User 41221

Darnit.

I put it off as long as I could, but it looks like I get to go under my car for some fairly heavy work this time. A little over a year ago, while heading out to the Grand Canyon in the cab, my car started to whine while driving, and it seemed to be speed dependent. I was hoping it was just tire noise at first, but the droning noise has gotten steadily worse, and its audible when slowing to a complete stop. Lately, the car has been having problems engaging into forward gears from a stop when cold, and on hard acceleration. I am pretty convinced this is the dreaded flex plate failure. Anyone want to confirm that?

Regards,

PorscheG96

Hey Scott-

So you must have Tip 968 which is why you suspect the flex plate? All the 968's I've ever driven were manual but based on what you describe I'd check all of the wheel bearings first! One of them could be completely toasted and trying to seize on you as the car rolls to a stop.

I seem to remember faulty flex plate symptoms being different from what you describe in your post. I hope it's a simple fix!

User 41221

Yeah, I was thinking wheel bearings at first, but the delay in shifting gears has me concerned. What do you remember the symptoms for a faulty flex plate are?

Also, weren't you selling your car? Hopefully you've changed your mind!

Regards,

PorscheG96

Hey Scott check out these old threads:

http://65.61.16.109/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=736

http://65.61.16.109/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=119

http://65.61.16.109/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=2235

Doesn't sound like your problem. Good luck man!

Oh EDIT: I've still got the 968...it's been for sale since June but no serious buyers yet. I just had some service done a couple weeks ago [new SEVENTEEN MILLIMETER balance belt, new idle stabilizer, clutch bearings greased, and some other small stuff]. Don't ever use the 944 15mm balance belt on the 968...mine was torn to pieces after 1500 miles. Since the car has not sold it looks like I'll probably keep it.

Got some tricks up my sleeve as well.

josephsc

I'm glad to hear that you'll be around here longer -- we can always use your expertise.

User 41221

You are right, it doesn't sound like the same thing. Time to get the car up in the air and do some serious investigating.

Thanks!

PorscheG96

Thanks Scott, I love the car so I'm happy to hold onto it. I don't claim to be an expert by any means but I'm always glad to help. Like I said I just love 968's.

I agree your problem doesn't fit others' descriptions of a bad flex plate but I suppose it's possible if everything else checks out okay. I hope it's something else minor so that you're not hit so hard in the wallet.

User 41221

Well, you got the high score on the Hershey tech quiz, so you certainly aren't a slouch! lol

We'll find out soon enough. If its not the flex plate, then I am afraid its the tranny itself, which I REALLY don't want.

Regards,

RajDatta

Interesting observation. I had the same problem when the previous owner' mechanic of the M030 car installed the smaller 15mm balance shaft belt instead of the 18mm and mine got chewed up as well. Fortunately I found it in time just like you did or bent valves would be minimum damage.
I am surprised that most shops don't know of the updated 18mm balance shaft belt.

User 41221

I am sure its not the balance shaft belt, as the noise is definitely speed dependent. When I am stopped, its gone. You are right tho, plenty of mechanics just slap the 15mm belt on and think nothing of it. I have seen that one four cars that had been worked on locally here by supposedly "reputable" shops. Just one more reason to do your own work.

How'd you come out on your oil pressure issue?

Regards,

RajDatta

Scott, you are the man and called it right on. It was the oil pressure relief valve and it was binding. Once I got it in right, everything was great. What didn't help is until this point I was used to hand tightening the oil filter. Now I tighten it 1/2 turn past hand tight with a wrench.
BTW, nice to see you old timers here
Regards.

User 41221

Hey, I am two for two! Woohoo! Now, if I could just fix my own darned cars... lol

Did you use the alignment tool, or did you just wing it?

Regards,

RajDatta

Scott, I did buy the tool but it was not here in time. I applied some lube to the O'ring and that helped seat it.

mike_hammond

What alignment Tool is this something I need to know as I've had my OPRV out today to inspect it ???????


Mike

RajDatta

Mike, I wouldn't worry about it. If you did not remove your housing, chances are you are properly aligned. Just make sure you lube the O'rings. Its a cheap $20 part that I bought but ended up not using.
Raj