Dumbest Thing Options

[bkrantz]

I know we have threads about PO stupidity, but how about the dumbest 914 thing you have done?

I will start with a, ahem, senior moment I had today. When I tried to add oil after my recent engine re-installation, it would not go in. Short version: I forgot to remove the paper towels I had folded up and tucked into the breather recess while the engine was out of the car, to keep anything from falling into the case.

I still can't believe that I installed the breather and did not see and remove paper towels.

[dr914@autoatlanta.com]

1979 had a 914 sold and promised the guy a clutch so he could pick it up the next day did it myself (used to be able to change the clutch assembly in 45 minutes) got the job done and tried to start the car, turned over slowly. Thinking it has a weak battery I put a battery charger on boost and tried again, still slow start and then smoke started to come from the center tunnel. Found out that I had melted the accelerator cable inside the tube. DISASTER!!!!!!! Spent the whole weekend cutting the tube out of the center tunnel and replacing it. I had forgotten to reconnect the rear transmission ground strap and the starter was using the accelerator cable as its ground. One of the first things I thought of when writing the book 914 "tech tips 700" In fact I put it in two different places!