Porsche Enthusiasts Club Forum

Hi
I have just bought my 1st 944 which seemed like a good idea at the time. Been looking for a classic car for a while and this came up. As with all classics it has a few problems which I am looking for any help with.
It has an annoying metallic rattle on tick over which is coming from the flywheel I think. This is why I got it cheap.
When driving no noise at all. Any ideas?
I need to fix the elecric mirrors and windows but other than that all seems ok.
It's a 88 Lux auto with 123K on clock, full service history, new gearbox in 1997 and only 8000 miles since.
So far I am really pleased with it.

Many thanks
Adrian

Generally better to look for advice before you buy your first 944. (I didn't!) But welcome to the world of Porsche ownership. First job is check/replace your cam/balance belts. If it fails you will be looking for another 944! Rattle could be the tappets but could also be other things but requires urgent investigation before it breaks. If it is it's cam box off. (New belts & gasket. Probably a cam seal.) & some new or good used tappets. I wouldn't drive it until it's been thoroughly checked. DIY not too difficult if you like that sort of thing & does help to keep the costs under control. Join Tipec. It's cheap & well worth the money.

Adrian, firstly Hi & Welcome.

If it is an auto then technically it doesn't have a flywheel. When you say rattle from the flywheel do you mean back of the engine? It could be torque converter or cracked flexplate, these would rattle & it would be the right area. Alternatively it could be torque tube rattle.
As JJ said it will need the belts checked & preferably replaced (3years or 36K) which is important. Might be worth finding a local autobox specialists & letting them have a listen.

PS where are you?

Hi
I'm based in Stafford.
The belts were replaced in January along with the waterpump by the last owner.
The flex plate sounds about right, I will take a look at it.
Thanks
Adrian

I've just been underneath it and the rattling is definately coming from behind the flywheel. It is not engine related.
Any thoughts on what I should do next?
Thanks
Adrian

Have a chat to a few local independent garages & find out which autobox specialist they use locally & then let them have a listen. They'll be better at making a diagnosis as they'll have heard a few.

You can get a complete autobox from ebay for around £100. Just a thought. Not too difficult to swap the gearbox.

Only problem with this is that over age the soft seals harden & leak. Lack of use makes this worse. A recon box although more expensive is a better fix.

Hadn't thought of that Jim. Autos are a different ball game. You would need a box thats been kept with the ATF in. Trouble with scrappys is they all fib.

I would have a chat with Ami at Driver Transmissions in Digbeth and say that Kevin from EMC sent you. I'll say more on Driver later on in the week depending on how my dad's car goes (another driveshaft is goosed despite it all being new...) although in the past his diagnosis has been on the money.

Failing that I'd talk to Kevin at EMC Motorsport to see if he has a spare Autobox (he should be able to say what the rattle is), and either get the parts from him, or possibly consider Porsch Apart in Ramsbottom (a little pricey on parts but IME decent to deal with and normally send on good secondhand parts, not something you can say about all breakers).

Before I would spend any $$$ or time at a tranny shop, check for tightness/security of all the undertrays/skid plaes/belly pans. They are known to come loose and rattle. Not hearing it at speed is not uncommon. It only takes a few moments...

The flipside is these T Boxes are not the easiest pieces to rebuild. So there is a GOOD psossibilty that the last shop screwed the pooch.

Hi
I've had the starter off and the flywheel damper plate is knackered. The rubber has broken up and is causing the rattling. Where is the best place to get a new one as these ar over £700 from Porsche.!!
If that's the only option another nice 944 is about to be broken!!

Thanks
Adrian

Quite common I understand there is a fix using a manual clutch cover I believe, have a chat to someone like Jon Mitchell or Barry Hart.

Hi
Thanks Jim but how do I get hold of them?

Adrian

Jon Mitchel at JM garage. Useful guy who seems to know everything there is to know about 944/951 http://www.jmgshop.com/index.asp Hartech http://www.hartech.org/ Both companys that should be in your favourites. A lot of knowledge available. Just helping you out Jim.