autobonrun

The PPI on the 96 C4S I'm looking at turned out great (in my opinion).

Nothing unusual, the belts just need replacing. I'm having those changed and an oil change done while it's in the shop.

The leak down test results from cylinder 1 through 6 are as follows:

90,93,96,90,96,94

The compression test results are:

200,200,210,200,210,210

So, looks like I've just bought another Porsche. The check goes in the mail today. I've got to decide whether to ship from Texas or drive back to Kansas. I'm getting shipping costs and will make that decision this week. Thanks for all the input you provided in my previous post on this purchase. I also upgraded to a Rennlist member as well, so I'll stay in touch.

thanks again

vjd3

Was it a warm or cold leakdown? Ten percent is a little bit on the high side ... 2 to 6 percent is regarded as perfectly healthy ... others will chime in, I'm sure. Interesting how the compression and leakdown numbers correspond.

Vic
95 C4

Pedro356C

I'd have to second Vic's opinion...10% / 7% / 4% / 10% / 4% / 6% gives you 2 cylinders within the acceptable mark, 1 over the border and 3 below acceptable mark between 2 and 6% as Vic said...

chris walrod

Is this a low mileage car? Or, was it generally babied?

If you have a nice camera, drive it home yourself! This way you can take pics along the way. Good way to learn how your car behaves..

autobonrun

The mileage on the car is around 51,000. The current owner is a PCA member and has been meticulous with the car. The leakdown test, I understand, was done with the engine warm but not hot. I've talked with two independent mechanics and a dealer about the figures. Their concensus opinion is that there is some wear as to be expected but nothing excessive.

I'm being told that Porsche's guidelines are that the difference between any of the leakdown readings should be no more than 10%. The differences, I'm told are more important than the absolute value of any single cylinder. In my case, the maximum difference between any two is 7%. I'm also being told that the most likely cause for the leakdown figures is valve guide wear, which is supposedly common with these cars.

I'm being told that if the engine continues to wear somewhat evenly, it will be several years before I need to address the valve guides. At that time, they are recommending some non Porsche valve guides made from a different material that have better wear rates than the OEM guides.

I think I've done all the due diligence that can be reasonably expected prior to a purchase. Wish me luck. I plan to proceed today. I'm having the oil changed, belts changed and an Invinci-shield installed prior to picking the car up next week. I don't want to pick up rock chips on this 700 mile or so drive. The current owner has maintained the paint without any rock chips thus far. I'll take a digital camera but I don't think there's much to see between Texas and Kansas.

97Targa

Congratulations AND good luck. I'm sure you'll have a great time on the trip home.
You might want to pack a spare DME relay and a radar detector.

Terry Adams

We don't care, as long as the car is in the pic.
Have fun with the drive. It's the good way to bring a car home.

renn911

Congratulations, hope you have a safe and fun ride home!

ca993twin

Texas to Kansas? You're debating driving or shipping? Drive that baby, and you may want to go through New Mexico, Arizona, and California, just to have a little more road time. Enjoy it and by all means take lots of pictures.

autobonrun

Funny you mention the DME. The Porsche shop that is preparing my car has a "road package" they loan to their out of town customers as added protection for the trip. It includes fuses, a DME relay, extra belts and a few tools. When you get to your destination, you just ship the package back so they can provide it to their next customer. Very professional setup and an excellent shop to boot. And I'll definitely be taking my Valentine1 with me.

Terry Adams

Wow, that's the nicest customer service item I've ever heard of.

axl911

My 3.6 with 90K miles have about the same numbers. I wonder what would be the effects with a lower than normal leakdown? Low on power?