924Board.org

[Marsh]

Hello,

I bought my daughter a '77 924 a couple of years ago. It needed brakes, clutch and paint.

After having absorbed a bit of learning curve and seeing how well built it was, I bought a '87 924S for myself.

I just love it. Now have a whole lot of questions.

1st I'd like to replace the timing belt. I understand that if you break one you lunch the engine. My new Haynes (944) gives no instructions and I have heard conflicting stories as to the 'factory' tool required.
Help

2nd The cooling fan(s) don't work. Haynes says the fans are fused with the automatic antenna (what's up with that). Is that true? -also- Under what circumstances does the cooling fan relay (and thermostat switch) go out.

Much advance thanks.

The new guy . . .

Marsh

[MAS]

Hi Marsh,

Congrats on the 87 924S, I have one too. While I'm no mechanic, and can't answer all of your questions I can give you some advice:

Regarding the timing belt: the 87 924S (and 87 944) are supposed to be self-tensioning, so in theory, you don't need the special tool. But, if you've never done this before, I would strongly advise you to get this done professionally by someone who knows exactly what they are doing. In my opinion, it is not worth the risk of making a mistake and probably bending all of the valves (or worse). My local Porsche dealer charges a small fortune to do this, but if you look around, you should be able to find a good Porsche place that will be a lot cheaper. I'd also, shop around and get a price for getting the "full meal deal" (in Canada about $1200... or US $800): that is replacing all of the belts, rollers and water pump. When you done this, your engine will be good for at least another 36,000 miles (or more).

As for the second fan, it's probably the relay. I'd get this seen to pronto, rather than risk overheating your engine.

Again, congrats on your 924S... the 924S is quite a fast and nimble car, as you have probably already found out

-MAS

[jcope]

I agree with the advice about the timing belt. It's probably not that bad to replace (I've never done it), but the consequences of getting it wrong are pretty harsh.

I also agree about the fan relay (as long as the fans aren't seized). I had to replace the fan on the driver's side on my '87 924S. The relay is the only component likely to fail that they share.

The driver's side fan is switched by the temperature sensor, and it also comes on with the air conditioner regardless of the engine temperature. Only the driver's side fan shares its fuse with the antenna. The passenger's side fan runs as long as the engine runs. It is not switched by the temperature switch.

Checking the grounds would be a good idea. I can't remember whether they have their own or whether they share one.

The fan relay shouldn't cost more than $25. The fans are about $90, if I remember right. Replacing the fans yourself takes about an hour (if you find out they are the problem).

[ This Message was edited by: jcope on 2001-10-26 07:55 ]