Just bought this car, and it's getting spark, and fuel, how can I tell if it's jumped time, and if it did, can this cause damage?, thanks

 

To much to type here, if you want call me and Ill tell you how to check it out. Randy at 803 462 8335

 

If the timing belt breaks or jumps time the valves can be ruined. The 944 has an interference engine, the valves open into the in the piston's space in the cylinders. Generally this makes for a very powerfull and efficient engine, but if the timing isn't absolutly perfect the valves will be struck by the pistons. Once this haqppens they dont seat properly and you won't get any compression. Porsche used the interference design to allow more fuel and air to mix (the valves open much wider) - giving the 944 more power than its mid 80's 4 cylinder engine would have otherwise.

If when you start the car it seems to be turning over very very easily but not fireing - it is pretty much going to need a valve job. You can carefully turn the cam shaft and note the top dead center position marks to be absolutly sure.

The bad news is this is a $2000 repair. The good new is this repair restores lost compression. Over time the valves wear and the engine loses some oomph. While you are at it get the head ported and polished.

 

In the model year 1983 the valves would actually not connect with the pistons but I think all other years would if i am remmembering correctly.

 

I'm pretty sure your wrong. It was the early 924s that didn't have interference engines. In 198(6?) the 924 got a 944 engine and thus has the same interference design. From 1981 in Europe and 1983 in the US all 944s share the same basic 2.5 liter engine design. In 1987 and 1989 (late 88 really) they got horse power increases. In 89 the displacement was increased from 2.5 to 2.7 liters.