1983 944...
 

Hello,

I'm new to the porsche scene. I recently got a 1983 porsche 944. I traded a 1997 VW Jetta GLS with 80k for the 83 944 with 85k.

I've run into a couple of problems with it and have some questions.

First thing is the cooling system went a couple of times. First it was the upper hose to the top of the block. Then the cooling resivoir cracked and leaked out. What I did for the upper hose was put a upper hose from a 81 El Camino and I parked the car on a hill to elevate the resivoir to get the air out of the system. Just today the car is starting to run hot. The coolant level is fine. I can't figure out why the car is running so hot.

Second, is that the car burns oil. It doesn't put out any blue smoke, but it still burns the oil. Sometimes 1 qt every 500 miles, sometimes every 600 miles. Is it normal for the 944's to burn oil? If not the only thing I can think of is piston rings.

Any input would be a great help.

Thanks,

SnaveZ :)

RE: 1983 944...
 

You still have air in the cooling system. Parking up hill will not get you anywhere, as these car's will not bleed themselves out like that. Did your old upper radiator hose have the little red valve on it? If not, then look on the coolant neck at the head where the hose attaches, there is a bleeder screw. Warm the car up, and crack that a few times to let the air out (be careful, it is hot obviously). If it did have the red bleeder valve, then you need to replace it with the same hose, because that is your only way of bleeding the system out, unless you get a vacuum bleeder.

Normal spec is 1quart of oil every 1000 miles. If you are burning more than that, then you have a ring or valve seal issue.