GoodDocPCar

So... pulled what seems to be a truly stupid noob move tonight. Went to check my oil. Dipstick wasn't really reading much. Had towel in hand to wipe dipstick and put it above the Carrera badge on the back so that I could walk to the driver's seat and turn the engine such that I could get the oil reservoir to fill up.

Oy vey, fan belt snaps and I run to the back of the car to find the towel sucked into the lower roller - and looks to be wrapped many, many times around the pulley itself.

What am I looking at in terms of repairs, damage, etc?

BobbyT

It might not have damaged anything. Probably the easiest way to tell is to take the belts off, then see if you can extract the towel. This is a good time to replace all the belts with new genuine Porsche ones if they are at all questionable. Here is how:

http://www.pcarworkshop.com/index.php/993_-_Belts

P-daddy

Remove the rest of the belts if not broken already, then try unwinding the towel. Use some long pliers or forceps if ya got them.

GoodDocPCar

Thanks to you both for putting my head at ease.
I feel like the world's biggest moron.

I've got a bit of PTS after this. So not doing it myself. I suppose a follow up. Does the rear bumper need to be removed to access the belts and the lower pulley?

il pirata

Is this for real?

GoodDocPCar

Sadly, it is very much for real. Apologies if I've offended you with my oversight. But trust me, I'm far more offended that I didn't think to remove the towel before cranking the engine.

Long time lurker on forums. But never had anything to add so don't chime in and post.

Anyhow, I've got 21k miles on a mint 1997 c4s. Got an Indy shop here in the area that did a great job fixing seals on the tranny and engine since i brought her home (low miles) and i have babied her ever since.

So this is pretty frustrating to me!

BobbyT

Removing the bumper isn't necessary, and won't gain you any access. Your indy shop will likely just take the belts off, remove the towel, and put it all back together.

CarreraX

How about some pics of the c4s? We like pictures!!!! All in all, this isn't a big deal. Good opportunity to put on new belts. That said, it may be a good time to tackle this yourself. That is part of the fun of owning these cars. Also, if you post your location, I'm sure there would be one or two people willing to help.

jhg41977

Embarrassing but not a big deal. Pictures of the car would be nice.

P-daddy

Pics of the offending towel

Pags993

No big deal, I seem to remember the same thing happening to another member not long ago. In that case it was the drawstring from his pullover or something similar that got sucked in. It happens! Just a reminder to be careful.

+ 1 on pics of the low mile mint C4s please

cabrio993

Look at the bright side. You should have a very clean pulley now.

Falcondrivr

Removing the bumper won't help. The engine carrier blocks access to the pulleys. The cat blocks access to the engine carrier, and the heater duct blocks access to the cat. Get the picture? You're going to have to fish the bits out of there.
One learns something every time with these cars.

GoodDocPCar

Sure. Glad to share. Pics attached. All stock.

P-daddy

She's gorgeous, Doc!!