Hi All,

I have a '86 951 that I've had since last October. It has 153,800 KM (94,000 miles approx) and I have been told by a very helpfull fellow Rennlister that has seen the car (and the mechanic I go to) that the distributor cap is very dirty and the plug wires are very old.

I want to replace the cap, rotor, plugs, wires and coil but my mechanic doesn't think this is a DIY job. I think it looks fairly basic according to my Haynes manual I have. Has anyone else done it? Is their something I should worry about. I will be saving around $400+ by getting the parts myself and soing the work myself as well.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Jim

 

Absolutely this is DIY. Do yourself a big favor and don't pay someone else to do what you can do yourself in a couple of hours (if it's your first time). $400 for a tune-up is ludicrous. Clarks Garage has some helpful hints that will be a good addition to the Haynes manual. Work slowly and have fun with the lower distributor cap mounting screw.

Good luck

 

For certain just about everything on cars is DIY if you're mechanically inclined. Replacing tune up parts is the easier thing you can start with. Be aware replacing the distributor cap could be frustrating but doable

 

I'll second that, It is I DYI job. Take your time.

I'll third that, on the lower mounting screw.

M

 

This is easier than changing the oil by a bunch, and almost as easy as properly washing the car.

Sam

 

Your mechanic is a crook. You can do all that without the hanes manual! (which is crap by the way) You can have mine if you want it. Just pay for shipping.

 

Ooops you already have one... my bad.

 

I dont really have any manuals. If you could see how much it'll be to ship to Ames, IA, 50014, I might be interested.

 

Probably around $15-17 dollars. It may be chaper to buy one there! I am not sure how much they are now.

 

If my mechanic said that, it is NOT a DIY for that, I would find a new mechanic asap! It is not hard at all just a pita for the one screw, but other then that, not hard by all means at all. If you can change you oil, you can do the cap, wires, etc. Oh yea, the wires aren't cheap from what I have found if you replace those with your cap, which you should do. I think I paid about $70 for the wires for the car. Good luck!

 

$70 for wires is cheap... there are lots of options, I would not go too cheap though. And do researxh on the Nology wires before you buy them if you go that way. Magnecor seem to be a fav here.

 

The Crook statement stems from the $400 you save by doing it yourself. If he was going to charge you $400 for that job you really need to find a new mechanic. An hours labor tops if you have very little mechanical experience. Good Luck.

 

nz951, my bad, I should have looked to see you from New Zealand. BTW, what all does the manual cover?

 

Its sooo crap for the turbo. Its like they made the manual before they made the turbo and dont cover it in any meaningful way. Basic maintenance and beyond really. I dont refer to it to be honest so I cant give you the complete speil...

 

Find a new mechanic. Now. He's taking you for a ride. Very, very easy job.

Best Wishes,
Sach