Porsche Enthusiasts Club Forum

Figured asking this would be worth a shot. I know not many of the guys in the Devon region of the club use the forum but was wondering if there was somebody here in Devon experienced in doing the belts would be willing to give me a hand doing mine in exchange for a crate of beer (or whatever you fancy).

Trying to get this car done on a budget and when I've bought the belts, rollers and potentially water pump and seals then the tools needed to do the belt change is just another expense I could do without as I just want to get this car on the road now and get enjoying it. Also I'd have peace of mind knowing that it'll all be done properly as I've only done one cam belt before and that was a simple job with an auto tensioner that didn't need any fettling and was a relatively young 10 years old.

A bit cheeky I know but if you don't ask you don't get

Hi, madrob, I live in Devon, but the opposite end to you!

I've just had my cambelt done, and I considered doing it myself as I was on a budget. In the end I took it to an independent Porsche mechanic who also identified a leaking water pump (i was trying to avoid this - it needs changing every other cambelt change). I doubt I would have noticed the water pump if I was doing it!

Changing the cambelt is not difficult, but tensioning it is critical. There comes a point where you recognise when a mechanic that is familiar with the car is necessary, and for me this was one of those jobs. That cambelt is all that stands between having a 944 and not having one. It cost me more money, but I have peace of mind, and I know I don't have to strip it down to do the water pump!

Recently I have found a mobile mechanic that it familiar with 944's. Maybe there is one in your area?

Not aware of any mobile mechanics but there's a very highly regarded guy in North Devon. Out of interest how much did it cost to have yours done with pump?

I think it was aorund £650 or thereabouts. That was including the supply of the belts and rollers. The pumps are around £300, if i remember correctly. I remember he phoned around to get a cheaper price than what his normal supplier was charging. I was stunned at the size of the water pump- it's massive! I was stunned at the price as well, but it's an important part of the engine I guess...

My mechanic let me spread the cost over two months with a post dated cheque, which was much appreciated! He also had a quick look over the car and pointed out a few things that may need attention in the future, which is useful to know if you're not familiar with typical 944 faults.

There is a good garage up that way - I considered taking mine there, but it's a bloody long way from Plymouth!

PS - change the balance belt as well - although it doesn't affect the running of the car, if it snaps it tends to whip off the cambelt as well, apparantly.

I'm half way between the two of you, but unfortunately havent a clue how to change belts (or anything else or that matter )

Theres a garage at Braunston ? I believe (its a Bosche service centre, shows up on Google) , But I use use Andy Moss at Honiton (he provides a free courtesy car if you ask nicely )

Edit: found the Boche one http://www.brauntongarage.co.uk/
This is not a recommendation as I have never used them.

Hi Howard - how are you?

Andy hasn't got a courtesy car anymore since someone crashed it - but he will collect and drop you off at the train station.

D

Thanks for the advice.

Martin Reed is the chap I was thinking of but I've been past Braunton Garage whenever I venture off to the beach and have an ogle of the cars outside as I pass. Think I may just bite the bullet and get a new water pump and do it myself. I also need to change the cam tower gasket and the oil separator seals so might as well do the lot together.

Not too fearful of tackling the job myself just was hoping to save some cash on tools and having and expert handy would've been a perk. Whilst I have everything off I'll also check the seals and replace them if required. I'll probably try and get Braunton Garage or similar to check the tension of the belts once it's on the road as it'll be in Barnstaple with me then.

Hi Darren,
Somebody crashed his new one ? I know his old one was written off but didnt realise the new one had been as well !

650 seems good, -300 4 pump -60 belts then what ever rollers and ur looking at 300 and less larbour.

But if u do it your self ur no that u can do it next time, u could even do a few others 2 help out. Get it checked 4 correct tension by the speacilst and your no If u can be trusted or not.

I changed my belts myself last month, its actually not as difficult as you would imagin, i used the tutorial on clarks garage (http://www.clarks-garage.com)

Its relativly simple, if your changing the rollers then the tools come in dead handy, only other advice i would give is if your doing the change while the engine is still in the car then try and do it inside a garage with lights as it can be time consuming, also remove as much as you can to give yourself as much space as possible and take note of which markings on the balance shafts you need to be looking at, when i first did mine i presumed that the markings on the front of the rollers where what i needed to aline to, but it turned out i had to ignore these and look as a tiny triangle in the back plate instead, im sure many a garage not used to 944's would do the same, but this varys depending on what year so read up on clarks first, all the info is there, if its any help i have a rebuild engine out of the car and can take reference photos to help if you wish

I know this thread is getting a bit dated but, if it's of any use, I have an
Arnworx tensioning kit and have done a few sets of belts.

That's very handy actually. Not started on the belts yet due to the oil blockage issue and not sure when I'm going to start on them yet but when I do I'd appreciate the loan of the tools and your experience.