okay guys, its coming down to that time again. Its time for me to do my first belt and waterpump change on my car, and I figure since th headgasket has never been done that I should do that do. Now the belts look easy(I just need the tensioning tool) but the head gasket I really have no idea. So if any of you wanna come over and help I would really appericate it. Oh yeah I guess should say that the car is a 90 S2. Ken i know you have a few early cars and I believe you helped Wolfe on his 924s. But do you know anything about S2's?

Brandon

 

I can turn a wrench if I know what bolt to turn, and I'm kinda agile at getting into funky places, but othe rthan that, no clue about what to do.
But, tell me when and I'll be there

 

same

 

Brandon. I'm just another flunky type home mechanic, trying to make a living and learn these cars as I go. I've never worked on a 16valve car first hand.

I just kinda helped out last thursday with a '89 S2. Belt situation is not that different, so no biggie there, but I've never pulled one of those heads either. I hear their famous for their chain pad problems, so thats indeed an area for YOU to investigate, and learn real good, prior to disassembly, so your "ready" for that possible issue, and what and how your gonna deal with it.

Ordering parts in advance. RULE # 1: KNOW what engine number you have, and use it when ordering parts.

Suggestion: Do your research, get all part numbers for EACH individual item(s) you plan on ordering. Order such parts by those numbers only! Some stuff comes in "kits". MAKE SURE, whoever you get these seals/parts from, that they check to make SURE these part numbers are in that kit. To many "screwy" kits out there (seals, in particular).

I'd be more than happy to come out and lend a helping hand, if I can. I just HOPE, your not gonna be under the gun, to get it all done and running in a day, or even two, as that pressure can lead to very dissapointing results, especially, since it is the first time your doing this kinda job. Otherwise, I don't think its a big deal.

Let me know when the "party" is to happen, and I'll do what I can to help out.

 

Ken, I actually work at Barrier Porsche so I will be ordering all parts for there. However I want to learn to work on this car my self so I don't have to bother the techs at work(after allt eh customers come first before staff right) so I know I wil be getting the right parts and I know my engine code. If I have any concerns I can just use the quick reference links found in the PET program. the chain tensioner pad. when I did my valve cover it looked okay, so I let it be. When I do the headgaskets and belts I will replace that and the chain it self so I don't have any suprizes later.

As for the "Party" I am looking at the new year some time as I work this weekend and I am going to Canada the week of the 18th for Christmas. So it will be in mid January I think. but I will keep everyone posted.

Edit:Wolfe did you get my email?
Brandon

 

I did. You didn't get mine?
Like the seats, but it's a little too rich for me at the moment. If my Japanese customer places a large order soon, I'd go for them depending on how a sit test goes. They look nice!

 

"I actually work at Barrier Porsche"..........You dog, you!

You've got a heck of jump up on many of the rest of us than. Good for you!

You sure don't need any "advice" from me then.

STILL, If I can, I'd be more than happy to come over to help, and learn with ya!
Let us know when ya get a firmer date for it set.

 

Okay guys tentive date is looking like March 10,11 and 12 as that is my long weekend so I can start in it thursday night. Let em know guys Oh and buy no means does it have to be done that weekend, Actually it won't be as i am sending the head out to get rebuilt

Brandon

 

I'm sure I can come down that weekend to help (friday night..)

Taking stuff off is really the easy part:
Do you have a BIG wrench + a breaker bar (pipe) to slide over the handle of the torque wrench? Do you have a compressor / impact wrench? I had to use an impact wrench to get the head nuts off my car.
If you need, I can probably bring that stuff + my laptop with PET on it. (And all the clark's garage stuff) (and the PDF workshop manuals... althought I'm not sure if I have S2 stuff...)
But if I bring all that stuff with me, you gotta put aside some beer for me...

 

I did this last year...bought a S2 with the cam chain tensioner failure.
Can't help you that weekend...other obligations.

A few things to keep in mind...
* As Rich notes, taking stuff off is easy...but some of the things can be challenging, esp at 150k miles
* how are your motor mounts? mine were (are) in poor condition...the motor sits low, making it a big challenge to get the head off--the exhaust header won't clear the frame rail. if these need replacement, do them first.
* the cylinder head nuts ARE tight in there, but they can be removed without air tools. FWIW, I would go with new nuts and washers on reassembly
* buy/borrow the flywheel lock...you can do without it, but trust me, it's a lot easier/safer to have it
* also buy/borrow the dial gauges (and adapters) to time the cams...i'm not aware of any other way to do this
* sounds like you're doing an involved project...consider sending out your injectors for servicing. here's a local company with reasonable rates--no experience, though i've seen positive comments on the internet >> www.witchhunter.com
* i'm sure there's things i'm missing...i'll edit here if i can add more.

Sadly, the FWSM is sorely lacking in guidance...just a bunch of what to do with little "how-to." Having someone on-hand who has done this before will be a huge help.

Good luck, and feel free to PM me with any questions...not sure how fast I'll be able to respond (or remember) but i'll do my best!

 

Rich, That would be great if you can bring that stuff down with ya. i don't drink but Im sure I can get ya a six or case for ya. I don't have a torque wrench I was going to borrow one, but if you haev one can you bring that as well.

Tony, My motor mounts are good they where changed in 2001 to the updated ones. And on the PPI I had before I bought my car said they where in good shape.

Brandon

 

Yeah I can bring it no problem Brandon. The thing is you won't really need to use the torque-setting function of the torque wrench until you put the head back on... the only reason to use a torque wrench during removal is because it's a BIG wrench and you can get more torque on it to remove the head nuts.

I'm just thinking maybe coming saturday morning would be better, unless there is somewhere I can crash on friday night...

 

We have a spare bedroom at our place you can stay at my place if you like. Oh and If Jeff and Owain wanna come down there are more tehn welcome to as well.

Brandon

 

OH BOY!! I can watch and maybe help someone else on THEIR car, instead of working on mine! I'd like that for a change. I'm always interested in learning and seeing different setups, as I haven't seen or worked on an S2.

Brandon. What DO you need in the way of tools? I've got the flywheel lock, and all KINDS of big, killer stuff to get those head bolts off with, if you don't have it. I'll PM you my phone number. Call me sometime after 3:00pm, and I can get things together to bring with me over there, if ya need anything.

Ya say your starting on the 10th. Thats a Friday, and I'll be at work till 2:00. I can probably swing on in after work. As far as needed tools before that, I'll bet we can work something out there. I probably won't make all three days, butt, will make whatever happens.....happen. Wifey is working that weekend too......that makes it easier, right? NAW........she's GREAT!

Just so ya know. I hope ya don't think you'll get it ALL done in those three days, and back up and running again. Murphy......ya know. I hope your planning accordingly. If, all goes well........maybe.

 

Yeah Im not plannign on having i back together that weekend. I need to send the head to to get rebuilt so that will take some time. I will drive the Escort for the time the car is done

Brandon