e36daniel

Hello,

I just purchased a 1985.5 944 that's been sitting outside since 2003. No crazy rust as I live in Seattle. It has 120k original miles. I just want to know what I should do to the car before I attempt to start it. So far I've thrown a new starter in, and cranked it a few times. Here's everything else I've done

- drained gasoline
- fuel filter
- fuel strainer
- fuel pump

Is there anything else I should do before starting the car? I'm very new to project cars and also new to Porsches, so any advice would be appreciated!

MikePellegrini

The 944 has an interference engine, so if the cam belt breaks, you'll have valves contacting pistons. Belts are normally changed every 3-5 years and/or 45,000 miles. I wouldn't trust a belt on a car that's been sitting 20 years for even one revolution.

So if it were me, I'd change the timing belt before even turning the car over.

To do it right, you should first find TDC if that's possible with a belt that old. But that's as far as I'd go. If that's a late 944, you oughta have an automatic tensioner, so that makes it easy. Clark's Garage has a good procedure for removal and tensioning.

walfreyydo

Replace coolant, change oil, replace timing belt, replace trans fluid and take it for a short drive. From there you will probably discover a whole host of other issues such as brakes, clutch, suspension components. Your adventure (and list of things to fix) is just beginning.