Alright, I bought an '87 951. I know I'll have to replace the timing belt when I get it home along with the distributor cap and rotor. The cap and rotor I'm not worried about, simple stuff. Its the timing belt.

How difficult is it on the 951? I've tried to find 951-specific instructions online or at least a listing of the tools required for it...and haven't found anything relevant to the 951.

I do have a 2nd car to drive around, so the 951 can be off the road for a while, that isn't a problem.

Thanks.

-Kierf.
--'79 Prelude.
--'87 951.
--preludeparts.com

 

I've not owned a Turbo, but the front of the engine stuff is just like a 944 na, AFAIK, except for the intake ducting on top of everything. You'll either need to buy or rent the $400+ factory tension tool, or research the cheaper alternative (Kricket? ~$50?). You'll probably need a flywheel lock. Other tools are pretty much standard stuff. Any procedures you find on the web for the na's should work on the Turbo.

Yours may or may not have the automatic belt tensioner (somebody chime in here?). Either way, you need the tool for the balance shaft belt, both initial & 2K miles re-tension, and the factory recommends it for the aux drive belts, too.

Depending on miles, history, and what you find when you get in there, do T-belt, balance shaft belt; cam, crank, and balance shaft seals; water pump & thermostat; PS & alt. belts. If it's got the external oil to air oil cooler, check the condition of the hoses.

Jim, figuring UPS must be doing the caffeine delivery to the central nervous system this AM... it's _late_!

 

Yep, '87 and later even on the Turbos.

 

Check out Clark's 944-Garage website on step-by-step instructions on how to do the timing/balance-shaft belts. Count on about 3-4 hours your first time out. While you're in there, you might as well do the water-pump too.

 

All excellent advise as usual. Yes, the 87 on turbo should be the auto tensioner as Tabor pointed out. Take your time and check everything out ,particurly the rollers which some guys try to reuse.