Technical Q&A
Welcome to PCA's source of expert advice, where our PCA National Technical Committee experts answer your questions about all things technical.
Torque spec for 911 turbo valve covers
Friday 02/21/2025 | 1983 | 911 SC | Engine
I have had my valve covers off at least half dozen times. The last time I am having a bunch of leaks. I previously switched to the orange silicone gaskets and when they went on I had no leaks. Then I pulled engine to put in new clutch, adjust valves, install RS orings. When I put the covers back on they leaked. I have assembled and reassembled with some relief, but still small leak drivers side. Believe it or not I am looking high and low for the actual factory torque spec for the Turbo cover ...
READ ANSWER987.1 m96.21 3.4L engine swap to 997 m97.1 3.8L
Wednesday 02/19/2025 | 2008 | Cayman S | Engine
Bought the car with the #4 cylinder broken. It has a TPC Racing turbo installed. Wondering if I should get LN Engineering to sleeve the current engine or install a used 3.8L. Cost for used 3.4L and 3.8L are about the same. Other using the 3.4 harness, making room for the taller intake, and bringing over the water distribution tube, will the bigger engine work?
READ ANSWERhow to fix collapsed clutch pedal
Monday 02/17/2025 | 1988 | 911 Carrera Cabriolet | Transmission/Clutch
READ ANSWERAny alternatives for spare tire?
Sunday 02/16/2025 | 1987 | 944 Turbo | Wheels and Tires
Worried that the original spare tire is not trustworthy and curious as to any alternatives out there (i have 17" wheels on my 1987 Turbo 944).thanks!!
READ ANSWERThere looks like a short in the circuit going through Fuse 11. What is the best way to find the short? Is there a common culprit?
Sunday 02/16/2025 | 1989 | 944 S2 | Electrical
My clock went dark a month ago and I thought the worst. I rarely drive this car on the sinter. But today I noticed that the interior lights, clock, etc. - all that goes through Fuse 11 were out. I checked the fuse, and it had blown. I tried replacing it in case it just had gotten old. It immediately popped as I was putting it in. Not even sure how to start looking without disassembling the dash. Suggestions would be welcome ...
READ ANSWERengine control warning
Sunday 02/16/2025 | 2016 | Boxster S | Electronics
What causes the engine control warning to come on?
READ ANSWERAny alternatives for spare tire?
Sunday 02/16/2025 | 1987 | 944 Turbo | Wheels and Tires
Worried that the original spare tire is not trustworthy and curious as to any alternatives out there (i have 17" wheels on my 1987 Turbo 944).thanks!!
READ ANSWERWhat could cause an intermittent Popping or Clicking noise under car while driving similar to the pinging of a hot heat exchanger after turning it off?
Tuesday 02/11/2025 | 1984 | 911 Carrera | Engine
While driving I hear an intermittent popping or grinding noise from under the car. I just had a new set of tires put on and brakes look ok. It Has new tie rods.Any common issues that I should check first?Torsion Bars, shocks, emergency brake, brackets, bushings, etc?
READ ANSWER986 Headlight Switch
Tuesday 02/11/2025 | 1999 | Boxster | Electrical
Can anyone explain how the parking lights, left or right side as the knob indicates, are activated? Also, the fog lamps, is the switch supposed to stay extended and not snap back in to the console? Are the front and back fogs controlled independently, or do they work together when switched on?
READ ANSWERIt sounds like engine belt sequels when starting engine
Tuesday 02/11/2025 | 2007 | Boxster S | Other
The center section of passenger seat is puckered like it’s been heat damaged
READ ANSWERWhat repair should I make on seat center section
Tuesday 02/11/2025 | 2007 | Boxster S | Interior/Upholstery
The center section of passenger seat is puckered like it’s been heat damaged
READ ANSWERConvertible top makes noise when opening & closing. Does something need to be lubed?
Friday 02/07/2025 | 2005 | Boxster S | Other
READ ANSWERIn regard to a hose next to my battery
Friday 02/07/2025 | 1998 | 911 Carrera 4S | Accessories
few days ago I replace my battery on my 98 993 C4S and I found a clear hose I dangling next to the battery with one end going in to the fender and other end is lose. Could you please tell me where this hose go? Thanks if you need a picture I could send it to you also.
READ ANSWERAfter replacing the battery in my 2009 Boxster S the airbag light is illuminated. I've driven it 200+ miles with numerous starts and stops yet it remains illuminated. Any idea how to turn it off?
