More crappy parts...grrr

So the BMW has been making odd cranky noises lately. Sounding very unhealthy going down these fine MN roads we have. So I finally got to investigating:

On the left are the caliper bolts from the rebuilt caliper I put on a few months ago. On the right are the original BMW pins that I had the foresight to keep!

It appears to me that the originals are some grade of stainless, and have a hex drive, instead of the rebuild pins that have my arch-enemy the torx drive!

I am going to try out using the original pins and seeing if that helps the clunk, wish me luck.

-g

Wheeler Dealers

Okay readers. Those of you that know me personally know that I love British television, and I also love cars.  Since moving in with my new roommate Jake, he has introduced me to a little tele show form the BBC called Wheeler Dealers.

Whealer Dealers on Wikipedia

I cannot believe I had never even heard of this show before the last week or so!! This show could easily be me in either role, and the cars are TOTALLY what I would work with.

Regardless, if you have access to Velocity Network on your cable box, or have access to it over some video service: Check it out!

:)

Porsche engine mounts

So the Porsche has some wicked driveline lash. It has had it for quite sometime and I finally decided to try replacing the engine mounts in hopes that they would help. As readers will recall I recently moved back to the Twin Cities area and am renting a room in a basement while the rest of my life gets figured out. This means I don't have access to my own garage and tools that I have been living with.

So I decided to tackle the mount replacement in the driveway using a toolbox full of tools from my work collection and the emergency jack from the Porsche.

Ultimately the engine mount replacement is rather straight forward on these cars. I did have to run back to work to grab a few extra pieces I neglected to grab the first time. I also got denied warranty at BOTH Oreilly's Auto Parts and  NAPA, both on "lifetime" warranty hand tools. Craftsman and Snap-on for me from now on.

When I did finally get the old mounts out I was certainly glad that I was going through this! The old mounts appear to be very stretched out, to the tune of 1/2"+ so it is hard to say what is left of the mount internal fluids!








I also took some time to attempt to "patch" the gas tank vent line in the right front wheel well. The pipes had clearly been rubbed against the tire at some point. I wrapped them in a bit of fuel hose with some RTV smeared in. It definitely smoothed the idle out a little, though the idle is still VERY rough and a bit of a search left.

All in all I would consider this a successful day of wrenching!

Porsche RS motor mounts

http://www.6speedonline.com/forums/996-turbo-gt2/255433-rs-motor-mounts-diy-w-pics-part-nos.html

Found this write-up today on using the 964 RS trim engine mounts on a 996. I think I might go this route once the bank account decides to have money in it again. Looks like almost $450 worth of parts which is a bit harsh i think, but I will see what can be hashed out.

:)

BMW oil filter housing gasket

The old gasket has the consistency of soft sandstone. Slightly embrittled!

BMW oil filter housing gasket.

So the Ci has been leakin oil from the side of the block from quite some time. I decided I had best fix it now before I end up moving into a shitty garage-less apartment.
The gasket itself is an o-ring style gasket that goes between the engine block and the oil filter housing. Getting parts off is the hardest part!
I discovered some rather strange wear on the pressure valve when I got the block off. Not sure what to think of it yet. Probably going to throw it back on like so! :)

Relic

Wow, started sorting through stuff in anticipation of the upcoming move and look what I found. Class ring...man was I cool back then! :)