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Porsche 944 Reliability: How Time Affects the Classic Transaxle | Tech Tactics

Porsche Club of America

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George Beuselinck is our club's expert on four-cylinder front-engine transaxle Porsches. He ran 944 Ecology, a parts business where he became intimately familiar with every mechanical aspect of the car as he dismantled and restored the 944. In this presentation, he gives us a run down of what to expect if you're a 944 owner — or are thinking of purchasing one. It’s an essential watch if you want to learn how time has affected one of our favorite Porsche transaxle models.

0:00 - introduction
1:38 - Basic truths about Porsches
2:00 - Agenda
2:32 - Engine Problems (chain tensioners, cylinder scoring and oil leaks)
9:32 - Rod Bearings
11:41 - Body issues (rust, body leaks, rear hatch separation, front control arms, plastic and odo gears)
18:51 - Torque tubes
20:37 - Clutch
21:49 - Transaxle failures
23:16 - Motor mount failure
24:17 - Ignition/Fuel
27:20 - Fuel tank
28:58 - Air Flow Meter
30:06 - Electrical problems
32:38 - Parts availability
34:20 - The good news is….
36:40 - Internet forums
37:43 - Good information sources
39:15 - PCA Technical Information

#TechTactics #Porsche944 #Porsche968 #Porsche924
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19 Comments

@jvaubry 1 month ago

I am an automotive engineer for an OEM and I am doing a full restoration oa 1988 944 turbo. A lot of this information is available in Clark’s garage publication, as well as the internet. These are great cars, and a lot of the systems can be improved by resources as indicated here as well on the internet. As they are a Porsche, a lot of the parts can still be purchased from Porsche, as they have a heritage division to support these vehicles still on the road. Keep in mind, as these are Porsche’s, the part prices may be more than you want to spend, but resorting to aftermarket replacement parts may not be in your best interest, either. I have been collecting parts for my restoration over 10 years, and have spent many times more than the car is economically worth, but I enjoy the restoration of this vehicle so it’s worth it to me!

@danf321 4 months ago

The biggest issue with my 944 is finding a repair shop that won’t screw up your car when fixing the original problem.

@Laguna2013 4 months ago

I sold my '86 base 944 maybe 22 years ago. It had 80K plus miles and still felt new. Never should have sold it.

@DarkClosetOfTheMind 4 months ago

I’ve owned several 944s and I still learned a ton here. Great information!

@kurtmoser3793 4 months ago

Great information, thanks George! 924 owner here, and I'm not sure how much translates to early 924s, but this is helpful. If nothing else, it helps in terms of asking the right questions about the car.

@danielcollins2617 4 months ago

Thanks George. You are a great resource for our community. Over the years you have helped me navigate the ins and out of the 944.

@anthonydietmeier6524 4 months ago

Transaxles on a PCA vid. Hell yeah. Can't wait to watch later.

@TheTardis157 3 months ago (edited)

I repair a nice 87 Nile Green 944 for my dad (when I'm not working on 928s) and wound up replacing what feels like everything in the engine bay to make it safe and reliable, from the intake gaskets and fuel lines, all the way down to the rod bearings and rebuilding the entire power steering system. I just wish it was easier to find a good shop willing to do work on them as I had to redo the oil cooler housing reseal done by a reputable shop that was leaking among other small issues. Once you get everything done you don't have to worry about it for the next 10 years though!

PS, the small fuel hose that goes from the fuel rail to the damper is under a Porsche recall so you might get lucky and be able to get Porsche to give you one for free!

@Markus-Domanski 3 months ago

My parents bought this as a 4-year old car in 1989 and I drove it until 2009, literally with zero maintenance other than regular timing belt service, which unfortunately didn't stop it from breaking once. It's very reliable daily driver, can't say anything bad about it. Nowadays the 944 is rare, so it will be a challenge to find a competent mechanic.

@Viper944S2 4 months ago

This was fantastic! Thank you!

@RobertLinnett-p1m 4 months ago

This is very informative. PCA should offer a word doc of this talk. Also why doesn't PCA set up the Youtube videos so we don't get these ads in the middle of the video.

@brucecoopersmith4318 4 months ago

Hi George!

@billtaglia2865 4 months ago

I bought an ‘87 base 944 new in ‘87. Sold it in 2019. Bought a 2017 Cayman. Other than a rear main seal leak l, the 944 was in great shape. If I had a third garage, I would have kept it instead of garaging it at a friend’s garage. I put so much money into it over the last two years of ownership that what I sold it for equaled all the dough I spent on repairs. I never saw one that was in the shape it was in. Maraschino red.

@jbminutiae 4 months ago

Hi George and PCA, Thank you for this amazing video. I have since read through all of the PCA posts regarding the early 944.

I found the Technical Bulletin #9501 regarding the air conditioning. I would like to know how to collect any Technical Bulletins for the early 944.

Thank you again!