danb968

Was told today that the ‘distributor housing’ on my 1992 968 was cracked…. Probably due to over tightening the distributor cap screws. Replacement cost of the housing is $760 !!. I’ve not been able to find any references to a distributor housing part online…. The closest I’ve found is a ‘toothed belt covering’ 944.105.179.08 ($1,600 – and not available); and ‘toothed outer cover’ 944.015.189.04 ($75). I didn’t see the housing, or the crack, so I don’t know how serious the situation is. Does anybody have any experience or knowledge about a cracked distributor housing? Does it have to be replaced? – Can I live with it as it is? The car idles rough at times and misfires occasionally on acceleration. Could this be the cause? Thanks.

RajDatta

You should be able to locate a used housing. They are made of very soft material and easily crack, corrode. Are you looking for front or back? I would assume front.
Raj

JDS968

What's that made of? Mine looks like some kind of plastic, but very hard. Unless it's painted metal?

Before you drop hundreds of dollars on a new one...I'd look into whether you could have the whole distributor out, cleaned/dried/repaired, and then have the housing repaired (welded or soldered if it is metal, plastic welded or epoxied or something if it's plastic, depending on what type). Much of this probably being a weekend DIY. Oftentimes, electrical components (unlike electronic components) are better reconditioned than replaced.

kwikt

Try DCautomotive used parts. They should have one. Also German auto recyclers in Atlanta.

Kevin

kwikt

Oh... also try screen name DP951 on Pelican Parts in the classifieds.He's in Miami.

danb968

Thanks for the replies... Got to get back with the mechanic and see which part is cracked... I'm assuming the front too - but want to make sure and then start looking for a used one. Was told it was soft 'pot' metal... so likelyhood of repairing it is probably pretty slim.

RajDatta

Let us know which one and someone here might be able to help you out.
Raj

JDS968

Ugh, why exactly does Porsche of all manufacturers build our cars out of this stuff?

But hey, if you ARE interested in repairing it...pot metal is easier to repair than steel or aluminum, because it can be soldered (rather than welded) or even repaired just fine with JB-weld or similar.

968workaholic

Its more than likely the back piece that is the problem. The two threaded holes that the bolts go into on the bottom crack off of the back piece and cause misallignment. I have fixed a few before but that was a temporary fix. The problem is that when they crack moisture gets into the metal and "puffs" it up, making it flake off like paper. Not a very easy thing to solder on, much less glue.

artysan

My car has this exact problem, with the rear piece having its threads stripped. The metal just falls apart once it starts. The part number is 944.105.179.08 and DC Auto occasionally has one from a parted car. It's rather expensive WHEN you can find one, and a bit of work to replace, so I may try to rebuild with epoxy.

luis77

Need this part DESPERATELY. Mine is almost totally destroyed

FRporscheman

Welcome to Rennlist! Try the above mentioned vendors, as well as

EASY in Emeryville, CA 510.653.3279
Parts Heaven in Hayward, CA (510) 782-0354
Oklahoma Foreign 800-462-2446

John Etnier

Are these parts available from 944's as well?

RajDatta

Only the S2 would possibly have the same housing. Possibly the 944S. Best bet is to check PET.