So I have now found the absolute worst job on the 32V cars.

Replacing the valve springs with the engine in the car.
The intake springs are pretty easy with the factory tool.
The exhaust however, forget about it!

I remade part of the tool and after that it became MUCH easier.
So unless you are a masochist do not even bother attempting this unless you have the ability to make some tools!

So what has been some of the other least favorite jobs on the car?

 

Replacing the AC evaporator or heater core seems to be quite high on that list.

 

Pics?

Presumably you shoved something into each cylinder thru the plug hole to keep the valve up (e.g. nylon rope)?

As for jobs I hate doing.. block coolant plugs still rank up there.

My absolute most hated job to date is the clutch master's blue hose from the reservoir with the engine still in, especially if trying to put clamps on it.

 

I really do not like pulling and putting back in the alternator on S4's.

 

Changing the torque tube is a fun one, especially in an auto.

 

The easiest way to keep the valves in position is to pressurise the cylinder through the spark plug hole typically with compressed air. Its an old trick in North America as many valve guide seals had to be replaced on chev engines the blew blue on start up.......the rip off shops charged for cylinder head removal or even engine removal

I personaly find any job where my head is inverted to be a real pain in the neck....the grey matter, whats left of it, cant compute.

As to bad jobs in a 928.........the engine is soomewhat shoe hornerd in the compartment making many jobs difficult.

Hey Sean........wanna help replace my alternator shroud?

 

Hall sensor replacement.... unless your double jointed.

 

Blue Hose in the clutch

 

The one that I remember most vividly was replacing the motor mounts on my first 928. I had just bought the nine-volume set of manuals on sale from a California Porsche dealer, and was dismayed to discover that the mounts aren't even mentioned in the manuals. There was no knowledgeable internet support in those days, so I had to muddle thru by myself. A nasty job - I had not really started cleaning the car yet...

 

Nicole,
I can get the dash and heater core out in around 2 hours and everything is pretty easy to access. So I don't find that one too bad.

Sean,
I agree the alt isn't my fav job, but I think you should try the springs. You will have a new worst enemy.

I used a leakdown tester and put 100 psi into each cyl. This holds the valves up.
However while installing a couple I bumper the valve with the upper perch and the valve dropped down a little. Thankfully they don't go far and a magnet pulls it back into place with ease! It took me 6 hours to do cyl 1 and 2 and the exhaust side on 3. After I made a tool it took me 2 hours to do the rest.

 

I think this is a tool you need to share with the rest of us. I want one.

 

Ummm... Sean wants you to share your tool...

That's some funny $hit there!



Seriously, Colin and a few others really make an easier job of 928 ownership for the rest of us... glad we're all in the same camp!

 

And I am seriously glad Colin in going to install the valve springs in my car

 

Next time he has a layover at DFW, he's going to do mine also

 

intake throttle cable... on a hot engine... on the side of the road.... at night