88MB928

Hi everyone,

Bought my first 928 (automatic) in December and had decided to continue taking it to PO's mechanic who is a Porsche mechanic familiar with 928s. I just took it to him for the first time for oil change and some other minor stuff and I was happy with his service but the problem is he is not at all aware of the TBF issue and was skeptical about the whole thing when I brought it to his attention.

This is high on my list of things to have checked out since I've read many of the alarming threads on here discussing the problem. Can anyone recommend a good 928 mechanic near me who would be able to check the flex plate?

UKKid35

There is a Porsche Technical Bulletin somewhere that makes reference to the check. Perhaps that would help.

Landseer

All mechanics should have an endplay gauge and be able to do this check. You could print instructions from Bill Ball or others from the forum and give them to the mechanic. Should be easy and straightforward.

digressing,
Its fascinating to think about the trend information that has revealed itself on this forum.

I mean, hundreds and hundreds of cars represented over the course of 7 or 8 years. DIY fanatic owners with significant professional skills and accomplishments that they are applying to the hobby with a passion, plus professional mechanics, plus innovators, all with access to PET's, wiring diagrams and WSM and technical documents. Worldwide instant communications. Pictures. Group troubleshooting. Should be an enabling tool for mechanics, indispensible actually.

TBF may not have been discovered here first, but its sure been well-documented.

88MB928

Landseer, that would be the most straightforward method if it weren't for the fact that this particular mechanic wasn't taking the issue seriously and was actually even skeptical as to whether its even possible that TBF occur in a 928 at all. I mentioned that it was all over rennlist, tried to explain what I'd read, etc but he was dismissive of it - told me not to believe everything I read and to be careful with alarmists on forums. Anyway he made it pretty clear that this was a non-issue in his book and that that would be the end of that conversation. I don't know if he took it as if I were questioning his expertise and was insulted or if he just dismissed it because I'm a girl and have no mechanical knowledge or what the deal is but I don't really care to psychoanalyze or reform him - I just want my plate checked! I suppose I could print any tutorial that might be available, take it to him and "force" him to check my flex plate but - for peace of mind - I'd rather find someone who is already familiar with the issue in our cars and does a serious and thorough inspection.

karl ruiter

If he is not on board do not have him do it. I've 'forced' mechanics in the past only to have them charge for me for the service but not do it.

Landseer

Sorry, I didn't realize the extent of the mechanic's reticence.

Mike B

I agree...time for another mechanic and a pat on the back for you for doing your homework. I have a TBF motor in my garage right now...its real and it's not pretty.

Black Sea RD

PM has been sent.

Hilton

In light of your other thread I searched for "recommend mechanic miami" and this was the only thread that came up.

Your mechanic is showing symptoms of not knowing 928's and making expensive stuff up.

Other thread here:
https://rennlist.com/forums/928-foru...ntified-3.html

Anyone know 928-capable people within reasonable range of Miami?

Black Sea RD

Yes.

Try Vincent Colosino owner of Gulf Performance in Ft. Lauderdale area, 954-783-7345 and email: vinnie@gulfperformance.com.

Just dealt with him about a customers 928 automatic and we discussed the TBF problem. Vinnie knows about TBF, has rebuilt customer's 928 engines due to this problem and knows how to check for it.

Cheers,

daveo90s4

Mirlene,

How about checking the flex plate / thrust bearing movement yourself -maybe with a few other 928 owners that have done it before? It really is not a difficult thing to do (leave out the two rear most plate covers to avoid having to drop the exhaust next time). Don't forget to check the rear bolt too, align the shaft at the rear and do up the rear bolt before doing up the front bolt, and use two new clamp bolts to 65 ft lbs. You'll need to get under the car, so lift bars or a hoist (preferably a hoist) will be needed. Two people could have the job done in a couple of hours... What you save on the mechanic's rate will pay for some tools and some beer :-). There will be a full write-up somewhere on the net - ask and someone will point you in the right urrl direction.

Bilal928S4

I think I read in one of the threads, that a 928 that has been sitting and not run will always give you low compression numbers. Something to do with the different materials used in the engine. Therefore the compression should be checked after running the car for some time and bringing it up to normal operating temperature.

Landseer

Mirlene, really, no apologies to the mechanic, pull the car now.
I'd also like to see a bunch of pictures of it, that often helps...

Tom's 87 928 S4

+1 on pulling your 928 from this guy Mirlene. Here is a reference on TBF for you.

http://members.rennlist.com/v1uhoh/9...earticleTH.pdf

Oops, I did not realize that this thread was from Feb. 2010. Is she still looking for a tech?

JoeTaylor

+1 Gulf Performance