Porsche, A (mostly) Love Story
Some of you may recognize the title as a derivation of the early 1970's Porsche advertising campaign for the 911. My story starts with a different car, a 1987 924S. The 924S is the end of the 924 line, which started as a joint VW-Porsche project with an 2-liter Audi motor. VW backed out and the 924 was sold as a Porsche, with lots of help from the VW-Audi parts bin. Later, for the 924S, Porsche placed the 2.5-liter engine and other mechanicals from their 944 into this model. It was (at $20K+) the entry-level product in their model line.
I wasn't in the market for a Porsche. I was actually looking at a MGB when I noticed this car for sale in the same area. I talked to the owner and found out he has asking less for this than the MG. I passed on both cars but couldn't get the 924 out of my mind. I did a bit of research and learned what I could about this car. I found that his asking price was fair for a car in this condition and low (65K) mileage. It needed some detailing and repair of a few electrical items. Eschewing all wisdom and sanity, I passed on a pre-purchase inspection, mostly due to the complicating factor that the car was almost 50 miles away.

I had since lost the seller's number, but remembered where he lived. While on another ill-fated MG expedition I took a chance and drove back to see if the car was still on the market. After a test-drive, I threw out a low-ball offer, which was immediately accepted: A bad sign.
Among the many things I noted would require fixing were the sunroof, the air conditioning, and what appeared to be a leak from the power steering reservoir. Upon driving the car home, I put the sunroof at the top of the list due to the fact that it would not lock down. At highway speeds (with the windows closed) the sunroof would start to lift up on its own. I later learned that some owners have lost their sunroof this way.

I found a wealth of information on this subject at a forum sponsored by Pelican Parts and Clark's Garage. My problem was with the cable and I got to spend lots of time in the rear fender and this started my dislike of Porsche engineers. Yet as you can see, I now have an operating sunroof that locks down! I then attacked the oxidation on the paint, the dust in the interior, and the grime in the engine bay.

By now other things are starting to crop up. Much to my dismay I found that filling the gas tank completely in hot weather results in gas fumes. Evidently those engineers hadn't taken into account how much oxygenated fuels expand in the heat. Or perhaps the fuel lines have deteriorated over the years. Replacing the lines from the tank through the filter helped. As did tightening the rear hatch and a new gas cap. Yet I fear I will have to get into the inner-right fender or drop the tank to replace the rest of the system.

Another discovery was that the odometer would take a break after the car was sitting out in the warm sun. Once again there was much already written on the subject. Three trips into the odometer later I find my problem is unique and will probably require a rebuild to completely fix. The wipers went wacky after a rainstorm. I found I was missing a crucial cover over the motor, but the problem was the relay. Both items are now replaced and operating. The A/C problem was fixed with a recharge and a vacuum valve. Driving enjoyment went up exponentially!
I wanted to change the oil and filter and was aghast at the $70-100 quotes I was getting. I decided to do it myself, and found out why. Although you can do it without removing the belly pan under the engine, if you want to catch the spillage from the oil filter you will want to get under there. What I thought was a leaky power steering reservoir was actually previously spilled oil that was baked on by the exhaust manifold. Lots of rags and Simple Green later, I can see why you don't take this car to Grease Monkey!

I also learned the Porsche maxim: If you fix one thing, another thing breaks (or leaks). That never-ending cycle is what keeps Porsche (and mechanics) wealthy. After the oil change, the oil-pressure relief valve started leaking. Fixed that. I had the coolant changed and a hose started leaking. It was a small leak, and I was tempted to leave it to balance the Porsche karma, but I fixed it anyway. I'll let you know what happens next.

Any questions, or to tell me your story, drop me a line.

--Jeff


The End