New owner, first of many questions
09-15-2018, 10:04 PM
#1
Intermediate
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Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: DFW, Texas
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New owner, first of many questions
Hello all,
Long time lurker, now first time buyer. I’ve had an obsession with these cars since I was a kid and now I have the means and desire to not only own one but try to bring one of the more neglected ones back to life. I finally took the plunge and just purchased a metallic grey 1985 928 with a crisp, frozen in time 198k miles on it (odometer is broken). I probably broke each and every one of the 928 seven deadly sins during the purchase process, including not getting a PPI. I’m sure that will come back to bite me in the butt, but at least you guys will get a good laugh at me if you’re not too busy answering my stupid questions.
Anyway, this vehicle had loads of problems. The good news is it runs and I was able to drive it the 30 miles home without the engine blowing up on me. The bad news though, is that my laundry list grows as I find more and more that needs to be done to it. First and foremost is getting it to the point of passing a state inspection. Once completed and street legal here in the great state of Texas, I plan on getting this thing up to Sean to do a PPI (post purchase inspection) in order to get a comprehensive list of everything that is broken with this 33 year old basket case.
Now that the introduction is out of the way, here is the first of what will definitely be a ton of questions over the next days/months/years. I’ve been chasing down a problem with the rear tail lights (light between brake and blinker) as neither side was working. I replaced the bulbs and cleaned what I could of the bulb housing but still no go. I then moved on to the fuses and noticed that fuse 41 was bad, but 40 looked ok. Replaced the fuse for 41 and success, the passenger side tail light now works. Unfortunately the drivers side is still kaput. Any ideas as to what I should focus on next to see what the culprit could be? Is there any way to remove the housing without having to take any exterior panels off?
Thanks in advance
Long time lurker, now first time buyer. I’ve had an obsession with these cars since I was a kid and now I have the means and desire to not only own one but try to bring one of the more neglected ones back to life. I finally took the plunge and just purchased a metallic grey 1985 928 with a crisp, frozen in time 198k miles on it (odometer is broken). I probably broke each and every one of the 928 seven deadly sins during the purchase process, including not getting a PPI. I’m sure that will come back to bite me in the butt, but at least you guys will get a good laugh at me if you’re not too busy answering my stupid questions.
Anyway, this vehicle had loads of problems. The good news is it runs and I was able to drive it the 30 miles home without the engine blowing up on me. The bad news though, is that my laundry list grows as I find more and more that needs to be done to it. First and foremost is getting it to the point of passing a state inspection. Once completed and street legal here in the great state of Texas, I plan on getting this thing up to Sean to do a PPI (post purchase inspection) in order to get a comprehensive list of everything that is broken with this 33 year old basket case.
Now that the introduction is out of the way, here is the first of what will definitely be a ton of questions over the next days/months/years. I’ve been chasing down a problem with the rear tail lights (light between brake and blinker) as neither side was working. I replaced the bulbs and cleaned what I could of the bulb housing but still no go. I then moved on to the fuses and noticed that fuse 41 was bad, but 40 looked ok. Replaced the fuse for 41 and success, the passenger side tail light now works. Unfortunately the drivers side is still kaput. Any ideas as to what I should focus on next to see what the culprit could be? Is there any way to remove the housing without having to take any exterior panels off?
Thanks in advance
09-17-2018, 01:31 AM
#2
Rennlist Member
This sounds like a challenge. I too started with a small job before diving in deep. But soon you will pull the engine for a comprehensive service including a TB/WP job and the inevitable WYAIT jibs. Perhaps you want to do the TT bearings too. And meanwhile take out the transmission to clean it up and reseal it. That will give you the opportunity to address the fuel return hose and the fuel pressure hose because the tank is out. And to take the fuel tank out, you have to remove the rear bumper. This gives access to the rear of the tail light. And this is where the fun started.
Have fun while doing this. It is a journey that will give you many moments of satisfaction.
Have fun while doing this. It is a journey that will give you many moments of satisfaction.
09-17-2018, 06:23 AM
#3
Team Owner
before you do anything else read the FAQ at the top of the page
09-17-2018, 08:24 AM
#4
Pro
Welcome Uncle-Rico, and congrats on your new "hobby". Ad0911 post made me nearly pass morning beverage thru' the nose.
By the way
THIS...….
By the way
THIS...….
