Graufuchs

Whats the reliability of the 3.2L are there any weak points to this engine? Ive heard by many this was one of Porsche's most reliable and bulletproof engines, any truth to this? thx in advance. -chris

Mike Murphy

Yes, it is reliable, but not more so that any of the air-cooled engines that have been updated, IMO. They all have their one or two weak points. If updated, they are bulletproof.

The big one on the 3.2 seems to be valve guides. Many have had a top-end rebuild by 100,000 miles due to excessive oil consumption for this reason. Top-end build on these air-cooled engines are pretty easy to do, albeit time consuming. That's where the high cost comes in. That said, if you are looking at an original 3.2, you might not have to have it done. I think the problem is exacerbated by poor fuel, poor maintenance and short-distance running.

Also, the 3.2 can leak oil, but then they all do when they are approaching 20 years old.

rscredon

I've had my 3.2 for a year now with zero issues. It really comes down to how the car was maintained by the P.O. Mine had a rebuild at 100k, so that is a significant benefit. Aside from that I have records covering alot of her life which is very comforting. I admit paying a premium for this car, but you have heard it before, you get what you pay for. What I paid up front for a clean car will hopefully be offset by avoiding future surprises.

Gary R.

Yep, valve guides are it! Once you address the top end they are fantastic cars... 89 is the best of them of course.

86NOH2O

Mine is plus 20 years of age and still not a drop of oil leaks anywhere. No issues in the last 5 years except I believe my alternator just died. Only 39K on the car and some believe that low mileage does cause problems. I'd swear I read somewhere the valve guide issue was related to 87-89 cars with the 3.2? Other than that, I don't recall ever seeing anything but positives about the 84-89 engines.

86' Carrera Cab
triple black

Graufuchs

Yeah mines an 87...you can hear the valves a little but I think its a Porsche trait....I gotta switch out the oil soon anyways.

Lancaster911

'89 here and it still pulls strong. Great engine.

KC911

OK, let me add my .02 worth so you don't get too alarmed over the worn valve guide issue. A small subset of the 3.2s were shipped with valve guides that were not durable and tended to show wear in the 60-80K mile range (some earlier, some later). You can spot those cars by their oil consumption, and the worn guides will need to be addressed at some point in time (along with the other stuff you'll want to do ). That being said, the "bad batch of valve guides" are on a fairly small percentage of the cars sold, but can appear regardless of how a previous owner has maintained it. If you get a low mileage "garage queen", you still might encounter it, whereas a well maintained 100K driver is probably "past the window" (assuming oil consumption is acceptable). Now, that being said...if you get a car in good condition, you'll probably put some $ into her, but overall, you'll have a great car that will not depreciate significantly, and nothing gets more "(s)miles per gallon""...I wouldn't have anything else!

Keith
'88 CE coupe

ruckmjr

88 here. Mine was previously owned by a hacker that NEVER took care anything. I've had it two years now and absolutely no issues. Runs terrific. Leaks no oil. Burns no oil. 3.2 is a great motor but the oil lines need attention, valve cover gaskets, etc. If those are taken care of, you should have a near bulletproof leak free motor. Oh, almost 100k on the clock.

andrew911

in my opinion, the 78-83 3.0 and 84-89 3.2 are both very excellent reliability wise..I'd say about even.

Gary R.

The 3.0L had common issues with head studs breaking and cam chain tensioners eating themselves, once taken care of they are excellent, reliable engines. Same goes for the 3.2's after replacing valve guides... Early 3.6's heads seeped/leaked, late 3.6's have carbon buildups in air injection ports, 996's have rear main seal issues... etc. etc. etc.

andrew911

I totally forgot- most people have updated the 3.0's to the carrera tensionsers, but yes once that is fixed they are very reliabile. I have heard the potential for head studs, but more with the 2.7s pulling the studs...overall, the 3.0 and 3.2 are great.

I now have a 93' 3.6 which (a "late 3.6") which has been excellent, but I'll admit I only drive about 2,500 miles/year if that. The early 3.6's (90-91) did have some leakage issues that many have repaired by now, and the mid 92-94 have this issue fixed from the start. I havn't heard about carbon buildups in air ports though.

Gary R.

That carbon problem is in the 96-98 993's..

Graufuchs

Thanks for all the input on the topic....just very wet behind the ears with the air cooled flat six....I was either gonna buy this car or buy an 2000-02 carrera...but was told the earlier cars are easier to work on and the 3.2 was pretty much bullet proof..plus this was less than half the price. -chris

Mike Murphy

Good points, Keith. I almost forgot something important: The PPI can check for excessive valve guide wear, so have it done on your engine when shopping around. Basically, the mechanic just pops the valve cover off and checks tolerances.