Sunday 02/02/2025 | 2009 | Boxster S | Electronics
READ ANSWERI bought a 1993 968 cabriolet about 7 months ago. Since that time, opening the trunk is intermittent. Opening it with either the key or the switch on the lower left panel works sometime. I've checked and replaced the fuse even though it's ok. I removed the switch and checked it and its ok. I can't check the trunk latch at this time because today nothing works. Any guidance you can give me will be most appreciated. Thanks, Paul
Saturday 02/01/2025 | 1993 | 968 Cabriolet | Electrical
READ ANSWERNeed help decoding this engine number. M96/25AT61665476
Friday 01/31/2025 | 2005 | Boxster | Engine
READ ANSWERAnyone know of a good trustworthy body shop in the DMV area that will work on a 944?
Friday 01/31/2025 | 1988 | 944 | Body
READ ANSWERHow can I get the Homelink of my 2008 Cayman S to work with the new technology of a new Chamberlin garage door opener? I follow the directions from the owner's manual to no avail. The Homelink worked fine with my 36 year old Chamberlin garage door opener, but not the new one.
Friday 01/31/2025 | 2008 | Cayman S | Electronics
READ ANSWEROEM tire sized for 2003 996.2 convertible
Wednesday 01/29/2025 | 2003 | 911 Carrera Cabriolet | Wheels and Tires
READ ANSWERWhat maybe causing my 1975 911 S Surging bucking 1,000 to 3,000 rpm
Wednesday 01/29/2025 | 1975 | 911S | Engine
What maybe causing my 1975 911S to surge and buck during acceleration from 1,000 to 3,000 rpms
READ ANSWERLooking for someone in Michigan that can do a valve adjustment 3.0L air cooled with out A/C
Tuesday 01/28/2025 | 1981 | 911 SC Targa | Engine
READ ANSWERThe painted surrounds on the headlights of my Cayman are cracked and pitting even though the car has been garaged its entire life. Is there a remedy to make these look better?
Sunday 01/26/2025 | 2014 | Cayman | Body
Is there a solution to repairing the pitted and cracked black paint that surrounds the headlights other than replacing them? This is the only cosmetic issue with my eleven year old Cayman which is in excellent overall condition.Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
READ ANSWERTroubleshooting drivers side heated seat not working
Sunday 01/26/2025 | 2004 | Boxster | Electrical
I took ownership Knowing that the driver side heated seat was not working inn2023. When I touch the switch the red light comes on but goes right off.I’ve done some of my own troubleshooting by exchanging the switch from the passenger side, replacing the relay ( also exchanging with the one from the passenger side)under the seat and replacing the short harness, and took some ohm readings from the heaters. One of the heater pads is clear yet the other one seems to be a loop and is wired ...
READ ANSWERIntermittant ABS and PSM failure lights
Saturday 01/25/2025 | 2007 | 911 Carrera S Cabriolet | Electronics
I was periodically getting ABS and PSM failure lights. I tested the battery and it tested good, so that was not the cause of these "grimlims". Now these failure lights are coming on more often. My question is about driving safety. When these lights come on, am I driving without ABS? Also, how difficult will it be to get this repaired?
READ ANSWERBattery replacement on cayman 2009 S 3.4 (PDK)
Saturday 01/25/2025 | 2009 | Cayman S | Electronics
Hi, I wanted to replace my battery on cayman 2009 S 3.4(PDK), currently it has lead acid battery. I was thinking of replacing it with AGM battery.https://www.autozone.com/batteries-starting-and-charging/battery/p/duralast-platinum-agm-battery-bci-group-size-94r-850-cca-h7-agm/319458_0_0I wanted to know if its possible to replace it with AGM battery and does it need any programming after installing ?Thanks ...
READ ANSWERInterior mirror replacement recommended glue / epoxy / adhesive
Saturday 01/25/2025 | 1970 | 911T | Body
Question 1) - is there a preferred glue or adhesive for do-it-yourself interior rear view mirror replacement? I've also read about a mirror adhesive pad?Question 2) - are the factory attached to windshield interior mirrors supposed to look that ugly from the outside where it shows some minimal glue drop?Question 3) - is it better just to have a car glass shop do this task?Detail - I bought a new interior mirror to replace my detached 1970 911t's origina ...
READ ANSWERCan anyone recommend a shop for an air cooled rebuild in the southeast? I am looking to rebuild a 1970 911T engine.