09-17-2018, 08:35 AM
#5
Three Wheelin'
This sounds like a challenge. I too started with a small job before diving in deep. But soon you will pull the engine for a comprehensive service including a TB/WP job and the inevitable WYAIT jibs. Perhaps you want to do the TT bearings too. And meanwhile take out the transmission to clean it up and reseal it. That will give you the opportunity to address the fuel return hose and the fuel pressure hose because the tank is out. And to take the fuel tank out, you have to remove the rear bumper. This gives access to the rear of the tail light. And this is where the fun started.
Have fun while doing this. It is a journey that will give you many moments of satisfaction.
Have fun while doing this. It is a journey that will give you many moments of satisfaction.
Indeed....because swearing and cursing is a great stress relief as is bashing your tools on the ground as blood pours from your skun knuckles. Not to mention farting while using all your might to undo rusted nuts and bolts.
09-17-2018, 11:00 AM
#6
Rennlist Member
...thread is useless without pictures of said car and of one person whose wheatgrass smoothie is exiting his body through the nose
Last edited by Ad0911; 09-17-2018 at 11:19 AM.
09-17-2018, 11:04 AM
#7
Rennlist Member
Indeed....because swearing and cursing is a great stress relief as is bashing your tools on the ground as blood pours from your skun knuckles. Not to mention farting while using all your might to undo rusted nuts and bolts.
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09-17-2018, 11:45 AM
#8
Rennlist Member
Welcome to 928 ownership. DFW is a great place to be when it comes to owning a 928. There are a lot of knowledgeable owners in this area, and most are more than willing to give you a hand, the offer of a cold beverage is usually all the motivation needed. Not sure where in DFW you are, but I'm in Grapevine and have an Silver (what paint is left on it) 85 auto daily driver with around 237k on the clock (bought as a non-runner so you're not the only one), so if you ever need it as a reference it is available.
If you're not aware the 928 crew gets together the first Saturday for breakfast every month, currently at Bacon's Bistro in Hurst, TX. Also coming up first weekend in Nov. is what is referred to as 3rd Coast, in Marble Falls, TX.
If you're not aware the 928 crew gets together the first Saturday for breakfast every month, currently at Bacon's Bistro in Hurst, TX. Also coming up first weekend in Nov. is what is referred to as 3rd Coast, in Marble Falls, TX.
09-17-2018, 12:13 PM
#9
Rennlist Member
Welcome and good for you taking on this project 
I have an '85 with 244k on the clock and still counting, runs great after some refreshing!
As to your Tail lamps, the rear running, side and stop are all powered through the "Lamp Controller" located on the Right side of the right Parcel shelf (need to remove the shelf for access).
Not uncommon for a single circuit to fail (Stop, Left or Right running), the backup and LP and turn lamps are not fed from the Lamp Controller on your year.
Once you can get the connection off the Lamp controller, you can light up the lights from there w/ a 12v source, you will need to look up the pin in and outs in the shop manual. If you can't light them up from there then the issue is from there back.
Edit: the Tail Lamp housing is only removable from behind the bumper on your year
However there is a round connection behind the rear inside quarter panel (near the tool kit) and you could ohm it out from that connection to the tail lamp socket.
Dave K
I have an '85 with 244k on the clock and still counting, runs great after some refreshing!
As to your Tail lamps, the rear running, side and stop are all powered through the "Lamp Controller" located on the Right side of the right Parcel shelf (need to remove the shelf for access).
Not uncommon for a single circuit to fail (Stop, Left or Right running), the backup and LP and turn lamps are not fed from the Lamp Controller on your year.
Once you can get the connection off the Lamp controller, you can light up the lights from there w/ a 12v source, you will need to look up the pin in and outs in the shop manual. If you can't light them up from there then the issue is from there back.
Edit: the Tail Lamp housing is only removable from behind the bumper on your year
However there is a round connection behind the rear inside quarter panel (near the tool kit) and you could ohm it out from that connection to the tail lamp socket.
Dave K
Last edited by davek9; 09-17-2018 at 12:56 PM.
09-17-2018, 01:52 PM
#10
Rennlist Member
Welcome Uncle Rico! Yeh another '85 being rescued. Highly recommend you post pictures, including engine bay.
I've always been amazed at the knowledge base on this forum. And what the members can spot just from pictures alone.
I've always been amazed at the knowledge base on this forum. And what the members can spot just from pictures alone.