924Board.org

FryDaddy · Joined: 18 Nov 2008 Posts: 4 Location: Toledo, OH

I've got lots of air coming out the cooling system vent screw location on 1987 924S. Pretty sure its a Head gasket?

Is there anyone near SE Michigan who has done this before and willing to help out?

Thanks,
Russ
Adrian, MI

ideola · Joined: 01 Oct 2004 Posts: 15550 Location: Spring Lake MI

I haven't done it before, but if you can find a tutor, I'd love to assist, watch and learn. I'm in Plymouth.
_________________
erstwhile owner of just about every 924 variant ever made

Rasta Monsta · Joined: 12 Jul 2006 Posts: 11733 Location: PacNW

You may want to perform a leakdown test before you start dismantling.
_________________
Toofah King Bad

WeiBe (1987 924S 2.5t) - 931 S3

gohim · Joined: 02 Nov 2002 Posts: 4459 Location: Rialto, CA

Don't just ASSUME that you have a blown head gasket just because there was air in the cooling system. 924s/944 cooling systems are notriously difficult to bleed all of the air out of.

Of course 87 model 924S are know for failed head gaskets in the 100K miles range.

Have you tried the bleeding procedure for the cooling system, looked carefully for coolant leaks, and tested the coolant for exhaust gases? Is there a lot of brown colored scum collecting in the coolant reserve tank?

If not, you're not ready to crack the engine open.

If you have confirmed exhaust gases in the coolant, don't have any coolant leaks, and already tried bleeding the cooling system using the factory instructions, then I guess that means you're ready to replace the head gasket.

You're going to need some special tools to install and remove the balance shaft and timing belts. Including a P9201 belt tension gauge, P9201 calibrator, balance shaft belt wrench, flywheel lock to begin with. There are some alternative tools the P9201 and calibrator, but unless you know what you're doing, I think the most accurate way to set the critical belt tensions are to use the correct tool.

You're going to need a head gasket service set, FOES (front of engine service) parts, and I also recommend that you do the oil cooler seals at the same time which means you need an oil cooler seal set, and OPRV alignment tool.

The best reference manual for the work would be the Factory Service Manual.

If you are planning on doing the work youself, and need to buy the tools, then then you should plan on spending a minimum of $1500 for tools and parts.

FryDaddy · Joined: 18 Nov 2008 Posts: 4 Location: Toledo, OH

No head gasket problem after all. Here is what happened...

Purchased 87 924s a few months ago for daughter who is still learning to drive it, and has yet to drive it out of my sight. After a couple of days, starts to run hot, and notice the following symptoms that get progressively worse.

Symptoms:
No steady coolant leak. Oil is clean.
Coolant was leaving the system. System remained under pressure even when cold - so something was putting air into system.Found out when system was stone cold (~10F) and opened reservoir to find myself covered in coolant. Yes, System was bled repeatedly and bubbles never left the stream.
IF it was very cold outside (less than 15-20F) AND it warmed up to freezing or there about THEN the system would drip out a small amount of coolant on the ground. Never could find where the leak was coming from. Water pump looked solid.
All the hoses looked great except for lower radiator which has slight rub mark on surface, but no hole/crack apparent, and system was holding pressure well.

I decided it was worth the $240 investment in the local Porsche dealer's service area. Dealer's technician says that the problem was that the PO had toggled the some components of the front suspension. When the wheels turned, it rubbed on the lower rad hose and created an unusual leak. when running, water pump was pulling air through lower hose. Air gets stuck at the heads (highest point) where I would bleed it out. I didn't see the interference because when I lifted up the car the FE geometry changed.

The fix is to repair the front suspension problems and replace the lower rad hose. About $650 total cost at the dealer. I'll pick it up on late Monday.

FryDaddy · Joined: 18 Nov 2008 Posts: 4 Location: Toledo, OH

No. Dealer was wrong. after $650, still no joy. Further updates as events warrant.

Fox84 · Posted: Thu Feb 26, 2009 9:48 am Post subject:

yikes that doesn't sound to fun
_________________
-1987 Porsche 924S - my baby stolen by fiancée!
-1984 Porsche 944 - money pit?
-1989 Ford Probe - the beater sold!
-1997 Ford Escort - bleh
-1994 Toyota Corolla... (it hangs around...)

Grenadiers · Posted: Fri Mar 06, 2009 2:39 am Post subject:

Tough call on the wallet! We have an '87 with about 123000 miles on it, most of those were with the previous two owners. Last year, I only put about 300 miles on the car, and it too started to run warm. I noticed that when I put my foot into it, the temp would climb to the third mark. When I drove civilized, back down to below the half mark. Hmmm, never did that before!

The FOES was done in 2005, but probably only has 5-7000 miles on it, but there is that time factor. The water pump was replaced at that time as well. But, I think with the lack of use, the thermostat might be toast, or there's plugage in the radiator, not sure at the moment. We're going to cough up the FOES and water pump this summer. And have the radiator flushed as well. Do not have any of the pressure related symptoms that you are describing however. You might try replacing the t-stat and coolant cap.

Since my obsession continues with the 931 the little white car is going to be sold I think!
_________________
'83 944 Track car.
'88 924S Track car.
'89 944 Turbo
2004 Winnebago Vectra monster RV
2012 Jeep Wrangler
2014 Kia Soul
2001 Ford F350 powerstroke

Rasta Monsta · Joined: 12 Jul 2006 Posts: 11733 Location: PacNW

ideola · Joined: 01 Oct 2004 Posts: 15550 Location: Spring Lake MI

That's what mine did too until I put a lower temp fan switch and t-stat in with my FOES.
_________________
erstwhile owner of just about every 924 variant ever made

Grenadiers · Posted: Fri Mar 06, 2009 4:30 am Post subject:

Sorry about the post-hijack, but one last question. With FOES back in '05, and not many miles, time to re-do it?
_________________
'83 944 Track car.
'88 924S Track car.
'89 944 Turbo
2004 Winnebago Vectra monster RV
2012 Jeep Wrangler
2014 Kia Soul
2001 Ford F350 powerstroke

Rasta Monsta · Joined: 12 Jul 2006 Posts: 11733 Location: PacNW

You bet. Fair to consider reusing your rollers (ducks as he hears gohim stirring), but the belts must go.
_________________
Toofah King Bad

WeiBe (1987 924S 2.5t) - 931 S3

jrrhdmust · Joined: 19 Mar 2008 Posts: 180 Location: Middle Georgia

Not to hijack the topic, but I just noticed oil comming from the rear of my engine and dripping on the exhaust. There are 135k miles on the car.

Headgasket?

Thanks,
_________________
67 Mercury Cougar XR7 under Restoration
71 VW Superbeetle Completed Resto 11/07
73 Mustang Mach 1 10 Year old restoration

gohim · Joined: 02 Nov 2002 Posts: 4459 Location: Rialto, CA

Probably just a seal on the rear of the cam tower. Leaks back there are common.

jrrhdmust · Joined: 19 Mar 2008 Posts: 180 Location: Middle Georgia

So I should plan on a front end service and then replace the seal on the cam tower?

Thanks a lot gohim. Also, on the manuals you posted the info about I am assuming that they have good pictures etc, to make work easy?
_________________
67 Mercury Cougar XR7 under Restoration
71 VW Superbeetle Completed Resto 11/07
73 Mustang Mach 1 10 Year old restoration