78Silver928

So the saga of bringing my 78 barn find 5 speed back to life continues... The last couple of times running it, I noticed a somewhat random ticking sound at idle that seems to be coming from the fan or front of the motor. I'm wondering if it is the fan clutch or bearing? There are some scrapes of the fan on the back side of the radiator core, but I have checked bearing play and the fan can't be wobbling that much, so they must be old scrapes. There is a little play however, probably more than it should have. Also, after running it, I notice a small pool of coolant under the front of the motor, maybe coming from the water pump. Front of the engine down low gets wet with antifreeze... could also be spraying from a hose or the radiator but I have not seen wetness anywhere else. Is the water pump a big job? Could it also be making the noise I'm hearing? The noise goes away immediately when the engine is revved.

As far as the shifter goes, it is working beautifully, but the synchro issue is still there in 2nd and 3rd. All other gears seem good. 2nd grinds going up and down, even if you double clutch it.

soontobered84

Water pump job involves the timing belt (replacement), the timing belt tensioner (rebuild), and the water pump replacement.
#1 How well can you follow directions?
#2 How accomplished are you at working on cars?
#3 Detroit can be nasty this time of year. Is the car or can the car be inside while you work on it?
#4 Have you made any acquaintances that work on their 928?
#5 If you do not work on cars, do you have @ $1500-2000 to pay a mechanic that specifically works on 928s to do the work for you.

Remember this: a Porsche mechanic is not necessarily a 928 mechanic.

soontobered84

Check out this thread for local to you owners and 928 mechanic:

https://rennlist.com/forums/928-foru...-michigan.html

78Silver928

Thanks soontobered -- I don't need a mechanic. At least not for the timing belt/ water pump. I do all my own work aside from rebuilding transmissions, so I guess I will need a shop for that one.
I was really trying to get a feel for if my prognosis was likely correct, and how much of a PITA it is to do the timing belt and water pump, what else should be done at the same time, etc.

jwillman

Much easier on a 16V car. I pull the radiator out for more room. What will be the most time consuming is all the while you are at it stuff you may discover on your barn find once you pull the timing belt covers off, i.e. oil leaks from cam seals, oil pump, crankshaft seal etc.

78Silver928

I'm starting to suspect the air pump as the noise culprit... getting louder and definitely at the right front corner. Noise seems to go away after the engine warms up.

soontobered84

Your air pump may be making the noise, but it isn't dropping coolant down the front of your engine. Most likely, your getting seep out of the weep hole on the underside of the water pump shaft.
Good to know that you are a DIY guy. Lots of satisfaction in that.
Here is another thread to peruse: https://rennlist.com/forums/928-foru...g-belt-rv.html

I used John Kelly's instructions the first time I did a timing belt. It was a great help.

Keep us posted on your status. Good Luck!

elgy

This is what I used when working on my timing belt... great detailed instructions on an early 16V.
http://jenniskens.livedsl.nl/Technic...ber%202011.pdf