I am participating in a "barn find" and am responsible for firing a '76 Turbo after an unknown storage period. The things I know, the car has 5381 miles. it was dusty and a little musty smelling inside. It is in original unmarked paint, the rubber and trim are perfect. Leather and carpet are perfect. Original wheels, as well as mounted period BBS 3 piece wheels are included. Leather sport seats, sunroof, rear wiper, limited slip, AC, right side mirror. VDO boost gauge w/ tell tail, adjustable boost.

I have 38 years of experience with Porsches. I will not make a mistake starting this car. However, I am soliciting your input on what you would do to it before twisting the key.

This project maybe one of the great thrills of my automotive career. Who doesn't dream about finding something like this.

 

Can't help too much, but I'm sure you know the basics like change the oil, new plugs, and build up oil pressure with the fuel pump relays removed. I've always heard to squirt some Marvel Mystery oil in the cylinders to loosen up the rings before starting. Not sure if it's an old wife's tale or not.

Good luck! Sounds like an exciting project.

 

Holy ****, where do people find these things! Sure wish there were some barns around here to run across such a find. I would be lucky to find some old horse drawn harrow or other unknown harvesting implements. Nothing as cool as a hidden 930 in like-new condition.

I guess you should also ask youself how well and under what conditions it was stored. Empty fuel tank, wet/dry/humid environment, etc. I can't offer much more than the previous answer. Certainly change all fluids (motor and tranny and brakes), maybe disconnect the fuel line to the fuel head and run the pumps with fresh gas to flush, check the air flow metering plate/arm for free movement (I'm having visions of 30 years of varnish buildup from old gas in the fuel distributor), replace all vacuum lines and rubber hoses and the fan belt which are surely deteriorated by now and will just cause running problems, take the gas tank out and flush all the accumulated gunk (look for rust while you're at it), may also want to remove the oil tank and clean it out as well, change the plugs and fuel filter, maybe check the valve clearances if suspect. If you know this thing ran without any issues before put away, then that's one thing. With fresh oil, disconnect the fuel pumps so they don't run, and the coil wire, and crank until pressure has built up. Then hook her all up and go for broke I guess.

Those are just the things I would do, not being an expert. With your Porsche experience I'm sure you can fill in the blanks. But do keep us posted!

 

Thanks Mark,

I can't wait to go to work tomorrow, I haven't said that for a while. It is really does happen, there are alot of barns in the midwest. The funny thing is it was about a quarter of a mile from my house.

 

Don't forget to check the brakes and the fly wheel can be rusted to the clutch plate so that any attempt to start it will make the car move in which ever gear it is in even though you might get the shifter into neutral. Ask me how I know this! Good luck but really careful because so many things can work once and them jam or fail due to the circumstances.

 

Conrats,

What color is it?

Sloane
1979 930 4500 miles
1989 930S cab
2005 CGT

 

Pics!

 

Damn shame there is no way to pre-lube these Porsche engines, other than turning them over with the starter. Ah the benefits of american V8's....oh well.
Mark

 

You're on the right track. I would drain and clean the tank since it's not that bad of a job. It could save you a ton of headache and cash. We've done a few porsches that sat for long periods and sucking junk through the fuel system has damaged some otherwise good parts.

 

Winslow,

Fantastic! Is it in Bloomington? Martinsville? Ellettsville? How in the world did you hear about it?

Can't wait to see pictures as well as get more info. I agree, this is one of the coolest finds I've heard of - especially in my old stomping grounds

Good luck!

Micah

 

Winslow,

Well? How did it go!?

Micah