bgrabner

Thanks everyone for all the great replies!

I am really torn about the DIY vs. having it done...certainly want to save the money, and more importantly want to really better understand the engine, but I am most likely moving across the country in the next several months and will be traveling extensively until then. I definitely don't want to move it that far without the timing belt done, but I suppose I could trailer it and then do it at my leisure...this is not a daily driver at all. With something as important as the timing belt, I just don't want to screw it up. The belt seems to be in good condition...the PPI I had didn't have any warnings about the belt per se, just that it should be replaced soon as per Porsche recommendations.

To your question Ed - I am located in Roseville, CA, just outside of Sacramento. Niello Porsche is the local dealer, and there are a couple of shops that do Porsche work, but as a new owner and new to the Porsche scene, I don't know anyone yet who could give recommendations as to where to go in the Delta or even the Bay Area. Any Norcal 928'ers out there? I just joined PCA as well, but it takes a few weeks to get processed I guess, so I haven't signed up at Norcal928 yet.

Again, thanks to all of you...I hope to be able to provide the same guidance to new owners in the future as well

Jim bailey - 928 International

If you are several months away from having the time plus would need to trailer it across country it sounds to me like you probably would be tempted to start the car and just drive it a little bit now and then !! Perhaps it would be best to go ahead and pay to have this service done IF by the dealer the parts and labor should have a two year warranty which would be valid at any Porsche dealer if you have Porsche do the work . At least by doing it now you can ENJOY the car for the next several months as you have time and can drive it to your new home or easily ship it .....and not worry every minute IF the belt is about to break !

Lizard928

I took it to a shop where it came out to around $1800 for EVERYTHING, if you do ityourself and the first time doing the job, plan for 3 days at least. and time for recieving the wrong parts

Red UFO

That sounds like great advice if you want to enjoy your shark now. Otherwise take your time if you can. I would scrutinize any warranty because they all sound good at first but trying to collect on them brings out fine print in anything.

The best advice to new shark owner, coming from another noobie is.

Join rennlist.
Get the manuals
Get the CD.
Get a digital camera
Read everything Wally P. ever said.

Marc Schwager

Bill,

IMHO, don't let the local dealer touch it.

Shop recommendation:
Devek is right down on the peninsula. If you aren't going to do it yourself, that's where I would take it locally. You can link to their web site off of Susan's post above.

Marc

Big Dave

My first time it took about 13 hours and there were 3 of us working on it. Of course, we took breaks to eat and spent time cleaning up the mess that various leaks caused over the years.

Looking back on it, I could probably do it again by myself in less time.

UKKid35

I would think hard before doing the belt yourself if you're not familiar with your car unless you have 928 buddies nearby who can assist if you get stuck. I would also try to resist any temptation to even start the engine with a 16 year old belt. Believe me you really do not want it to fail, at least I had a couple of years fun with my car before mine went.

Gretch

"Read everything Wally P. ever said." (or wrote)


Second that!!!!!!!

Jim bailey - 928 International

Marc S unless you have had some bad experience with that specific dealer I would point out that at least at a dealer there is a good chance that they have "factory" trained Porsche technicians (if one is having a problem he can talk with others ), they have access to the correct tools and Porsche is quite good about standing behind their warranty and has the financial stability to assure that they will still be in business two years from now . Often the complaint with the dealer service is "it costs too much" which often leads people to the "independants" then to simply doing their own work . Working on your own car is a great thing IF big IF you enjoy it , have the time to do it , have the tools , have some skills , and can accept the results if you really , really screw things up . The problem with independant "porshe ' repairs shops is there are no standards or requirements about opening such a business . My dog Wyle (the Whippet) and maybe Don Hanson's dog Jake (race team experience) could rent a building get a simple business licence hang out a sign post a couple small bonds ..sales tax , BAR and they too can be "porsche " repair specialists . It is harder to get a drivers licence than it is to be a repair shop . Wyle and Jake's Independant Porsche Repair or call it WJIPR ! now if I can just find Wyle's social security number it is about time I stopped claiming him as a dependant and get him making some money of his own !!

Richard S

Bill, I live in Elk Grove, not far from you in Roseville. I'd be happy to help you out if you want to try this job yourself. I've recently replaced the belt and pump on my 1979 928, and rebuilt the 84 Euro S motor in my 1980. Haven't worked on an S4, but I don't expect there to be too many differences. Besides, there is more than enough info on Rennlist as well as other sites to help out. I know Bill Ball would talk us through any difficulties. If you need it done in one weekend, best to order ALL the parts needed well ahead of time. But budget time for anything unforseen, such as broken WP bolts (as Bill Ball mentioned) and the several dozen trips to OSH for 1 bolt, 1 tool, etc etc.

If you would like to talk, send me a private message, e-mail, etc. Look forward to hearing from you, and welcome to the asylum.

Rich.

Bill Ball

Bill:

As Rich said, we could have a TB/WP party, if you are up for it. Some people get no joy at all out of working on their cars, so for them the dealer or a good shop is the best option. But if you are game, I'm not far away either and would be glad to help out. Let us know. If you want to do it, order a "TB/WP kit" from one of the Big 3 - basically this is the belt, rebuilt WP, all rollers, some bushings,16 new WP bolts (all 6MM, but 2 different lengths), tensioner rebuild kit, front crank seal, oil pump seals, probably all coolant hoses and accessory belts. There is some chance the cam gears and oil pump gear may be worn enough to need replacement. I know Susan will refund on unused parts. Either Rich or I have the heavy tools (3/4 inch breaker and torque wrench, flywheel lock) and other stuff like a tension gauge, copper antiseize and Yamabond. As I recall, you said this TB/WP has never been serviced, so I am expecting some trouble from the WP bolts. I believe my 89 had the original WP when I serviced it at 95k miles last year. I only snapped one bolt, which is below average.

Again, let us know if you want to do this.