unit

Hi all,
Im looking at a gts that i think has had a timing belt failure.
Looking for some feedback on what people think about buying a vehicle
That has had this problem.
The rest of the car looks good. Paints a bit average and no service books for
the last few years. There is a reciept for $10,000 aus for the
timing belt job (including waterpump ect).
The car has 140000 klms on it.

I will get a PPI before purchasing car (its at a dealer)
Any feedback is appreciated.

Regards
Sam

V2Rocket

If the car runs without odd noises it should be fine. However, a TB failure can lead to bent valves/broken chains and overall a busted cylinder head. If you decide to take ownership of it I would suggest pulling the heads and inspecting closely for any damage.

unit

Thanks rocket,

The reciept for work done had new valves and head work so i guess These where damaged and fixed.
As i said it was a big bill.
If they fixed it properly (which i think they did) should it be ok??

Thanks
Sam

Lord_Galva

I would try to get a PPI from a Porsche mechanic in the area and not the dealership. Send some pics too.

unit

The PPI will be through an independant porsche mechanic.
I guess that will sort out my concerns but if its a no go if its had a timing belt failure i would rather save the money on a ppi and the hassle.
Sam

dr bob

If the head and valve repairs were done correctly, there's no big concern. Include compression and leak-down testing in your PPI (some extra $ but worth it) and you can buy with some comfort.

I suspect that more than a few 928's with TB failures-and-fixes either never get reported to buyers, or get mentioned in a positive way so the buyers know that the whole top end has been resealed. On a adolescent GTS that might be "only" 15 years old a reseal might not be a big selling point, but in the 20-30 middle-aged crowd a good reseal is a definite plus.

the flyin' scotsman

The GTS engine is of interference design meaning that any major change in cam timing allows the pistons to hit valves bending them, cracking valve guides and possibly creating cylinder head damage.

IIRC the enginge must be removed to R&R the heads then the removal of the heads, diagnose the problems, effect repairs/replacements, bolt her back up and re-install the engine. Mucho work.

If the engine runs or even turns over freely have a compression test done on each cylinder and verify the engines health. Then an overall PPI at an independant garage.

Tails

Sam,
With a TB failure, pistons and valves are the main casualty.
You stated there is a bill for A$10k, does it state what was done to the engine.
You also mention that there is no records for the last couple of years, so I would ask are you capable of DIY work on the car?
I would definately get a PPI from a known 928 Specalists to give you the 'heads up' on the car, because if there are other problems and you have to pay for them then the $s start mounting up.
Is the car a Auto or manual?
Tails 1990 928 S4 Auto

daveo90s4

Unit, you are certainly right to be cautious with this. Unlike an S4, GTS engines are really really hard to get hold of, and this is certainly reflected in the price. So if it has caused a piston to be cracked, and under your ownership this then finally fails, it is likely to cost you much much more than $10,000 to repair / replace the engine. Someone on Landsharkoz suggested that you should have a quiet word with the workshop that did the repair work (did they crack test the pistons, for example). I think that is an excellant idea. Can you get a warranty on the engine as a condition of purchase?

Jim bailey - 928 International

The engine should be FINE , it got a top end overhaul ! The pistons should be fine the valves bend so easily that there is little stress on the pistons. The engine is probably BETTER than if it had not bent the valves.

unit

Thanks everyone for your help.
I can do diy and I have a friend who works on mercedes all day to help with the major issues if they come up.
I know the valves where done so if it cracked a piston i guess it should come up in a compression test???
The reciept didnt explain the job done just alot of parts and then labour.
Am i to believe that they removed the engine to pull the heads???
regards
Sam
THe car is an auto

Jim bailey - 928 International

Most shops would remove the engine since it SAVES much time doing the actual work and allows for a full reseal so if rear crank main seal or oil pan gasket is one of the listed parts the engine was out.

Tails

Sam,

From all the comments you have received and if you feel confident then go for it, but with a PPI from a 928 independent Porsche specalists.

I have had my S4 Auto for nearly 8 years and I have done all the work myself, except for the initial TB, tensioner rollers and water pump replacement just after purchase to ensure that they were OK .

I would also suggest that you buy a TB Tensioner for one of the Big Three, they are around 50 to 60 US $s plus postage

I would suggest that you get Jim Morehouse's Technical CDs, which include the WSM on the discs as well as the electrical diagrams. They are cheap and are a must for DIY as they have loads of information.

It is essential that all recommended services are carried out to Porsche's recommendations and these requirements are also included on the Technical CDs

Don't forget that the auto box is a mecedes benz box and pan gaskets, filters etc, can be supplied from MB or European Car Specalist Suppliers, and they are usually cheaper than Porsche.

Tails 1990 928S4 Auto

unit

Thanks Jim and Tails and others for there input.
I have spoke to The PPI mechanic who know 928s very well and he explained allot to me and put my mind at rest.
Im a little scared about dropping this much money into a car (928's are more expensive here)
But im 30, single and its my dream car so i guess now or in 20 years so may as well go for it.
If all goes to plan im sure ill be here often with stupid Q's
The dealer say's there is someone else interested so we will see if a can organise the funds in time.
Thanks
Sam

daveo90s4

Unit,

If you miss out on this one, there are a few other GTS' for sale in Oz. I guess you've looked at Lenz' Midnight Blue 1995 GTS? Also a Black (?) GTS in the Gold Coast recently for sale too. And a red GTS in Sydney / Melbourne as I recall.

Happy hunting