday was a phenomenal day at NJMP with a bunch of folks from the local clubs. It was an advanced only day run by Jeff Caldwell, and it was 8 hours of pure heaven. No trains, open passing (with a signal), and a number of fast courteous drivers. Great way to end the season up here.
Now the reason I am starting this thread is to get the rest of the track junkies in the north thinking about maintenance for next year. I'm making my list for the winter of projects to complete to get my car ready for next season, and this is what I'm thinking so far...
Headgasket - I think my headgasket is going as I am starting to see bubbles in the coolant reservoir at the track. Besides at 20 years and 118k it's probably time...okay no probably about it. Leads to the while you're in there inspection of variocam pads (mine were done by me less than 20k ago), cams, all the seals on the cam cover, and a rebuilt head... I'm planning on stock or something close. I'm thinking all new coolant hoses as well. This will also allow access to the intake gaskets, and open up the way to do the replacement cables I've had sitting around for almost two years
Time for some Robbie/Ice shark electrics.
Belts and Rollers - I do this every year if I track a lot, but usually every other year. This time I'm doing the waterpump. I think I will do the tensioner this time as well. I may need to do the radiator too, but I will take it out, clean it prior to making that step. It cools fine at around 70 degrees, but fails in the 80s on the track.
Rod Bearings - I have no record of these being done, so it's time. Gets a new gasket on the oil pan and the opportunity to look at the oil pickup too. Will likely look at options for a windage tray too.
Power steering reservoir and fluid flush - my rack is okay, but I think I may be rebuilding the pump.
Brake master cylinder - Mine is starting to get soft and push fluid back into the reservoir when pushed. I've had to do this in previous 944 variants I've owned. It's like night and day... I haven't done the booster when doing this. Anyone?
Wheel bearings - I'll look at new rear axles or at least new CVs. If they are in good shape I will clean, regrease, and flip sides.
Trans fluid - I'm thinking of using Amsoil as I like it in the turbo which is also GL5.
Fuel filter - The engine builder who does most of the motors for the 944Cup stated that we need to be changing our fuel filters annually and likely doing the fuel pump every few years! This is not because of normal wear, but the result of ethanol in our fuel. He recommended marine Stabil to neutralize some of the effects. The 944 variants hate ethanol.
Ball joints - not sure if I will change them, but I will certainly take a close look at them. I'm debating whether to just replace the a-arms with Racer's Edge stuff. I don't plan on lowering the car any further than it is now, and have no binding which caused a lot of the issues in early 944 racing.
Other items: Radiator fan switch, check the fans' wiring while everything is out of the way, cleaning the oil cooler, replacing the o-rings in oil filter housing.
I understand that all of this preventative maintenance can get spendy, but I've seen what a car laying down coolant or breaking a ball joint can do... Walls are expensive too.
What am I missing?
Now the reason I am starting this thread is to get the rest of the track junkies in the north thinking about maintenance for next year. I'm making my list for the winter of projects to complete to get my car ready for next season, and this is what I'm thinking so far...
Headgasket - I think my headgasket is going as I am starting to see bubbles in the coolant reservoir at the track. Besides at 20 years and 118k it's probably time...okay no probably about it. Leads to the while you're in there inspection of variocam pads (mine were done by me less than 20k ago), cams, all the seals on the cam cover, and a rebuilt head... I'm planning on stock or something close. I'm thinking all new coolant hoses as well. This will also allow access to the intake gaskets, and open up the way to do the replacement cables I've had sitting around for almost two years
Time for some Robbie/Ice shark electrics.Belts and Rollers - I do this every year if I track a lot, but usually every other year. This time I'm doing the waterpump. I think I will do the tensioner this time as well. I may need to do the radiator too, but I will take it out, clean it prior to making that step. It cools fine at around 70 degrees, but fails in the 80s on the track.
Rod Bearings - I have no record of these being done, so it's time. Gets a new gasket on the oil pan and the opportunity to look at the oil pickup too. Will likely look at options for a windage tray too.
Power steering reservoir and fluid flush - my rack is okay, but I think I may be rebuilding the pump.
Brake master cylinder - Mine is starting to get soft and push fluid back into the reservoir when pushed. I've had to do this in previous 944 variants I've owned. It's like night and day... I haven't done the booster when doing this. Anyone?
Wheel bearings - I'll look at new rear axles or at least new CVs. If they are in good shape I will clean, regrease, and flip sides.
Trans fluid - I'm thinking of using Amsoil as I like it in the turbo which is also GL5.
Fuel filter - The engine builder who does most of the motors for the 944Cup stated that we need to be changing our fuel filters annually and likely doing the fuel pump every few years! This is not because of normal wear, but the result of ethanol in our fuel. He recommended marine Stabil to neutralize some of the effects. The 944 variants hate ethanol.
Ball joints - not sure if I will change them, but I will certainly take a close look at them. I'm debating whether to just replace the a-arms with Racer's Edge stuff. I don't plan on lowering the car any further than it is now, and have no binding which caused a lot of the issues in early 944 racing.
Other items: Radiator fan switch, check the fans' wiring while everything is out of the way, cleaning the oil cooler, replacing the o-rings in oil filter housing.
I understand that all of this preventative maintenance can get spendy, but I've seen what a car laying down coolant or breaking a ball joint can do... Walls are expensive too.
What am I missing?