Friday 01/24/2025 | 1970 | 911T Targa | Engine
READ ANSWERThe headlight on my 2014 Cayman is out. Generally, what should I expect to pay to have a new headlight installed? The service department at the local dealership quoted me $2200.00--that seems ridiculously steep
Friday 01/24/2025 | 2014 | Cayman | Other
READ ANSWERSeeking expertise on 1969 911 T
Thursday 01/23/2025 | 1969 | 911T | Other
New to the group; registered as a test drive member. I’m looking to purchase a vintage 911 - currently looking at a 1969 911T in Alberta, Canada.While I’ve owned other vintage cars, this would be my first Porsche. I’m looking to connect with experts on this era car to help guide me in determining originality / correctness as well as what to look out for when evaluating the car for purchase.Greatly appreciate the groups time. Hopefully, with some help, I’ ...
READ ANSWERKeyless Start
Thursday 01/23/2025 | 2014 | Cayman S | Accessories
I have recently purchased my first Porsche. I have seen that my year can have the keyless start and I am not sure if mine has it or how I can put it in my car if I can. I have looked around online and can not find anything. The only thing I keep seeing is "dummy key replacements". Nothing about how to install this feature if it doesn't have it. If anyone can help, I would greatly appreciate it!!
READ ANSWERI am new to group and just completing body and paint work on a 71 - 911T. I am now looking for a good engine rebuild shop in Orange County. Any suggestions would be much appreciated. Thanks Ed
Wednesday 01/22/2025 | 1971 | 911T Targa | Engine
I have had my Porsche 911 Targa for over 30 years and have finally got around to restoring it. I am completing paint and body work through Shane at Jim East and son. He is an awesome guy and a real master at his craft. I am looking for some help on getting a rebuild of my 911 T 2.2 and I am considering upgrading it to a 2.4. Not looking to make it a racer and want to keep it original as much as possible. Trying to keep cost down as well. This is planned to be a daily/weekend drivable car ...
READ ANSWERWhat coil springs does Porsche offer to use with the 993 shock absorber from Porsche Classic?
Wednesday 01/15/2025 | 1996 | 911 Carrera 4 | Suspension
Hi,I would like to upgrade the shocks on my 1996 Carrera 4 with the units offered by Porsche Classic. However, I am completely confused on what the available spring options are for these shocks. My goal is to achieve standard ROW ride height without going to a firmer setup (M030?). Based on what I have read it would seem that what I am after are M033 springs. There is a lot of conflicting information out there though and terms get thrown around loosely, so I am not even entirely su ...
READ ANSWERDoes anyone local (Central Mass) have a 9201 tool I can borrow for my first 944 timing belt change?
Wednesday 01/15/2025 | 1983 | 944 | Engine
Willing to come grab it within a reasonable distance.
READ ANSWERRequest help with installing rear sway bar bushing for the sway bar arm
Tuesday 01/14/2025 | 1968 | 911L | Suspension
Mr. Mayo,I got the rear bushings that you recommended to replace the missing sway bar arm (901-343-782-00). The sway bar arm does not separate to accommodate this bushing. There doesn't seem to be any way for me to push this bushing through the hole of the arm that will hold the bushing. Do I need to buy the whole arm and bushing as a set? I'm enclosing pictures of the rear sway bar arm and the bushing that is very sturdy and will not bend enough to be pushed into place ...
READ ANSWERWhat is the distance between exhaust cutouts on 996 Carrera (inside to inside and outside to outside)? I'm planning an exhaust re-do on my 01 9896S.
Tuesday 01/14/2025 | 2001 | Boxster S | Body
READ ANSWERmy milage on the odometer can not read.
Saturday 01/11/2025 | 2002 | Boxster S | Electronics
READ ANSWERHas anyone had experience with Bilstein versus Ohlin coilovers?
Friday 01/10/2025 | 2008 | 911 Carrera S | Performance Modifications
Track car several times a year. Have <200 treadwear tires Porsche 19 inch turbo wheels, added camber plates to moderately increase negative camber and this significantly improved turn in on the track. Otherwise suspension is stock. Would like to lower car 1.5-2cm with coilovers and add stiffer sway bars. Understand this will make car stiffer on the street. Does any one have experience with Ohlin Dual Flow Valve coilovers or Bilstein Coilovers? ...
READ ANSWERWhat is a goodLos Angeles Area Porsche workshop / Mechanic for 996 generation
Friday 01/10/2025 | 1999 | 911 Carrera | Other
Hi, live near LAX. Looking for a recommendation for a good shop that works on this generation 911. Want to pay reasonable labor rates and not get a long list of this/that needs to be done. Current service need is new plugs, coil packs and injectors. Would also like to replace the AOS. Thank you in advance for your replies
READ ANSWERWhy won't both window switches work and why won't windows automatically lower when the top is raised or lowered?
