Newbie!!
10-10-2015, 01:50 AM
#1
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Newbie!!
As a car hobbyist and old SCCA racer, I've admired the 928 for decades but my income lines and the car's value lines crossed only now. Today I bought an '83 4.7 auto trans (so my wife can drive it) with 68k miles and interior 10/10, exterior 9/10, and everything working properly EXCEPT these items, which surely have been solved repeatedly by people here:
Cruise control sags. I can set a speed and feel the throttle pedal move, but after a few moments the car will not hold speed. Vacuum line? Diaphragm?
Binnacle lights are very dim. I have not yet found the brightness control.
There's visible fluid residue on the outsides of both the PS and PB reservoirs.
The windshield wipers operate poorly (blades are ok), banging around as though rubber bushings in the linkage have deteriorated after only 33 years.
and the biggie...
Slow and go traffic, 100 deg F ambient temp, A/C ON and the car gets quite hot (within a needle width or two of the red). A/C OFF and heater ON solves the problem, but that's not a satisfactory solution. The heat exchangers really seem sufficient. SO: how do I test the fans and the thermal switches?
This grand car came with limited service records, so the timing belt and water pump will be replaced. I'd like to do it myself, and welcome any fellow San Diegans who want to get their hands dirty.
I have experience with similar forums supporting other cars (Grand National, Fiero, Jaguar, etc.) so *know* how valuable Rennlist will be to me - and to my new 928.
Not a guru...
Cruise control sags. I can set a speed and feel the throttle pedal move, but after a few moments the car will not hold speed. Vacuum line? Diaphragm?
Binnacle lights are very dim. I have not yet found the brightness control.
There's visible fluid residue on the outsides of both the PS and PB reservoirs.
The windshield wipers operate poorly (blades are ok), banging around as though rubber bushings in the linkage have deteriorated after only 33 years.
and the biggie...
Slow and go traffic, 100 deg F ambient temp, A/C ON and the car gets quite hot (within a needle width or two of the red). A/C OFF and heater ON solves the problem, but that's not a satisfactory solution. The heat exchangers really seem sufficient. SO: how do I test the fans and the thermal switches?
This grand car came with limited service records, so the timing belt and water pump will be replaced. I'd like to do it myself, and welcome any fellow San Diegans who want to get their hands dirty.
I have experience with similar forums supporting other cars (Grand National, Fiero, Jaguar, etc.) so *know* how valuable Rennlist will be to me - and to my new 928.
Not a guru...
10-10-2015, 01:59 AM
#3
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t belt and water pump are NOT critical on your car it is NOT an interference motor....no valve bending 
Your belt driven fan probably needs more fluid to get it to spin...the aux elec fan should kick in when A/C is engaged or near the top of the temp gauge....check to see if it is working and blowing the right direction !
Your belt driven fan probably needs more fluid to get it to spin...the aux elec fan should kick in when A/C is engaged or near the top of the temp gauge....check to see if it is working and blowing the right direction !
10-10-2015, 02:03 AM
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I'm going to love it here!
I like soup, so tomorrow I'll clean up the car and take photos.
After my first experience (50 years ago) with a failed belt on an interference engine, I won't buy one again. In this case the belt/pump just seem like the right first project on this well-sorted car.
I like soup, so tomorrow I'll clean up the car and take photos.
After my first experience (50 years ago) with a failed belt on an interference engine, I won't buy one again. In this case the belt/pump just seem like the right first project on this well-sorted car.
10-10-2015, 02:03 AM
#5
Racer
Good to hear from another Californian 1983 auto 928er. Post some photographs!
The only thing I can almost help with on your list of ailments is the dimmer switch. It’s a tiny little thumbwheel on the bottom edge of the binnacle. I forget which side.
The only thing I can almost help with on your list of ailments is the dimmer switch. It’s a tiny little thumbwheel on the bottom edge of the binnacle. I forget which side.
Last edited by decampos; 10-10-2015 at 02:04 AM. Reason: typo
10-10-2015, 02:15 AM
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10-10-2015, 06:47 AM
#7
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It's on the same side as the turn signal stalk, whereas the intermittant wiper interval wheel is under the same side as the wiper stalk. Pretty clever engineers, huh?
