3.2 Carrera oil burning question

i am considering purchasing a 1987 911 cab with 190K miles on it. it drops a little oil (a few drops) and has smoke on start up, per the owner. compression is 170, 175, 165, 170, 175, 170..with leak down numbers "very good." the owner states he has to fill about a quart of oil every 800 miles. i would appreciate others' opinions if this is too much. i am under the vague impression that up to 600 mi/qt is ok.

thanks
john

 

The smoke at startup is a sign the valve guides are worn, and that's a lot more oil than my 3.2 with 87K burns but not the end of the world for a weekend fun car. Leakdown within 10% is OK, are you getting a good enough deal to cover a top end rebuild in the future?

 

Boxer engines do burn more oil than V type ones. I know the OM of my BB512i indicates one liter per 600klms is normal...although my car does not burn nearly that amount...more like 1 liter per 2000klms...

 

thanks for the responses...the deal is not good enough to cover a rebuild if it comes to that.

 

Surely (with 190K miles) it has had a top end done sometime in the past?

 

Yes but with those miles might still need another.

 

i am on my second 3.2 911, and i love them both have around 140k on them, and have both have had the top end redone. my black 89 911( 25th anniversary edition) uses maybe 1 quart in 3 months, i dont put that many miles on it, and it did puff a bit of smoke when i got it, but it does not do it anymore. i added a can of BG MOA to the oil at the last oil change, and it seemed to help. given the lack of zinc in oils now, i change my oil every 300 miles, or in my case, every 6 months.

i sold my green 84 911 to a buddy and i see the car and keep up with how its running on a regular basis. no oil issues with it either.

the 3.'s are great cars, and the last of the good 911's to me.

i will never own a newer Porsche than an 89 911.

 

i don't think it has had any kind of rebuild even at 190K miles. these are very durable cars.

carreaper, you can get motul oil, it has the zinc in it.

 

John G , you may want to got Pelicanparts.com or rennlist.com if you have not already. They are the F-chats of the Porsche world.

 

thanks, will look for it.

 

The oil per miles is OK but I don't like consistent smoke at start up. As mentioned above, it points to guides. I've had 15 911's and it's never just an easy top end job and they are still expensive to rebuild. I would take my time and find a car via the Porsche club or one from a Pcar fanatic. I don't know what you're talking about for a purchase price but you can probably find one that has a sound motor (maybe swapped) that will save you some time, money and aggravation for a small premium.

Even though parts are available and they aren't as expensive as FCars I would stay away from a 911 that is going to need major work. A clutch, no big deal. Getting into the engine will get pricey in a hurry. Good luck with your search and with whatever you buy.

 

It's more of an issue with the 3 liter engines (1978-1983) but check for head stud issues.

 

my 87 with 66K miles is going through a quart every 600-700 miles. Occasional puff on start-up. I drive mine everyday, and it has been dead reliable. I would not hesitate to drive it cross country tomorrow. Great shops in NVA too- I like Jose at Autobahn. Once you get used to Ferrari prices, nothing on a 3.2 Carrera should scare you. When and if mine needs motor work done, I may just swap in a 3.6L motor instead.
My only regret is not having a 911 sooner. Personally, I would look for a cab with less miles unless its otherwise exactly what you want. Fantastic car.

 

The 2.7 liter's we known for bad head studs 1974 to 1977.
But most are fixed by now.

 

The 3 liters had some serious issues as well. They definitely outlive 2.7's but out of the 5 911sc's I drove, 2 had noticeable weak head studs.

They will make a distinct 'flapping' noise under WOT.