reptileis

So, After figuring out that I had the plug wires on correctly, I opened the dist cap to find the rotor not fully seated. Fixed that, and she started right up with a plume of white smoke. Smoke cleared shortly, drove to gas station, filled tank w/ super, and proceeded to head to work.

During my shifting, I noticed a reluctance to get back into 1st gear on a downshift from second. I Hit the freeway, upshifts no problem, drove 6 miles (no speedo). The power was ok. the gas pedal was a bit unresponsive initially- maybe due to sitting for a while, dirty fuel, or lines. I hit my exit, and the suddenly the car would not downshift anymore. Then the clutch pedal stayed to the floor. I pulled up on it with my foot and it gave but didnt effect the clutch. So Im stuck in Neutral at the offramp intersection. I also noticed steam from the hood. Opening the hood I saw that it came from 1) below the brake fluid container, right rear of bay when facing the front of the car, and 2) from the coolant hose forward most left side near the radiator. #2 was not as bad as #1. Not sure what my problems are now, but im certainly open to suggestions.

todays Porsche expendatures= 52.00 towing


AAAAAAARRRRRRGH


<img src="graemlins/c.gif" border="0" alt="[ouch]" />

Joe R

HMM the #1 steam problem is fro the small coolant line that goes from the cylinder head to the big black plastic tube. this big tube connects the oil fill and air cleaner. For some reason unknown to me Porsche routed coolant through this thing.
Take off the air intake hose you should be able to see it better.
Forward left side of radiator only got the joint aluminum to plasitc end tank.
Shifting problems are most likely the clutch hydraulics. Master or slave cylinder. Master cylinder you will have a hard time seeing. Slave is easy right under clutch housing.
My suggestion is to bleed system and then track down leak. What is the reason for down shifting 3rd 2nd 1st coming off freeway? those guys in germany put big brakes on these cars to stop. I wouldn't advise using engine and 1,700 dollar dual plate clutch to stop just because it is really cool. If your car don't stop fix the brakes. I have hammered by stock 78 brakes from 95mph to 40mph so quickly it nearly put bruises in my collar bone no lock up either.

reptileis

Personally i believe you nailed it! This is my deduction as well.

As for downshifting to a stop, Ive just always done it- coolness aside. And I jsut redid all my brakes including a thourough bleed using the Superblue dot 4 Porsche brake fluid. However, I did notic e a 50% reduction in level from when I filled it. AH HA!

Joe R

In the 11yrs of ownership I have replaced both clutch master and slave cylinders. The master ain't no fun. But I managed it. The P.O. had let it go to the point of really damaging the synchros so I ended up finally putting in a rebuilt transaxle.
Few years back I replaced ALL the rubber coolant hoses. and religiously change anti-freeze every two years. I don't know about you but there has got to be a better/cheaper replacement for that radiator. After all it is aluminum not gold.
Good thing these 78 cars are non interference motors so if your timing belt goes everything will just come to a stop and not wreck anything. P.S. what is the VIN last three. mine is 347. I drove #25 don't imagine it is still around as it was hurting back then. By the way welcome to the club. (black t-shirt club fine german grease stained)

reptileis

Last three of the VIN are #1, #9, and #8. :^)

She's an OLD gal.

It turned out to be the Clutch Master. What a pain in da ***. Thank god I have a GENIUS mechanic!!!!!!!

Mike