A new switch, or a very throrough cleaning of the old one, will restore the instrument lighting's full potential (see what I did there?!?)
A new switch, or a very throrough cleaning of the old one, will restore the instrument lighting's full potential (see what I did there?!?)
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10-10-2015, 06:51 AM
#8
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I have the same heat-builidng problem with my '89, and will try to diagnose it this coming week per some "what's supposed to happen" instructions I got from David Lloyd a while back. (um, who was it that had that "a round tuit" avatar pic??)
If I have any luck, I'll post my diagnosis and/or fix here for you.
If I have any luck, I'll post my diagnosis and/or fix here for you.
10-10-2015, 10:48 AM
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Pictures!
Maybe someone will recognize the car and plate, and can provide more history.
THE SELLER'S STORY:
It is a San Diego car. The original owner took great care of it, then died. It rested for a long time (no idea HOW long), then the estate sold it to the intermediary. He replaced the fuel tank, swapped fluids, did some minor fixes, detailed the car, then sold it to me. I know the importance of a service history, and there was nothing before 67k miles except a tucked-away oil change receipt at about 30k, 10 years ago. Carfax shows no problems.
I talked with the mechanic who brought the car back to life. He's a great fan of the 928 and his shop services many of them - his report was very encouraging. So -- I took the plunge!
The interior looks like a new car -- not even a scuff or mark on the leather. The exterior will look even better once I wax it. Overall, this is a car that would pass for brand new from a few feet away.
Not a guru
Maybe someone will recognize the car and plate, and can provide more history.
THE SELLER'S STORY:
It is a San Diego car. The original owner took great care of it, then died. It rested for a long time (no idea HOW long), then the estate sold it to the intermediary. He replaced the fuel tank, swapped fluids, did some minor fixes, detailed the car, then sold it to me. I know the importance of a service history, and there was nothing before 67k miles except a tucked-away oil change receipt at about 30k, 10 years ago. Carfax shows no problems.
I talked with the mechanic who brought the car back to life. He's a great fan of the 928 and his shop services many of them - his report was very encouraging. So -- I took the plunge!
The interior looks like a new car -- not even a scuff or mark on the leather. The exterior will look even better once I wax it. Overall, this is a car that would pass for brand new from a few feet away.
Not a guru
10-10-2015, 11:46 AM
#10
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Wow, that is a BEAUTY!! Congratulations. 1983 MY was my first love of the 928, and this thread brought back good memories.
That is a really nice car.
That is a really nice car.
10-10-2015, 02:45 PM
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MORE QUESTIONS REGARDING MY '83
1. How can I determine whether there is an installed security system? (I see no visible evidence)
2. Who makes a suitable alarm + keyless entry system, preferably with pushbutton start?
3. How do I service - or replace - the viscous coupling driving my engine fan?
4. PS seems stiffer than on any other car. Normal?
And the big ones for this 33 year old car with an uncertain service history.
Should I drain, flush, and replace brake and steering fluids?
Replace lines?
What about the (auto) transmission?
1. How can I determine whether there is an installed security system? (I see no visible evidence)
2. Who makes a suitable alarm + keyless entry system, preferably with pushbutton start?
3. How do I service - or replace - the viscous coupling driving my engine fan?
4. PS seems stiffer than on any other car. Normal?
And the big ones for this 33 year old car with an uncertain service history.
Should I drain, flush, and replace brake and steering fluids?
Replace lines?
What about the (auto) transmission?
10-10-2015, 04:06 PM
#12
Nordschleife Master
Is the options sticker still in the back (under the carpet)? Post the codes and you will find out what you have (there's also a list of codes in the "New Visitor" sticky).
Or post the VIN in the "VIN Check" thread. A few guys have access to the factory options/VIN records.
A lot of cars have alarms. There's no sign, sticker or "blinky light". The only way to know is to lock the doors from the outside (or turn the hatch lock to the left), then reach through the open window (leave it down) and either unlock and open a door or pop the hood. If the horns start honking, you have a working alarm. If not, then either the alarm doesn't work or you don't have one. Care to guess how I found out that my car has one?
