Found my 86.5 AT in Oct, and although it's only got 35k on the car, last maint manual entry was 25k service, so I'm assuming TB has never been done and I don't want it to go due to age. In the spare tire compartment was a small ribbed belt and some sort of fan belt, but they look new as if they originally came with the car. Just further makes me think I should do the TB anyway.

The support here is awesome and I've found some great info on everything, including TB procedure. However, when a write-up states to check or inspect something else (WYIT), I'm not sure what I'm supposed to find, or how I'd know if it's okay or not.

If I get the TB Kit from 928 Specialists, am I covered? Should I just go ahead and replace the other belts (A/C, Alt, Fan, PS) to be safe? $$ is tight, but I don't want to cut any corners either.

I'm a bit nervous to do it myself, but feel confident that it'll go fine if I take my time and follow the manual/writeup's. Nevertheless, I'd hate to forget addressing something while it's apart, then find out later I have to open it up again.

Any mentoring wisdom or suggestions of "other stuff" is appreciated. Thank you.

 

call Jeannie and DR instead of ordering online, this way you can feel comfortable that you're getting EVERYTHING...
DO ALL THE BELTS!!!, change ALL fluids, CLEAN CLEAN CLEAN, much easier while it's exposed
flush the rad, brake lines, ps etc

 

Last week, the technician who has done some of the tough stuff on my S4 did a timing-belt and water-pump change for me. I watched, and acted as unskilled assistant. He started at 5.30pm, took a couple of brief cigarette breaks, and finished on the stroke of midnight. This, of course, was done with all the advantages of a modern dealership's shop and tools. Furthermore, the tech in question had worked at Porsche in the late eighties / early nineties, although he hadn't done the 928 timingbelt procedure in over ten years. I was tremendously impressed by his skill and patience in tackling such a complex procedure. Afterwards, on reflection, I was even more impressed by the Rennlisters who have done the same job in their own garages, without the benefit of a lift and air tools. I lost track of how many times the car was raised and lowered to allow better access to different components. Having closely observed every step of the job, I feel that I could handle it alone, if I had to; but I also feel that I would be crazy to try! I paid him $500 to do the job, and that now seems to me money extremely well spent.

 

Ano,
A lot of folk on this list believe that WYAIT you should go ahead and replace the water pump when you do the TB. At 35K, that's a tough call.

 

20yr old pump and belt, I'd change both. Hmm, don't believe I've ever seen an intact 20 yr old belt.

 

77 #29 has 232k km and ORIGINAL BELT!!

 

Yes, but for how much longer???????

 

Thanks guys. I think I'll buck up an do all the belts to be safe, then.

Michael - if I could find someone to do it for $500, I'd go that route - you should feel very lucky to have that resource available.

Rixter - I'll take your advice and call direct. I WILL feel better with their expert recommendations :-)

Rennlist Rocks!!

 

Don't worry anonymousagain. I've done it twice and it is really not a bad job. Just take your time and think things thru. This board is always here to help you.

 

Rixter.."77 #29 has 232k km and ORIGINAL BELT!!" .....Not that I doubt this but how would you know ?

 

Norcal? Where are you located? I've been known to help out on a few of these jobs...free.

Yes, this is a good time to do all of the belts and the rad hoses. Also, consider the front main seal and oil pump seal.

First time for the water pump? Ew...pray for loose water pump bolts.

 

On second thought.. we need to send a BIG offering to the 928 shrine to try to appease the wasserpumper gods. That pump could be a load of fun.

 

IIRC, the current owner has owned it since was just a couple years old and never had the belt changed. I met the guy at Frenzy and he told me the belt was original.

 

it's owned by a gent in VA that has owned the car since early '80, has the original title signed by Ferry himself... he swears he has never had the tb/wp done and I tend to believe him

 

Bill, Wow, your in Alamo - I'm in Dublin...small world!!

Main and oil pump seals and radiator hoses - check.

Have been "seriously" crossing my fingers for waterpump bolts for a while now; the stories are quite scary.

...did you use HELP and FREE in the same sentance