Michael Benno

I have an opportunity to buy a S4 locally and I could use some tips on what to inspect before purchasing. This motor is from a 1987 S4 Auto with 150K-miles. I have a video of it running before it was removed from the salvaged car. It was running rough, and it sounds like there is some lifter noise (pinging?) so I know the motor will need some amount of rebuilding. Before I buy it I want to asses where its a good candidate for a rebuild vs parts source.

I know that I should check for crank end play (thrust bearing failure). I could use a little guidance on how best to measure with the front crank pulley on and the rear bell housing removed. It seems all the guides I have seen have either used the bell housing as leverage. The WSM describes the process with the damper removed. FYI, I dont have a dial indicator but I do have a caliper.

What other infections would you recommend that I conduct when I go look at it?

The build date on the car (WP0JB0922HS861120) was 12/1986 and the engine code: M28/42 81H 06549. Does that help me understand if this was an early 1987 with the oil squirters?

Kevin in Atlanta

BTDT a couple of times.

Not much you can do looking from the outside, but..

Look at the bottom of the oil pan for any history of impacts.
Look where the alternator and PS attach to block for damage. If they are on the block remove them.
Look at the AC support bracket - are the four attachment points still there?

Get a warranty so you can take it apart at your leisure.

I've had a couple of engine 'surprise' me in a bad way.

GregBBRD

1R heads from the '87/'88 engines are prone to cracking...especially when they are removed and then re-installed.
Everyone who has a squirter block things they have a treasure.
They don't....unless they figure out a way to "replace" the "lost oil" that would have gone to the rod bearings, but got sprayed onto the pistons, instead. (Like adding a dry sump system.)
If this had worked, Porsche would have done it for more than a few months.
And would have certain done this in the Club Sports!

However. if you just want something to take apart and see how it works and it is cheap....why not?

Mark Anderson

If that is the motor that was on Ebay for a long time I think it came from traxtar. ( RL member) but it seems all his post are erased? Matthew Kielar I think in Tx. Maybe somebody knows the back story

rbrtmchl

Mark,

Is this who you are referring to?

https://rennlist.com/forums/928-foru...otal-loss.html

Michael Benno

If traxtar is the same as that blue car then no, This motor came from a different car, same salvage guy here in Portland. Here is the motor and the car it came from

Mark Anderson

it looks like one of Greg's alternators on it

FredR

Also has a non stock but newish looking ac compressor- A Griff kit perhaps?

Tom. M

There's a story about that car somewhere.
In addition to what pointed out above, there are GTS mirrors, 89-up roof antenna, no body side mouldings.
Someone cared about it at some point.