Kierf - ¿§?

Well...working from the bottom is impossible and removing the radiator won't do a single thing. The holes of the snap ring are positioned 90 degrees from the bottom, facing the front of the car. That means the tool handles points towards the back and won't fit because all are way too long. I couldn't get a good picture of the tool in place because it can't get into place.

The tool I ordered from automotion should be here tomorrow. If I can't get it out with that, I don't know what I'll do as I'll be blinded by rage, wanting to kill anything present.

Thanks for the suggestions!

Danno

From that first photo, looks like if you remove the oil-filter, you may have more room for your hands.

Kierf - ¿§?

Thought about it, but the oil filter isn't what is in the way. The car itself is in the way. I'm just patiently waiting for that tool from automotion.com...

nwehtje944

Kierf, I know this isn't going to help you bcs you have one on order, but for everyone else. On ebay there is a snap ring tool on sale, it looks a little different from the automotion one, but it should work. It was going for like $29.00, which if I remember right is about the same price for the automotion one.

<a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/aw-cgi/ebayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=601994874&r=0&t=0" target="_blank">http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/aw-cgi/ebayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=601994874&r=0&t=0</a>

Crackhead944S

Keirf,

How did the tool from Automotion work? I read in "911 and Porsche World" that you should use GM driveshaft circlip tool (part number 52319 from Draper in the UK). It looks the same as Performance Products (Automotion) part. I don't need to do this job now, but the way Jim968 affectionately refers to the snap ring, it has left me wondering if this is the right tool for the job? I know I would like to know how you made out considering how many different tools you first used.

Thanks,
Mark
'88 944S

TheJonesBoy

This is what I did before I ever even heard about this list:

I grinded the tips of the craftsman bent nose pliers (the really long ones) into small circles, and then notched them. The notches should be on the inside, and prevent the ring from popping out when you squeeze. Using a second person with a small mirror and flashlight (on top, with you from the bottom) guide the pliers into the holes. The second person should then push on the pliers, enough to keep them in the holes while you squeeze. Gloves may prevent pinching when you slip. Squeeze the ring, and move it in a circle until you are sure it is loose in its groove. Squeeze the rest and move it out.

EXPERIENCE: Don't talk when you remove it, or you will get a mouthful of porsche flavored coolant.

Best placement for removal would be with the holes up. This makes it easy to put on and take off.

If you get frustrated, take a break. The frustration will only hinder your efforts.

jim968

Kierf... I'm just going to second what some others have said... get the snap ring to move in the groove; if it's stuck or corroded into the groove, you're trying to do two difficult things at once.

Use a skinny tool that will fit into one hole, short enough to fit in thespace, long enough to give you leverage, with a comfortable handle so you can push hard. Pry that hole out of the groove toward the center of the water passage. Then apply a little sideways force to try to move it sideways so the snap ring slides / rotates in the groove a little. (using the left hole, move it to the right, toward the gap in the ring). The ring should rotate in the groove.. grudgingly, with considerable resistance, but it should turn a few degrees. If it doens't, it's stuck in the groove for some reason, and you need to overcome this before trying to remove it (nope, not a clue as to why or how).

Jim, that f*&%in' snap ring.... <img src="graemlins/jumper.gif" border="0" alt="[jumper]" /> <img src="graemlins/cussing.gif" border="0" alt="[grrrrrrr]" />

instigator

Kierf heres what ya do, get yourself a 16 lb sledge, i say 16 lb because the snap rings tend to be a bit more frieghtened of them , anyway take the sledge and beat the hell out of the pump. but watch it, that damn ring will pop right out, the fear factor as stated above, be sure to have some eye protection on when you do this cause that damn little snap ring know its you that has just pryed it from his home and he is pissed, much like a hornet is when you throw rock at there nest (but thats another story)but anyway the ring is pissed and hot and will aim for any vital area that it thinks it can hurt before its last tumble on the pavement

i sure hope this helped ya and if you need me to bring my sledge for ya , well you just holla, you hear.

booster

I did mine week before last......my back still hurts......anyway I used the angled needle nose pliers, I had to remove the oil filter because I couldn't get a good squeeze on the pliers with it in place..also a little mirror helped in locating where the holes were in the snap ring.

Kierf - ¿§?

Thanks for all the help! I'll certainly post when I get my car up and running...its been two (damn it!) months since I have driven my 951...I want to finish this up, so I can get back on the road and having fun!

Luke

[quote]Originally posted by Kierf - ¿§?:
<strong>Thanks for all the help! I'll certainly post when I get my car up and running...its been two (damn it!) months since I have driven my 951...I want to finish this up, so I can get back on the road and having fun! </strong><hr></blockquote>

I hear ya guy! It's been 5 months for me
. Looks like my new tranny will be here any day now!