I'm looking at a 1987 911 and have been warned about faulty valve guide issues. Is this true? Anyone experience this? - Ken

 

I had over 100K miles on the first (factory) engine and now have over 128K on my rebuilt engine and have never had a problem with valve guides.....ever. I haven't heard this being a problem with the 3.2L engine, maybe someone else can chime in. Pipes

 

This thread is a few months old but let me resurrect it. My own '87 Carrera's engine has never been opened and now has 103,300 miles with no smoking at all, even if not driven in a few days. No valve issues! I make a point of driving it for about 15 to 20 miles 3 or more times/week since I've owned it; I bought it in 2007 with 68k miles.

The valve guide issue does happen to 3.2 Carreras, as it did on an '85 we had; it was a problem we inherited from the previous owner but was not apparent on purchase. It happens on cars that don't get driven long enough for the oil to warm up and circulate all around... mostly on owners who commute short distances, garage queens or those who are afraid to harm the car by driving them too hard or to rev them to redline. That causes more harm than good... the car was designed for driving it in a sporting manner and that is what I try to do with mine; so far, so good!

 

Cybergypsey,
Thanks for the info, it is much appreciated. I was looking at a 1987 cab at the time and didn't know much about the car at the time. I did my research on the car and was comfortable enough with the answers I received that I bought the car. After having some work done on the car I am a very happy owner of the triple black driving machine.
Thanks again,
Ken

 

cibergypsey,
I tried to reply to your PM but I don't think I have enough posts to do so? It didn't appear to have gone through... I wanted to reply so...Thanks for the offer but I am already chipped.

Ken

 

No problem kkkarpuk! Thanks for writing back!

 

As others have said, this CAN be an issue on '87 models and others. My '87 911 had this issue and I had the top end rebuilt. If you're in the market and it's already had a top end rebuild that would be very appealing to me as a buyer. If not, get a full PPI to see if it's an issue on the one you're looking at.

 

Premature valve guide wear is a problem with 3.2s. Some cars that sat for long periods of time showed wear at +-60K miles. My 87' has a couple of leaks but at 160K miles the valves appear to be fine. Porsche experimented with metallurgy in the valve guides and actually used a softer metal in the 3.2 Carreras than in the earlier SC model.

The engine was also designed to run hotter to mitigate emissions which further exacerbated the wear issue. The exhaust valves are on the underside of the engine do not get as much cooling as they are a greater distance from the fan. Teflon seals used in the 3.2s could starve the valves of oil because of their tight tolerances.

The easiest to test for wear without taking the engine out is to have someone follow you and watch your exhaust pipe on deceleration. Run the car up in the revs and lift off suddenly. A waft of blue smoke indicates worn guides. If you are contemplating a rebuild I recommend the US-made phosphor-bronze guides. Viton seals are an improvement on the Teflon ones. Worn guides will over time allow the valve to move around and eventually ovalize the seat.

 

I stick by my original comments....change your oil and filter every 3500 miles and have your valves adjusted every 15K miles and you won't ever have any valve guide issues....mistreat you engine and you pay the consequences....