928drvr86.5

Yeah, i have a hard time getting it warm in the cold winter months here in Iowa with a lower temperature thermostat installed. It's great in the summer months but in the winter it barely gets over the first mark on the temp gauge even with a section of a cardboard beer case crammed in there.

Imo000

In the picture that has the dimensions on the bottom left side. Looks like a piece of cardboard, maybe it’s something else. I thought you are using this to speed up engine warp up during the cold months. I did that to my 928 last winter when it was really cold. I know you are not really suppose to do it, but it did help speeding up warm-up time.

928drvr86.5

Thanks for reminding me, not that I am not supposed to do that, but the it's still in there! It's probably warm enough now to remove it.

JPTL

RngTrtl, thanks for posting this headsup. I was guessing that since my car's headlights have probably been used a fraction of the average usage for 928's out there, that both clips would be in place.
Sure enough, my lower clip & washer is missing! My guess is that there originally a dab of grease between washer & clip, and over time when the grease dries, the washer actually binds against & spins the clip when the lights are actuated.
This is an easy inspection. Both clip locations are clearly visible from above & inspection doesn't involve squatting down or sticking your head down in the engine compartment.
Anyway, here are some pic's to clarify a bit more.
The first shows the arm with the upper clip in place & the lower clip & washer missing.
The second is a closeup of what the clip & washer should look like.
The third is where the arm is in relation to the d.s. front fender.

JPTL

Okay, that original upper clip or "E Ring" came off with just my finger pressure......waaay to easily. It was just a matter of time before it popped off on its own.
I've found a better E Ring as a replacement at the local Ace Hardware.
The replacement ring is an s.a.e. 1/4" ring, so it fits on the collar a bit snugger (more snugly?).
For some reason the o.e.m. ring is more of a semi-circle than a 3/4 circle, in that it doesn't hold on the collars as well and slips off easier. I'd recommend swapping any remaining e rings with these, with a tiny dab of grease on each side for good measure.
I've also compared the o.e.m. washer to a nearly identical 5/16" grade 8 hardened s.a.e. washer at Ace that is a near perfect replacement.

I'm guessing that most Ace's nut & bolt vendor is the same. Anyway, this vendor is Hillman in Ohio. The stock numbers for these are as follows:
E Ring: 873-L
Washer: 2817-B
I know that I'm talking about a couple of 19 cent bits of hardware, but it seems like a bargain for the insurance that it provides.

DG84S

I saw this post the other day and thought...I need to check my 84S and confirm that my retaining clips are where they should be, but then I forgot. Saw it again today and told myself, "Self, check it now!" and GREAT GOOOGLY-MOOOGLY!!! both clips were missing! I'm on my way to get new clips now. Thanks to RngTrtl for creating the awareness of this issue and to 928drvr86.5 for providing the clip size (.291 in or 7.40 mm).
Thanks,
Dave Goyne

bigs

I'm also a little surprised so many sharksters haven't heard about this issue.

I ordered a bunch of the clips from either Specialists or International - can't remember which. I got six or eight so I'd have some backups.

It's part of my "fill-up" routine - while the gas is pumping, pop the hood, check the oil and inspect the clips.

SharkSkin

Heard about this a long time ago... it's in the tips. You must spend more time meditating in front of 928 tips pages, Grasshopper.

brianmiller2959

I just check mine all in place and look to be in very good shape all are tight and show no rust.... Thanx for the post never thought of this being an issue.....

Brett Matthews

Yes, Thanks for the tip!
Went out and checked mine, they were both there, but both are somewhat rusty.

And, thanks for the part numbers, J.P.!!!!

And no, I'd never heard of this either..... OK now, WHERE'S that checklist again???

What thoughts about what kind of grease to use on these joints, or pivot points? White lithium? Some kind of water proof grease?

DANdeMAN

Thanks for the heads up, checked today and both are there but did not check for loosness. Will do that next time the hood is up, that should be tomorow...

928drvr86.5

So just how many people have put in orders for the clips since the start of this thread? LOL

Bart

Just a note of curiosity: On other Porsches (951, 944 and 924) the headlights will cycle with the car off or on when using the rotating **** to raise them. The only way to prevent it is to disconnect the battery. Is this true on the 928 also? (Hope to be an owner in the future.)

928drvr86.5

Yes!

SharkSkin

Not on early cars, at least not on a 78. I can turn the **** and move the headlights through a complete cycle, and they will never turn on and the motor will never activate unless I turn the key on.