dmanderson

My 968 has 112,000 miles on it and everything under the valve cover looks fine, except the nylon chain guards are dark and discolored with age. I would like to have them changed, but the Porsche dealer says only the whole unit can be changed. The parts dept says no guides are available and the whole unit is $1100 plus $184 for installation. Has anybody ever changed their guides? Are they changeable? Any thoughts? Thank you Mitch Anderson
94 Guards Red Coupe

daytrader968

The nylon guides are available from any Porsche dealer.
Part number 944.105.509.00. You'll need two, upper and lower are identical. They are about $22 each from Sunset Porsche. Of course, change the chain as well; they stretch over time.

They are definately changeable, but the variocam unit does need to be removed to do so, which requires removing the camshafts. It is certainly possible to do at home with a bit of mechanical ability, or just tell the mechanic or Porsche dealer about this part number. The $184 for installation sounds low to me.

I would definately replace them at that mileage; it's good preventive maintenance.

dmanderson

Thank you for the part number. I emailed the parts dept at at Holberts. I look forward to their response. Mitch Anderson

mike_hammond

I've just changed mine so it is possible to DIY it, but its not one for the faint hearted or first time mechanic. I would say for an experienced garage with access to all the tools its probably no more than 4 hours work start to finish, so at £184 thats $61 per hour for peace of mind.

Its worth having someone experienced do it, my car had a belt job at a so called specialist before I bought it and they got the balance shaft misaligned which caused my recent problems.

Check my link below if you want to see some pics of the internals that I took when doing mine

Mike

dmanderson

Thanks Mike. I have done a lot of automotive work but nothing with Porsches at all. So I think I will have someone else do it. Too busy anyway. In looking at your pictures, how are the nylon pieces attached? Are they roll pins? The pictures are great!

mike_hammond

No, they simply slide into place from one side, and are prevented from sliding off by the two vertical pins you see in front of the slide, and they are quite a tight fit.

If you have it done as has been said before, get the chain done at the same time and as everythings off you may aswell have new belts too as they're all cheap to replace and won't require any extra work than already needs to be done.

Mike