Saving an 83 944. My first Porsche too!
#1
Track Day
Thread Starter
Saving an 83 944. My first Porsche too!
Hi everyone. Just wanted to introduce myself. My name is Aaron and just purchased my first Porsche. It is an 83 944. Guards red with black leather interior, 5 speed. I have a few questions and would like any feedback anyone can offer. I have been trolling the forum since I was offered the opportunity to purchase the car. So, I have been reading a lot on here. The car has been sitting since 2013 and has been moved at least once since then. The previous owner said that while he was driving it regularly it would stall out and he could restart it and go. It would happen here and there. Before I try to get it running I plan to change the belts, tensioners, water pump, all the fluids. Drain the fuel tank and try to blow the fuel lines out and changer the filter. Clean the injectors as much as I can. Any ideas on the stall problem? I was thinking coil or maybe fuel pump relay? I will have a lot of questions and hope you all can help.
#4
Rainman
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
the green bell-shaped thing in front of the battery was only in that position for early 82/83 model cars.
midway thru 83 they moved that thing to under the windshield, next to the battery...and it became black instead of green.
midway thru 83 they moved that thing to under the windshield, next to the battery...and it became black instead of green.
#5
Track Day
Thread Starter
#6
Rennlist Member
Congrats on your new purchase. The Fuchs wheels are a plus. Add your city/state to your signature. You never know, a forum member may be near by.
There are lots of good resources out there beyond this forum. Bookmark Clarks-Garage.com, one of the best for DIY. Google "Porsche PET" and download the Porsche parts catalog (a pdf). For quick and dirty, buy a shop manual on Ebay in CD format. Around $20. That will cover the basic technical resources you'll need.
I agree with cleaning the fuel system. Fortunately, it is easy to drain the tank by gravity just by disconnecting the rubber hose. You might want to remove and inspect the filter sock that is screwed into the outlet of the tank. It may be clogged or torn. Get the fuel tank good and clean before you activate the fuel pump or you will just jam it with debris and have to buy a new one. The fuel filter is important and should be replaced but it is downstream of the fuel pump. I would actually run a cheap lawnmower type fuel filter in the line before the pump until you are sure you've got the tank debris free. What V2 means about replacing the fuel lines is to replace the rubber portion of the fuel lines in the engine compartment, before they burst and burn your new ride to the ground. Rennbay has a kit. Witchhunter will clean those injectors for you.
You have a lot of deferred maintenance and it will add up to some bucks before you are done. But it will be fun to learn how to work on the car. Good luck!
There are lots of good resources out there beyond this forum. Bookmark Clarks-Garage.com, one of the best for DIY. Google "Porsche PET" and download the Porsche parts catalog (a pdf). For quick and dirty, buy a shop manual on Ebay in CD format. Around $20. That will cover the basic technical resources you'll need.
I agree with cleaning the fuel system. Fortunately, it is easy to drain the tank by gravity just by disconnecting the rubber hose. You might want to remove and inspect the filter sock that is screwed into the outlet of the tank. It may be clogged or torn. Get the fuel tank good and clean before you activate the fuel pump or you will just jam it with debris and have to buy a new one. The fuel filter is important and should be replaced but it is downstream of the fuel pump. I would actually run a cheap lawnmower type fuel filter in the line before the pump until you are sure you've got the tank debris free. What V2 means about replacing the fuel lines is to replace the rubber portion of the fuel lines in the engine compartment, before they burst and burn your new ride to the ground. Rennbay has a kit. Witchhunter will clean those injectors for you.
You have a lot of deferred maintenance and it will add up to some bucks before you are done. But it will be fun to learn how to work on the car. Good luck!
#7
Pro
The stuff growing all over it looks kinda cool.. Imagine a sleeper that looks like that..
One of the first things I would do is clean everything out of the cowel area, clear all of the drains, look for and fix leaks coming from that area..
The car looks to be in great shape other than almost becoming part of the environment..
How is the interior? I hope it's dry but think that's a long shot..
One of the first things I would do is clean everything out of the cowel area, clear all of the drains, look for and fix leaks coming from that area..
The car looks to be in great shape other than almost becoming part of the environment..
How is the interior? I hope it's dry but think that's a long shot..
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#8
Track Day
Thread Starter
First thing I'm going to do when I get it home is clean it up. I can't have a car that looks like that. Interior is not too bad. A little water but nothing terrible. The usual dash cracking but that's about it. I think I will use a cover lay plastic cover for the time being. Just to make it presentable while driving it to sort out the gremlins.
#9
Rennlist Member
You might want to check out some of my posts on here as well. Mine is an 83 also, that I dragged out of a field after it had been sitting for about 10 years. I've been working on it for over 5 years now and it is at the point where I can stat putting things back together. Hope that your seats are in better condition than mine were..along with everything else. Good luck with your new purchase..I'd check the DME relay (prone to failure from what I've read) and keep a spare as well. You might want to consider getting the solid state one if they're still available. Hope that you've got deep pockets! Thanks, always glad to help...
#10
Rennlist Member
You might find some useful information in my 924S thread... including some money saving DIY tips. If you are not aware a 924S is basically an early 944 with skinny 924 fenders.
https://rennlist.com/forums/924-931-...-survivor.html
https://rennlist.com/forums/924-931-...-survivor.html
#11
Track Day
Thread Starter
Thank you. I will look up your thread. I like to save a buck here and there. Here is the option sticker(?) in the trunk area. Mine was located almost right smack in the middle behind the carpet. Any help deciphering it would be appreciated.
Last edited by AaronM; 06-07-2018 at 07:13 PM. Reason: forgot attachment
#14
Track Day
Thread Starter
Well finally got it home. Looked the car over and it is quite nice. I can't wait to get it running. Out a new battery in it and everything works. That was a surprise. I did not start it. I know about the belts and water pump. I just washed it and cleaned it up a bit. Time to start ordering some goodies to get her on the road. By the way the car was built in December of 1982. Here's a couple pictures of it after the first wash.
#15
Rennlist Member
WOW! Looks nice! Right before you start on the belts and rollers and water pump, shield the alternator from water blast and then pressure wash the engine bay, so you can find all the nuts and bolts. don't be surprised when you take the belt covers off that you might break a few of the 6 mm (shank size) bolts. so get some left-handed drill bits (short ones if possible) so you can drill out the broken ones. I had to replace all of my covers..E bay and some of the parts resellers can give you some leads..Should be some guys over there that can help if you want..several on here (listers) in your region. Good to hear that the circuitry is pretty much intact and didn't burst into flame.. Keep us posted . Thanks!