Project Stork Episode 2: Triumph & Heartbreak
Project Stork episode 2 finds good and bad news, with a silver lining.
In the first installment of Project Stork, we saw Internet Brands editor Manuel Carrillo III begin the process of resurrecting the 1977 Porsche 911S that belonged to his father. It’s the car that brought him home from the hospital, and in part two, we learn that it will be teaching him valuable mechanical skills as well.
The episode begins with the installation of a fresh battery. It’s no small task in an aircooled Porsche 911 – to improve weight distribution, it’s placed as far forward as possible, underneath the driver’s side headlamp. There’s not a lot of space to work in, and plenty of opportunities to damage trim, snag wires, and generally make a mess of things. There’s only one way in, and one way out, more or less.
With the battery installed, Manuel set to work testing the 911’s various electrical functions. Everything – save for a single, solitary brake light – seems to be working fine. However, attempting to start the engine presents a problem. With the car sitting since 2002, the engine is so locked up that the starter motor cannot turn the engine over.
The spark plugs are removed, so that penetrating oil can be squirted into the combustion chambers in a last-ditch effort to free the stuck pistons. those piston rings have more than likely rusted themselves to the cylinder bores. unfortunately, the spark plug on the number one cylinder simply will not budge. A C-TEK battery charger is installed to keep the battery in peak condition during what will likely be a prolonged period of dormancy.
With these developments, the choice is made to drain the oil, and check its condition. Despite being at minimum fifteen years old, the oil looks to be in great shape. While the scope of the project may have increased considerably, Manuel has committed himself to learning more about DIY mechanical work, and we’re all happy to accompany him on that journey. Stay tuned for Episode 3!
