9xauto

This post is for all 944 cars 1987 and up, with automatic timing belt -tensioner.

We come across too many 944 cars lately whose center-tensioning sprocket broke off the ball barring, cutting the timing belt in the process. I guess 15 years is a maximum this particular sprocket can function. First it cracks, then it brakes in to pieces.
The conclusion: When changing belts, always change this sprocket as well.

Dave951M

That short tube goes between the distributor housing and the cam carrier. When you remove the dstributor housing to get at the cam seals, you're there already. It shows on the exploded diagrams on the PET.

Dave

Steve in New Hampshire

Well, geez, I think I'm losing my eyesight or something I can't for the life of me find that 'tube' in my PET schematics. Could it be the 'spacer' in drawing? Could someone who knows give me the item number in the drawing for an 87 NA????

Belts are here, Oil Pump sleeve is here...more on it's way!

Steve in New Hampshire

Well my 'front seal kit' arrived yesterday...and there appears to be a 'little tube' included. So I won't sweat the fact that I can't find it in the PET schematic!! It's time for bifocals!! ARGH!

Now all I need is the Flywheel lock I ordered. I got a confirmation from the place I ordered it from...but it's been over a week now without a word!! No answer from emails either. Has anyone dealt with "Aerotechnik Performance Porsche Parts" in Oakland CA??? This will suck if I end up waiting another week just for the lock!!!

bs

boyee: changing the oil cooler seals with the head off will be roughly 10 million times easier than once you put the head back on. if you plan on ever changing those seals, do it while it's a painless 45 minute job, not a neck twisting knuckle skinning oil and coolant in your hair 2 solid evening kind of job.

Dave951M

Steve-
Not to beat a dead horse but--

Don't NEVER, EVER trust that the seal kit is correct <img src="graemlins/nono.gif" border="0" alt="[nono]" />

Check each seal against the PET for size and rotation. The guys at Paragon do a great job but the guy pulling the kits off the shelf usually have no clue as to the kit's contents, it's just a bunch of seals to them.

Also, change the bushings on the balance shafts and the cam. If you don't, the old ones will have a groove rubbed into them, severely limiting the life and effectiveness of the new seal.

Der Cupmeister

There is a very good article in the APRIL 2000 copy of Excellence written by Jim Pasha, 944 guru.
Combine this with a Haynes manual and Rennlist and you are good to go. He even mentions the two seals most kits are missing.

hth,
Jim Cooper
'84 944
Der Cupmeister