Friday 01/10/2025 | 2001 | Boxster S | Electrical
Since Fall 2023 I've been unable to operate the windows via the window switches. In August 2023 I replaced the 12V battery. The previous one was dead and I had to use the jumper in the fuse box to open the hood. At some point after that I was unable to close the windows using the window switches. I go months without driving the Boxster (yes it’s a garage queen) and I normally leave the windows open in order to connect my Battery Tender to the cigarette so ...
READ ANSWERWill 17" 987.2 Wheels fit on 987.1
Friday 01/10/2025 | 2007 | Boxster | Wheels and Tires
I would like to put snow tires on my Boxster with 17" wheels. Will the 17" wheels from a 987.2 fit on my 987.1? The spec wheels for the 987.1 are 17 x 6.5 ET55 front and 17 x 8 ET40 rear. The 987.2 wheels have the same offset but both front and rear are 0.5" wider. I reviewed the specs for the 18" and 19" wheels for the 987.1 and these 987.2 wheels will fit in the envelope of those. Can you confirm these would fit without issues? Would I need spacers?Thanks,Pat ...
READ ANSWERI have a stick 997.1 Targa 4s. I’d like to put a set of all season tires on the car for winter / spring driving, but the only tires I have found which are currently produced for the factory wheels are summer /performance. What wheels and/or tires can I put on the car, and if I were to change the tires would I be affecting the all wheel drive system?
Thursday 01/09/2025 | 2008 | 911 Targa 4S | Wheels and Tires
Thanks for the help!
READ ANSWERMy reverse camera and Kenwood after market stereo stopped working. My car still ran and drove great. I checked all of the fuses in order to see if this was the cause of my issue. All of the fuses are good, now the psm failure light comes on when I try to start the vehicle and the engine turns over but doesn't start.
Thursday 01/09/2025 | 2006 | 911 Carrera 4S | Electronics
None.
READ ANSWERRecommendations for clear coat on polished alloy wheels
Thursday 01/09/2025 | 1971 | 911S | Accessories
Refinishing Fuchs alloys. Paddles and rim faces are polished. Anybody have experience with clear coating the polished bits?
READ ANSWERHow do I repair alignment of convertible top?
Thursday 01/09/2025 | 2001 | 911 Carrera Cabriolet | Other
The convertible top on my 2001 c2 911 does not fully align with the track on either side, when the top comes up. I understand there is a cable or two that can be adjusted or tightened, or they may be stretched beyond adjustment and need replaced. Can I easily replace these cables (part name?) myself, or better off going to a shop. My shop won't touch convertible tops. Would appreciate any guidance or recommendations. Located in Providence, Rhode Island. ...
READ ANSWERwhy am I having to add coolant after a day of use?
Thursday 01/09/2025 | 2017 | 718 Cayman S | Engine
It started about 200 miles ago (a Month ago), I started to get a yellow caution warning light after starting the car. I checked the coolant and it showed it was about 4 to 5oz down in the filler tube. It would some times go off and come back on and if I ran it a little longer I would get the Red warning light saying to stop immediately, this would stop after a few minutes of driving. The car has never overheated or given a fault in the system. I had a water pump fail which was covered under w ...
READ ANSWERHow is the rubber brake line removed from the rear calipers on a ‘96 993 C2?
Wednesday 01/08/2025 | 1996 | 911 Carrera | Brakes
Turning the 14mm nut on the rubber line winds up the line, but does not allow removal from the caliper. Dark areas are from penetrating oil spray, which worked!
READ ANSWERWhat's special about a Mezger engine in a 2003 996 turbo?
Tuesday 01/07/2025 | 2003 | 911 Turbo | Engine
READ ANSWERMy digital clock just stopped working. Other than dropping $500 bucks for a new one from Porsche, is there anything I could try?
Tuesday 01/07/2025 | 1989 | 944 S2 | Electrical
The German guy on YouTube shows how to rebuild one but it looks like really intricate work. There are a few used ones on eBay but who knows...
READ ANSWERThere's a Cayman for sale that needs an engine replacement - how do you value this?
Monday 01/06/2025 | 2007 | Cayman S | Engine
READ ANSWERFront end clunking sound!
Monday 01/06/2025 | 2016 | Cayman S | Suspension
I am experiencing a "clunking" sound in the front end when I pull the Cayman out of the garage and into a sharp 90 degree backing turn. I have 20" factory wheels onto which are mounted Pirelli P-Zero tires 235/35 ZR20. Many forums claim the issue is common and is due to the excessive amount of camber specified for the front end alignment, resulting in the tires "skipping" (and thereby, making the clunking sound) under lateral load. Well, I just had the alignment checked and the only spec t ...
READ ANSWER