Tech Quiz Answers

ANSWER: There are a total of 14 fasteners, seven plastic ones, and seven embedded studs. It is important to know where they are located when you are removing the dash pad so that you don't accidentally miss one, and damage your pad.

2. On a Mechanical Fuel Injection pump, which direction do you turn the low-rpm or idle mixture adjustment screw to richen up the mixture?

ANSWER: To richen up the mixture, turn the screw clockwise. Never turn the screw while the car is running, as you can damage the pump.

3. What is the part number of the aftermarket points that fit the older Marelli distributors?

ANSWER: 911.602.960.00, manufactured by IKAR. Rumour has it that these are the same points that are used on some type of Mercedes.

4. In what year, did Porsche use a 340 F degree oil temperature gauge module in the dashboard?

ANSWER: 1977 was the only year that these 340 degree temp units appeared. After that, Porsche eliminated the numbers from the oil temp gauge. A popular upgrade is to use the earlier style numbered gauges in the later style 911s. They simply pop into the dashboard. However, you must match the temperature sender to the gauge unit.

5. From 1965-89, how many different production 'tails' were implemented, and what were their commonly-referred to names?

ANSWER: There were six: Duck Tail, Early Turbo Tail, Early Carrera Tail (like the Turbo Tail but without the extra grille),Tea Tray Tail (the big whale tail), the later-style Carrera tail, and the 1989 C4 retractable tail. There were other sports-package rubber tails, but these were the main six that I was looking for.

6. Old-style sunroof cables are no longer available. What modifications must be done to the newer 964 cables in order to install them in an 911SC?

ANSWER: You need to file down the edge of the guide, and also remove the felt from the cable. An alternative would be to upgrade to the 964 roof guide pieces, but these cost several hundreds of dollars to replace.

7. How many bushings are replaced when upgrading to the bronze pedal bushing kit (non-power brake 911)?

ANSWER: There are a total of seven bronze bushings replaced. These bronze bushings replace the older plastic ones, and last a lot longer.

8. What is the best way to fix rocker arm oil leaks? What is the part number that is used in this fix?

ANSWER: Use the RSR rocker arm shaft seal, part number 911.099.103.52. This seal was never used on a production car, but is an easy fix for potential oil leaks. With small hands, the right tools, and a lot of patience, it is possible to install these seals in the rockers with the engine in the car.

9. Which one is the brown chain ramp?

ANSWER: The one located in the lower right corner of the engine case. Honestly, I'm not sure why it's brown. If someone can shed some light on this, I would love to know.

10. Why do you need to place the engine at Top Dead Center (TDC) for cylinder #1 when installing the Carrera Chain Tensioner kit?

ANSWER: Because you need to remove the distributor in order to tighten up the inside left line. Setting the engine at TDC means that you will be able to index the distributor back to its original position.

11. What is Porsche tool 9191, and what is it used for?

ANSWER: This is the late-style cam-nut tool, used for removing the camshaft nuts on post-1980 cars. I have seen at least one 1982 car with the older style nuts on the camshafts (my car), so check your camshafts before you order this $50 tool - you might need the older one instead.

12. How many shims total should you have on your fan pulley?

ANSWER: You should have a total of six on the pulley at all times. Failure to have six on the shaft at all times can lead to the fan belt slipping off, and your engine overheating. This is very important, and not well understood. I know someone that this happened to, and it cooked their motor when it overheated!

13. How can you usually tell the difference between a Factory Turbo Look, and a conversion?

ANSWER: There are several clues. The Turbo Look from the factory will have all the Turbo Suspension parts on it. The Turbo Looks were simply Turbo cars with the normally aspirated engine installed (and five-speed). A quick check is to look at the decklid shocks for the rear. The Turbos had one on each side - most conversions place two on the same side. Really good conversions will have the suspension, and will look very stock, but will probably not have the decklid shocks on both sides.

14. What popular "office supplies" product is invaluable for installing your headliner? (not glue)

ANSWER: Binder Clips. Very useful for keeping the headliner in place while the glue is drying. Make sure that you have about 50 of these on hand.

15. What is the difference between the original rear spring-plate bushings, and the replacement ones?

ANSWER: The replacement ones are not vulcanized like the originals, and tend to squeek. Make sure that your bushings are truly worn before replacing them. The aftermarket ones are not as good as the original factory ones.

16. On the rear trailing arm of the 911SC, what are the four adjustment nuts used for? (also specify their location from back to front)

ANSWER: From back to front, Rear Camber Adjustment, Rear Toe-in, Ride Height Adjustment, and Locking bolt.

17. Besides the engine, list 5 specific differences between the early 912s and the 911.

ANSWER: The 912 had a rain tray above the engine, often had a 3-gauge cluster, 4-speed transmission standard, didn't have extra weights in the front bumper, forward-mounting motor mounts.

18. What tool should you always use to disconnect hard brake lines from the car?

ANSWER: A flare-nut wrench. Using a standard box wrench can cause damage to the soft connectors on the ends of the lines. Replacement of the lines can be a very annoying, and frustrating job if they become damaged. Don't think that you can get away without using this tool - 9 times out of ten, you will destroy your brake lines trying!

19. 'Y' tires are rated for what maximum speed?

ANSWER: 186 miles per hour.

20. What issue of Consumer Reports did an indepth overview of motor oils and how they affect your car's performane?

ANSWER: July 1996. This was a VERY good article, and is still very appropriate for today's cars...

-Wayne