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DD_project

Well, so it begins. I finally took a deep breath and put on my armor, sharpened my sword, and trekked into my garage to confront this German beast. I knew it was going to be bad, but I'm worried that I won't make it.

First thing off was the metal undertray since I wanted to track down the oil leak. I noticed a lot of oil all over the place, so when that tray came off I really got to see the horror. I can't even begin to trace the leak, but that's the name of the game. Right? So my son and I started taking things apart and out.

The air filter box was next. Once we opened it up, we found lots of oil pooling at the bottom of the box. The filter was drenched. Threw that away. Then we took out the entire air box and then some. All of it needs to be cleaned or replaced.

Then we took off the passenger side fender and wheel. We have a replacement fender, so we decided to take off the old one. At least it gives us more access. So much dirt and gunk was hidden inside that old fender. Yuck.

I also found some odd parts in the engine that were loose and didn't connect to anything. One of them is the speedo cable. That will be interesting to figure out where it connects. Any ideas?

Front bumper is off. I loosened the bolt for the alternator. I'm going to take out all the belts. Also going to drain the radiator, the oil pan, and eventually the brake system as well as the clutch.

I'm open to suggestions, ideas, guidance, etc. If you have run into it, please feel free to tell me about it.
_________________
Current cars:
1980 Porsche 924 Turbo
1983 Datsun 280ZX
2017 Jaguar F Type R

Previous cars:
2005 Porsche 911/997
2003 Nissan 350Z
1976 Datsun 260Z
1990 Nissan 300ZX NA

Cedric · Joined: 27 Aug 2004 Posts: 2658 Location: Sweden

Check the oil to and from the turbo for oil leaks. The lower oil drain pipe cracked for me, it was hard to spot.

Doesn't sound super promising with that much oil in the breather, maybe a compression or leak down test would be suitable to see if the rings are shot, could also be valve seals or turbo charger seals, or that it never ever have been cleaned.
_________________
1980 924 Turbo
www.instagram.com/garagecedric/

DD_project · Posted: Tue Dec 21, 2021 4:54 am Post subject:

All good suggestions. I was planning on gutting the car as much as I can to make sure the engine is in great shape after I fix it. Just ordered the clutch slave cylinder kit!

I'm the kind of guy that likes to take things apart and clean as I go to see how bad or good it is, so this will be interesting to say the least. Once I remove pipes and clamps and what not, I'll probably be able to see where the leaks are coming from.
_________________
Current cars:
1980 Porsche 924 Turbo
1983 Datsun 280ZX
2017 Jaguar F Type R

Previous cars:
2005 Porsche 911/997
2003 Nissan 350Z
1976 Datsun 260Z
1990 Nissan 300ZX NA

DD_project · Posted: Tue Dec 21, 2021 10:00 am Post subject:

Got under the car again and started taking more things apart. Drained the radiator to try and get the fans off and down. Couldn't drain the oil. The plug is frozen into place, probably from someone over-tightening it from years ago. I'll have to heat it up.

From what I can see, it does look like a lot of oil is coming from either the turbo or around it. There is oil all over, so trying to pinpoint it will be hard.

I wish I could share photos, but I don't like using image sharing sites. I would rather attach the photos to my posts.
_________________
Current cars:
1980 Porsche 924 Turbo
1983 Datsun 280ZX
2017 Jaguar F Type R

Previous cars:
2005 Porsche 911/997
2003 Nissan 350Z
1976 Datsun 260Z
1990 Nissan 300ZX NA

Gatornapper · Joined: 23 Oct 2021 Posts: 294 Location: VA

DD -

So your clutch Master Cylinder is ok? Both of mine were shot, replaced both. Usually if one is bad so is the other.....

GN

Carrera RSR · Joined: 08 Jan 2010 Posts: 2309 Location: Somerset, UK

DD_project · Posted: Mon Dec 27, 2021 4:20 am Post subject:

Gater, I got both the master and slave cylinders just so I feel better knowing the system is new.

Carrera, I will try.

I feel like it will be more palatable to pay for this project little by little as I go and improve the car.

It's been really cold here lately, so we haven't been working on it as much. I decided to order an electric heater to make it more comfortable in my detached garage. I hate working on cars in the winter, but I really want this finished and working by summer.
_________________
Current cars:
1980 Porsche 924 Turbo
1983 Datsun 280ZX
2017 Jaguar F Type R

Previous cars:
2005 Porsche 911/997
2003 Nissan 350Z
1976 Datsun 260Z
1990 Nissan 300ZX NA

joemoma1990 · Joined: 29 Jun 2021 Posts: 32 Location: Apple Valley, MN

The crank seal is most likely shot and leaking from there as well as other places. I looked at this car and I saw oil running down and back on the pan.

DD_project · Posted: Wed Dec 29, 2021 9:47 am Post subject:

DD_project · Posted: Wed Dec 29, 2021 10:17 am Post subject:

I'm having a heck of a time trying to unplug the oil pan. I've read that if it was tightened too hard, then I might as well buy a new oil pan. Is that true? Ugh...

I will have to use some penetrating spray on it. Tried the old hammer trick to no avail.
_________________
Current cars:
1980 Porsche 924 Turbo
1983 Datsun 280ZX
2017 Jaguar F Type R

Previous cars:
2005 Porsche 911/997
2003 Nissan 350Z
1976 Datsun 260Z
1990 Nissan 300ZX NA

joemoma1990 · Joined: 29 Jun 2021 Posts: 32 Location: Apple Valley, MN

I am having the same problem trying to get my drain plug off. I really want to change the oil because the PO had adjusted the fuel mixture so rich that there is definitely gas in the oil.

mattaebersold · Posted: Wed Jan 05, 2022 10:20 am Post subject:

DD_project · Posted: Mon Feb 14, 2022 1:05 am Post subject:

Good morning from sunny but very icy Minnesota!

When the temps consistently drop into the negative 20s and 30s, I have absolutely no motivation to go and work on any car. Even with a heater, it's not fun at all. So here I wait for better and warmer days.

I've been buying parts here and there, and I have a fellow Porsche enthusiast up the road who is willing to lend his hand and help me get this car road worthy!

I plan on having the car ready to be driven this summer. I don't care how, but I will probably spend each weekend doing whatever it takes to dismantle the engine and get things to work.

But yeah, that oil pan and drain plug is the current pain in the ass right now.
_________________
Current cars:
1980 Porsche 924 Turbo
1983 Datsun 280ZX
2017 Jaguar F Type R

Previous cars:
2005 Porsche 911/997
2003 Nissan 350Z
1976 Datsun 260Z
1990 Nissan 300ZX NA

DD_project · Posted: Sat May 14, 2022 11:45 am Post subject:

I'm back to report that it's finally warm! The winter and spring here has been absolutely brutal. I also had to do some traveling for work and was gone for a while.

Anyway, I'm getting tired of looking at the car and need some inspiration. I need something good to happen with this car. I'm about to take it somewhere and ask them to take a look at the engine to see what they can do. I can't even get the damn oil drain plug to free up. Grrrr!!!

I don't even know where to start. I want this car to start and to work!

To top it off, I'm traveling again so I won't be able to really work on the car for another 2 months. Maybe I will take it to someone and get raked over the coals with the amount they're going to demand from me.
_________________
Current cars:
1980 Porsche 924 Turbo
1983 Datsun 280ZX
2017 Jaguar F Type R

Previous cars:
2005 Porsche 911/997
2003 Nissan 350Z
1976 Datsun 260Z
1990 Nissan 300ZX NA