Tony320

Looking at a non-runner, '85 with a 5 speed: WP0JB0927FS862051. Anyone have any knowledge or insight as to this particular VIN?

Seller says that it's inop because the slave cylinder bled down due to an extended (8 year?) period of nonuse. He thinks there is some sort of shut-off the prevents cranking when this happens. Never heard of that before- does it jive?

Also, he says there was recent documentation for timing belt work. Since it's an inop 32v, is there a good way to check the valves?

Thanks!

nosnow

Seems strange to park a car for 8 years based on a slave cylinder failure and the car should crank even with a failed slave cylinder. Owner is probably thinking of BMW, which if the brake fluid is low certain models will not fire.

A timing belt 8 years old... I'd be careful on doing anything for fear of teeth stripping off. You can look down the air holes at the top of the cams to see if the belt is on straight. You could try hand turning the engine to see if it is frozen.

On top of engine issues without being able to drive you have no idea what condition the transmission is in. I would bid accordingly.

Wisconsin Joe

No such interlock on a 928. There isn't even a "clutch safety switch" on it.

You can crank the car just fine without pushing on the clutch.

And you might ask what he defines as a "recent" timing belt, if the car has been sitting for that long. I understand it is possible he changed it and then found the car wouldn't crank, but I'm gonna guess that "recent" means "only a few miles on it", not "calendar recently".

Tony320

Thanks guys, I was a little skeptical of the clutch slave story, but I know enough to know that I don't know everything. Non cranking situation could mean a lot of stuff.

placer

I can run an Autocheck report on it if you are interested. I have one more day on my subscription and have a few left to use.

Tony320

Thanks Placer, I already ran the carfax, so I'm sort of in the mulling phase. I should probably just go buy it.