KE & aftermarket alarms are rather difficult to get right. DO NOT take it to the local alarm/stereo place. Someone (Alan maybe?) had an install up not too long ago.
Yes on the fluids. Also think very seriously about replacing the underhood fuel lines.
As was mentioned, there's a little thumbwheel under the dash (two actually). Left side is the dash dimmer. They get old and tarnished and, as was said, go from "dim" to "dimmer". Pulling the pod, yanking the switch and either cleaning it or replacing it aren't terribly difficult.
I don't think there are any rubber bushings in the wiper mechanism. Pulling it out and going through it isn't too hard. The bearing in the motor is a known failure point. Replacing the motor is several hundred bucks. Tearing into it, cleaning it up and replacing the bearing is a few hours of interesting work (and about $20 for a new bearing - Really).
Congrats and welcome. You've got a lovely car. That color really is nice. I would suggest either not letting your wife drive it, or start looking for another one.
Or post the VIN in the "VIN Check" thread. A few guys have access to the factory options/VIN records.
A lot of cars have alarms. There's no sign, sticker or "blinky light". The only way to know is to lock the doors from the outside (or turn the hatch lock to the left), then reach through the open window (leave it down) and either unlock and open a door or pop the hood. If the horns start honking, you have a working alarm. If not, then either the alarm doesn't work or you don't have one. Care to guess how I found out that my car has one?
KE & aftermarket alarms are rather difficult to get right. DO NOT take it to the local alarm/stereo place. Someone (Alan maybe?) had an install up not too long ago.
Yes on the fluids. Also think very seriously about replacing the underhood fuel lines.
As was mentioned, there's a little thumbwheel under the dash (two actually). Left side is the dash dimmer. They get old and tarnished and, as was said, go from "dim" to "dimmer". Pulling the pod, yanking the switch and either cleaning it or replacing it aren't terribly difficult.
I don't think there are any rubber bushings in the wiper mechanism. Pulling it out and going through it isn't too hard. The bearing in the motor is a known failure point. Replacing the motor is several hundred bucks. Tearing into it, cleaning it up and replacing the bearing is a few hours of interesting work (and about $20 for a new bearing - Really).
Congrats and welcome. You've got a lovely car. That color really is nice. I would suggest either not letting your wife drive it, or start looking for another one.
10-10-2015, 04:15 PM
#13
Nordschleife Master
Cool, nice looking car. You've done it right, buying good interior/paint first time!
Few points -
1. don't use wheel cleaner on those wheels, they're anodised and it'll ruin the finish!
2. To find a PO's alarm system, you pretty much need to examine the wiring panel behind the wooden board in front of the passenger seat (behind the carpet). Look for non-stock black wires with tape around them usually.
3. PS is a little heavier than modern cars.. but should lighten up at speed. Its possible the pump needs a rebuild - the seal kits are cheap but taking the pump off and doing it is a few hours work. I take it you've checked the fluid level?
Welcome to rennlist
Few points -
1. don't use wheel cleaner on those wheels, they're anodised and it'll ruin the finish!
2. To find a PO's alarm system, you pretty much need to examine the wiring panel behind the wooden board in front of the passenger seat (behind the carpet). Look for non-stock black wires with tape around them usually.
3. PS is a little heavier than modern cars.. but should lighten up at speed. Its possible the pump needs a rebuild - the seal kits are cheap but taking the pump off and doing it is a few hours work. I take it you've checked the fluid level?
Welcome to rennlist
10-10-2015, 08:18 PM
#15
Rennlist Member
I'm going to love it here!
I like soup, so tomorrow I'll clean up the car and take photos.
After my first experience (50 years ago) with a failed belt on an interference engine, I won't buy one again. In this case the belt/pump just seem like the right first project on this well-sorted car.
I like soup, so tomorrow I'll clean up the car and take photos.
After my first experience (50 years ago) with a failed belt on an interference engine, I won't buy one again. In this case the belt/pump just seem like the right first project on this well-sorted car.
If you bring your car to Sharktoberfest next weekend, or at LEAST the fan & clutch assy, I'll show you how to refill it. On site, it comes off the car in like 10 minutes...back on just as fast.
Send me a message if you wanna do this.