I am contemplating purchasing a 928 and have a few questions about "seals". I did a search and found a hundred variants on the subject but am still a bit confused about "what" seals he is talking about. It is the 32 valve motor.

I talked with the owner yesterday and he said that the car was running rough and his mechanic said that the seals needed to be replaced to correct the problem. His mechanic won't be able to get to the car until next week. Otherwise the car is in excellent condition. I have not personally driven this car yet.

My experience with the 928 is that I fell in love with the car in 1978 when they came out and have driven 2 clunkers on a test drive. One hauled and the other was pitiful!

What seals would cause the car to run rough and how difficult would it be to DIY this task? Am I crazy to attempt replacing them myself? (I am a decent shade tree but have no experience with Porsche.)

D

 

Velcome Daniel,

Ask him what seals need replacing..... Prob. vacuum related.
But rough running could be a million things.... I'm having this problem right now.

 

If you are realy interested in this car, have it inspected by a mecanic who knows 928.
Then you will know exactly what needs to be done......

 

He has offered his mechanic to discuss the car history. He also said his mechanic said that the seals would fix the rough running issue. The fellow seems very straight up.

I'll send him an email this morning to find out exactly what seals he is talking about.
I'm really intending to purchase this car if we get this issue resolved. Very serious indeed.

 

Would be very helpful to indicate what year car you are looking at. Also include some of the obvious things like miles, overall condition of the interior and exterior as well as if the seller has full documentation of the history of the car's maintenance.

Additionally, before you purchase any car, despite what may seem a super good price, read through the thread. It is all about the 928 and what things can and need to be considered before purchasing any car. There is even a pre-purchase checklist at a minimum you should go through. The greatest insurance you can have is to pay someone or get someone local who knows these cars inside and out to perform a formal Pre-Purchase Inspection (PPI).

These cars though they can be bought for pennies can cost many thousands of dollars just to make them reliable runners. Remember, these were/are supercars in the same field as Maserati, Ferrari, Lamborghini, etc. They require the same sort of expensive maintenance and parts as those cars. However, Rennlist is full of fantastic people and resources to help you repair and maintain your car if you are moderately handy with a wrench.

Good luck in your search

 

S4ordie, I understand what you are saying. I have been "lurking" for a few weeks and see the camaraderie here. That is one of the major reasons I am thinking of doing this. You guys are expert owners that are willing to share your knowledge.

As for the car, the interior and body are original but in very good shape. As stated above he has a mechanic at the local Porsche dealer that will brief me on the condition of the car. It is a 1990 S4 with automatic. The owner is an older gentleman that also has 2 Mercedes, 1 BMW and a cherry 1979 Volkswagen Beetle. Looking at the mileage he is running the car about 5K per year average. I've researched the owner as much as the car.

He has a complete set of Porsche service manuals for the car and has the maintenance documents since 1998 when he bought the car from a guy that he knows. I did a VIN on carfax and found that carfax backs his story.

I am a bit handy with a wrench (don't like to overstate because it will come back to bite me!).

All the Best,
D

 

DanielD - Unless the Prosche mechanic is an old wrench from the 80's or 90's, or owns a 928, very few of them know much at all about 928s. Not dissing Porsche mechanics but this forum is full of people who have spent thousands of dollars at the dealership to train their mechanics. When you speak with the mechanic as them about heir knowledge of 928s. Ask them if they own one or have any particular level of experience with the car. If they get testy with you, run away. If they are receptive to the question and are knowledgable about the cars they wil laugh and give lots of personal examples or will talk about their own cars.

A PPI buy someone here is really the best thing to do. I am not saying you shouldn't speak with the owner's Porsche mechanic, you should, just be dilligent in your questions.

Your wrenching skills sound good enough to learn how to do most things on your car. This forum will be great in your education.

I have a 91 S4. Many here like the 5 spd better, I prefer the auto for many good reasons. How many miles on the car?

 

5K a year average should work out to 95,000 miles on the odo. Its a good start. Now put some real miles on that thing.

 

Thanks for all the support guys!

The "seals" being replaced are the fuel injector and intake manifold seals. He is also getting the A/C recharged. It is supposed to be ready Monday afternoon.

I'll keep you guys posted on this trek I've started. I do appreciate all the advice!


D