Hey all, Does anyone here have experience with running an only slightly leaking early 964? I’m looking at a 1990, and unfortunately it does have a bit of weeping, though nothing terrible. I have been quoted $15-18k for cylinders and pistons, etc to mitigate the issue, and that’s fine. I’m not one to have things less than perfect. Drag is, as backed up as shops tend to be now, I know I’m looking at probably two months without the car right off the bat which frankly sucks! I can live with a little seepage as long as it isn’t overwhelming floor pads and won’t cause more issues. It seems the leak doesn’t even have much effect on the oil level, so I’m assuming it’s safe to run it for a little while - I can’t imagine tolerances rapidly deteriorating into a nightmare scenario if they haven’t in the last thirty four years, but figure I should ask
I'm not a tech so feel free to seek better advice, but: 964s are prone to timing chain cover leaks, even late cars like my 1993. Mine is weeping there, and my tech said they all do it every few years. If the engine needs a reseal, $18K really isn't bad -- but you'll end up doing valve guides, etc, so expect a bigger bill.. Because these are all 30+ years old, they are all going to need attention. For the early 964s, that lacked the head gasket, I believe there is additional work required to retrofit this seal. The good news is these cars hold a LOT of oil so you can drive it. Just schedule the service well in advance.
You said it is weeping or leaking but did not make a case for how that requires new pistons and cylinders. A worn out engine and oil leakage is typically 2 very different things. And yes, it is typically foolish to do pistons and cylinders and skip rebuilding the heads. And hey if thats worn out why not split the cases and do bearings? Operation snowball because it leaks?
Thanks! Thats what I figured. The good news is that my shops quoted $15-18 all in. So that’s assuming worst case. We’re pretty lucky with quality shop rates ‘round here. My understanding of the situation is that the only way to correct leaking in 964s without head gaskets - which I also understand to typically be progressive - is to address the pistons and cylinders. If that is not the case, I’m all ears
Porsche people hate to fix things, the ones that know how anyway. Its more profitable throw parts at it. Would not be my way but I quit working on those some time ago
Would you advocate machining what’s there to suitable tolerances? I’ve heard claims that’s possible, but so far no one willing to tackle it, at least not that I’ve spoken with.
I would post on the 964 technical discussion forum on the board that starts with renn and ends with list. If you were in Southern California I’d refer you to the Porsche Classic tech at Palm Springs— he has owned and rebuilt 964s and G-body 911s. Encyclopedic knowledge. I’m sure you have someone like that locally, but my go-to guy in San Diego retired a year ago and I’m not seeing as many techs with extensive air-cooled experience. Sent from my iPhone using FerrariChat
European Collectibles has a couple of C4 coupes: https://www.europeancollectibles.com/vehicles/1483/1991-porsche-911-carrera-4-coupe Reputable dealer though I haven’t seen these. Sent from my iPhone using FerrariChat
This was a problem on all of the early 964 and it’s pretty rare to see one that hasn’t been addressed by now. Do you have service records? The good news is that it’s a straight forward repair and a good time for some while you are in their work if you plan on keeping the car. Might as well do 3.8 P/C, RS cams and big valves! The downside to not repairing it is potential oil fire but generally you just get a bit of burnt oil smell after shut down or early in the warm up. I wouldn’t want to advise you poorly and have your car burn down but back in the day, when these were used Porsche’s trading for 25-35k, plenty of folks drove around with leaking cylinders.
There’s always the next one: https://www.driversource.com/vehicles/1689/1994-porsche-911-carrera It’s a 1994 so rare, but I have no other details. Sent from my iPhone using FerrariChat
