79NINE28

Okay so baby steps...that's how I am approaching the repair of this shark and that means compromises. For phase 1 I am using a local mechanic with experience working on 944s...now that being said, the list he provided me with for required parts etc. seems....well.....odd? Interestingly when my wife followed me during the car ride to the garage, she said all brake lights were working. I already have brake pads, wipers, hood and trunk hydraulic lift 'arms', air filter and a few other bits and pieces. The items marked with an * as what I am tasked with finding, the other parts supposedly not difficult for the garage to part. I know some of you will perhaps note all of this as a Red Flag and suggest finding another shop, one that specializes in 928s/early Porsche and that IS my stage 2 plan. In order to accomplish that I will need to get this wonderful car 'patched up' and capable of making a 2 1/2 hour drive without major issues or concerns (that bad oil leak for example).
So without further ado- can members please provide feedback and identify the parts I need to find to proceed with the first stage repair (car is running but has a bad oil leak...but did I mention it is running and driving seemingly 'okay'?)

Guy

Not much to offer here except to say that both ball joints should be replaced if they are aluminum. Also, my 79 did not have a battery hold down and no provision for one at all.

79NINE28

Thanks for the helpful reply! If you think of anything else- please post another reply. cheers

DHS928

So what is a bad oil leak? Is it a easy fix like valve cover? Bad ball joints means going through tires real fa$t. So how often do you need to top up the oil, leaks are dirty but wount stop you, now running out of oil will. A really good front end shop should be able to handle the front end and alingment, drive it around town a few weeks fixing the easy things, get a feel for oil consumption then you will know if it can make a 200 mile trip.

79NINE28

They are planning a dye pen/black light test to determine where the leak is coming from. Sure am hoping it is a gasket....
Your reply much appreciated and I think that is a good point- if its a manageable leak then get the alignment done and drive it to the experts. Makes sense.

ROG 100

1. Rear seat belts are stuck. The reels need removing and need lubrication. Worst case get a used pair that work
2. Head lights – electrical problem. If they do not come up it could be a relay issue. What is the problem?
3. Major oil leak – right on manifold. Sounds like a cam tower is leaking. We need to pin down exactly where the leak is.
4. Fuel lines very rusty at rear – need to be examined to see how bad they are. If corrosion is bad they will need replacing.
5. Right rear axle boots inner and outer – Axles need removing and the boots replaced and the joints repacked with grease.
6. Steering rack lower U joint – Needs tightening and maybe replacement.
7. Wiper Blades – You have.
8. Battery Hold Down – You need a clamping piece and a bolt
9. No brake lights – Needs diagnosing – could be the switches on the Master Cylinder.
10. One license plate light – New bulb
11. Left front BJ’s really loose – Check if they are alloy or steel – use a magnet. If alloy new steel joints plus one eccentric. If steel replace with new.
12. Inner and outer tie rod ends – New Tie rods
13. Alignment – Speaks for itself
14. Front pads and rotors and maybe a caliper – New pads and rotors and check the caliper pistons.
15. Right front boot steering rack – replace rack boots.

karl ruiter

-Most important issue is the ball joints. Had one fail and the front wheel tuck under the car. You don't want that.
-Next up: the cam carrier gasket. Possible fire hazard. This can re-fail after repair as the stock gasket is not that strong. Greg Brown makes a superior replacement.
-Next up: get some boots on that steering rack before the rack goes bad.
-Next up: there is a 'last chance' fuel filter in the fitting that connects the fuel line to the fuel distributor. If there is a chance your fuel lines are compromised it would be a good idea to confirm this filter is intact and replace if not.
-Not mentioned: the two soft fuel lines in the engine compartment, and the high pressure power steering hose. Fire hazard if too old.
-I've had better luck fitting the later style replacement axle boots on the early axles than the early boots on the early axles
-No one will sit in your rear seats.

79NINE28

MUCH thanks for all of this! I will be printing your reply and passing along to the mechanic. Aces!