Fix My Porsche! Mechanical Concerns of Different Models
Porsches are great cars, and like anything that special they need extra care to remain at their best. When you have a skilled Porsche technician on your side, they can let you know the special needs that different eras of Porsches have. For instance, the Porsche 911s that came out of the factory from the 1960s to the late 90s featured engines which are cooled by air and circulating oil. Competition from Ferrari (and emissions standards), however, pushed the company to change things up and switch to liquid cooled engines, which simultaneously offer better performance and less noise.
Some enthusiasts still prefer the air-cooled models, however, so vintage Porsches tend to be popular because these old air cooled models are becoming harder to find. Fans of the old air-cooled Porsches prefer them because they like the feel of the engine and enjoy the rich hot rod sound. Yet mechanical problems still happen regardless of your car’s type of cooling method. We’re constantly having Porsche fans with a vintage car calling our Cincinnati shop and saying, “Hey, when can you fix my Porsche?”
Decades of Porsche 911s Require Different Special Care
Porsche 911s feature flat 6-cylinder engines, which explains their robust power and incredible performance. The 912, only sold from 1965 until 1969, did have a 4-cylinder engine, but they tend to suffer from a lackluster performance in comparison to those heady 6-cylinders.
The 964 Porsche is the third generation of 911s—which was the later era of the air-cooled Porsches produced between 1989 and ‘94—and features a bold new body with smoother bumpers and better designed aerodynamics, which really helps its performance and fuel efficiency. In an excellent example of Porsche innovation, these 964s are some of the first cars to benefit from power steering and anti-lock brakes.
The Porsche 911: The Timeless Automobile of Connoisseurs
All 911s are well designed and built to last. In fact, by most estimates, roughly 70 percent of all Porsches ever built are still on the road—or a museum. As with any make of car, every model has its own type of mechanical issues, so do your research before you buy. No matter what you choose, there will still be a day that you’ll be calling your Porsche mechanic, saying, “Hey, please fix my Porsche!”
Common Areas Where Your Porsche Might Need Some Repair
What are the most common repair problems that we see after someone calls and says “Fix my Porsche”? Oil leaks are pretty common for our Porsche technicians to see on a number different models, often involving valve cover gaskets and spark plug seals. The most damaging leaks come from the rear main seal, which usually shows up in the center of the engine transmission area. The oil pooling in the bell housing can cause your clutch to slip and then pretty much eat it up if you don’t catch it in time.
If you’re storing the car, be sure to check your engine for oil leaks. An older rear main seal in particular needs the heat of driving to keep the seal supple and effective, so they will tend to loosen, dehydrate, or crack when the car is left to sit. If you see a new oil stain where you park your car, just take it to your favorite Porsche mechanic for some car troubleshooting, and they will be able to get you patched up and back on the road as soon as possible.
An Experienced Vintage Porsche Technician Is a MustWhen you have an older Porsche, you want to know that your Porsche technician specializes in vintage car repair, so they know how to diagnose the types of problems that may come along with those classic beauties. Not only can they keep the car going, but will also be able to help you with your Porsche brakes so you can stop safely as well. Your Cincinnati auto repair shop will be happy to let you know the details if you call ahead to get an idea of how long your Porsche repair will take. And with a car mechanic you can trust, you will be sure to have your car back in great shape ASAP.
