Clint's 944

Hello everyone!

I wanted to know everyones opinion on what I should do with my motor.

Here's the scoop....

I have just a tad over 100K on my motor now but it is going to need a rebuild. At least I'm 90% sure it is going to need a rebuild. I did a compression test and the #1 cyl comes up at 139 while the others around 168. I had a leakdown test done and the mechanic said it was venting through the valves most likely due to a bad cam follower. Bear in mind that I was not comfortable with the mechanic as he didn't give me the impression he knew alot about 944's. So, I replaced 2 cam followers that were definately bad and did another compression test and still came up with the same numbers. So, I am 90% positive that the rings are bad in the #1 Cyl. I wish there was another meachanic here that doesn't want to charge me a grand to the leakdown but ..what can I do? This is my sole car so I don't have the luxury of tearing into it for months on end.

So, this leads me to figure out what my options are at this point....should I?

1. Try and figure out exactly what is going on with my engine and repair/ replace/ rebuild? Is there any way for DIY do a leakdown test to determine the problem?

2. Should I replace with another 2.5/ 2.7L motor?

3. Should I drop in an S2 motor? Assuming that I have the DME it should be "almost" plug and play, right?

I am at a lost at what direction I should go, my car runs good now less the occasional light (really light) smoke @ 5500 RPM. But I hardly ever rev it that high on the street.

So everyone..offer up suggestions!

SoCal Driver

Squirt some oil on top of the low piston so it seals the rings and check it again. Rings on an N/A usually are good for 200,000 miles or more.

Never heard the "bad lifter" before. A worn valve guide maybe.

__________________
83 944 = It's NOT a 'real' Porsche -- Its Better!!!!
When was the last time you changed your timing and balance belts
and/or cam chain and tensioner?

The 83

Clint's 944

I did the squirt of oil and it added about 3 pounds to the compression. Is there an easy way to determine if it's the valve guides?

GlenL

It's not the guides. It'd be the valves themselves.

You could pull the head and have the valves checked at a shop.

Maybe take it somewhere else for a leak-down test.

If the rings were bad the shot of oil should have helped more. Could still be the rings.

jaje

have you ruled out a blown headgasket?...what color is the smoke (blue or white)...bubbles in coolant?

Clint's 944

I don't think it's the headgasket as my coolant level has been at the same spot for months. There is no evidence of leakage around the head either.

GlenL-
I would love to take the car somewhere else for a leakdown test but there is no way I am going to pay $800 for it. That is what I am being quoted by the "PORSCHE" shops in Myrtle Beach. It's highway robbery!!

tod84944

There has to be some Rennlist folks near that would be willing to lend a hand. Also, get in good with your local PCA, there are some good folks in the local regions that would lend a hand also.

Mike C.

I agree that the shot of oil should have shown more improvement if the problem was rings. Could be a burned valve. A cooling system pressure test would rule out a head gasket.

MichelleJD

100K miles for this engines is barely broken in. I'd be surprised if it turns out to be the rings. If it's time for a belt change anyway, pop of the head and get a valve job