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> A dummies questions thread, Don't laugh at me, I'm learning
porschetub
post Jan 29 2016, 02:50 PM
Post #21


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QUOTE(23e Heure @ Jan 30 2016, 06:00 AM) *

Thanks All for the response so far.
I am taking the car for MOT test tomorrow. It is bound to fail on the seatbelts alone, but I don't care because:
a) I am legally allowed to drive the car on the UK road (for the first time since purchase), if I am on my (roundabout) way to a pre-booked MOT.
b) If you fail an MOT test, your next one is free of charge if you go to the same MOT test centre
So I get to finally drive the car, and the first test will let me know ALL MOT fail issues that I need to fix before my free re-test.

Thanks to the response so far, I know how to switch out the belts, and have half an idea how to remove the US plate holders for when I finally get to register the car and attach plates.

BLOODY HELL, this is going well so far, thanks YANKS!

So, trying to out-do myself in 'dummy-ness" of dummies questions, here is...

QUESTION 3:

- How do I reset the trip meter?

In the 911 dash the reset knob is mounted on the underside of the dash, under the speedo. I could not find similar in my 914...


Someone may have removed your reset cable,if you find it remember not to reset when the car is moving,its breaks the drive gears so I'am told.
I understand the UK MOT is like our New Zealand WOF (warrant of fitness) ...tough on older cars mainly but comprehensive on all ,you have to have insurance to drive a car on the road also?.
I understand you pay tax to ran a car on the road also ? ours is payed as a direct tax on fuel (petrol) and for diesel cars we pay per 1000 kilometers.
Our fuel is very cheap by world standards,diesel is cheaper than petrol @ around 99cents/litre currently.

Good luck with your MOT.
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23e Heure
post Jan 29 2016, 03:20 PM
Post #22


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Although it is not yet road registered, I am insured on the VIN, and can drive it without plates for an MOT.

MOT is pretty comprehensive. You have to score 100% to pass.

No tax to pay. All cars built 40 or more years ago are tax exempt, "Historic Vehicle" class.

Very expensive fuel in the UK, but we're used to it.
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Dave_Darling
post Jan 29 2016, 11:11 PM
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QUOTE(23e Heure @ Jan 29 2016, 09:00 AM) *

- How do I reset the trip meter?


A cable comes off the back of the speedo and goes down to the bottom of the dash. You turn the knob on the end of the cable to reset the trip meter. Often the knob part is missing, but the cable end can still be turned.

--DD
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23e Heure
post Jan 30 2016, 08:55 AM
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Up nice and early this morning... MOT day!

Which leads to (not so) dummy QUESTION 4:

- On how many points will the car fail its first MOT test?

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i13.photobucket.com-19057-1454165736.1.jpg)

I had booked the car in, knowing that the seat belts were a likely fail: passenger side inertia reel is no good, and to see what other things might need doing, and that I had not considered.
14 days to sort those out, and come back and get a re-test.

More to the point, it meant I got to drive the thing for the first time. Just 4 or 5 miles there and back, but enough for starters.
The car started right up, and was happy from the off.

A fun - noisy! - squirt the long way around the park and then the keys went to Vinnie, my friendly MOT guy - 27 years old and saving up for a Chesil speedster.

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i13.photobucket.com-19057-1454165737.2.jpg)

Did I say I expected the car to fail? Well it only went and passed :bounce:

Vinnie's seeing eye gave one advisory (rear lights dim a bit in time with the indicators).
And his blind eye missed the non functioning (hopefully empty) washer jets/pump, and the aforementioned passenger seatbelt...

Now I need to complete the faffing DVLA documents, wait for the reg to come through, and I can finally take the boy for his first ride... He's keen!

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i13.photobucket.com-19057-1454165737.3.jpg)
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mark04usa
post Jan 30 2016, 03:15 PM
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QUOTE(Dave_Darling @ Jan 29 2016, 11:11 PM) *

QUOTE(23e Heure @ Jan 29 2016, 09:00 AM) *

- How do I reset the trip meter?


A cable comes off the back of the speedo and goes down to the bottom of the dash. You turn the knob on the end of the cable to reset the trip meter. Often the knob part is missing, but the cable end can still be turned.

--DD



And, do not reset the odometer while the car is moving! This will cause a (repairable) failure of the odometer. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/headbang.gif)
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david63
post Jan 30 2016, 04:24 PM
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James, hope the car is everything you thought it would be? Relieved the MOT went well.

Guess you already did the headlight swap, taillight mods, etc. Glad you have decided to drive it for a bit before you consider putting flares on it. Lots of passion on this forum around "to flare, or not to flare". Bet you get lots of free advice.

I suppose I should update my avatar since you own that exact car now...
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maddin
post Jan 30 2016, 05:23 PM
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Wohoo! Congratulations! I hope I'll pass as easy too when it comes to that point in the not too far future!
Enjoy the ride!
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23e Heure
post Feb 1 2016, 08:13 AM
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Dummies QUESTION FIVE:

- What is the proper name for the boot / sleeve that covers and protects the suspension join here?

I am fast filling a shopping cart at 914rubber.com, and am hoping I can include a pair of these at checkout...

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i13.photobucket.com-19057-1454336026.1.jpg)
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TheCabinetmaker
post Feb 1 2016, 08:22 AM
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I'm not sure if those exist without the ball joint.
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jcd914
post Feb 1 2016, 09:33 AM
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The ball joint boots were not available separately

But there was a ball joint boot available for the late 80's Audi 5000/100 that can be use.
I don't know if they are still available though.

Most people just replace the ball joint.

Jim
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23e Heure
post Feb 1 2016, 10:13 AM
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QUOTE(jcd914 @ Feb 1 2016, 03:33 PM) *

...
Most people just replace the ball joint.
Jim


Thanks Jim: At (I think) $50 a side, probably the way to go
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rhodyguy
post Feb 1 2016, 10:58 AM
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There are a couple of different ball joint versions pertaining to the bottom bolt. Make sure you order the correct ones.
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23e Heure
post Feb 28 2016, 06:13 AM
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So the good news is that my car is now fully road registered for the UK (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i13.photobucket.com-19057-1456661610.1.jpg)

I have had the reg number on retention for a few years, and it was nice to finally get it on a car and complete the 'set' (my 911 is on UHR 23E, and my wife's Audi Quattro is HER 23E).

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i13.photobucket.com-19057-1456661610.2.jpg)

Now starts the real fun, as I get to drive the car and compile a snag list of all the jobs that need doing.
The PO had hardly driven the car for the past 2 years and - although the car is in fantastic condition throughout - this means there will be a list of jobs that need doing, little things have stopped working through lack of use.

To start with... The battery is as flat as a pancake.
I had hoped that this was just from the car being sat in transport / waiting for registration for the past 5 or 6 months, and it just needed a good charge.
It happily started with the aid of some jump leads, and the alternator light on the dash went off. So far so good, I drove the car for an hour or so.
But after I parked up to get a coffee, the battery still did not even have enough charge to turn the engine even once.

I figure it's either a dead battery (easy fix), or there's an issue wit the alternator (not so easy). How about another quesion...

Dummies QUESTION SIX:
- What batteries are people using in their cars?

I have always used Bosch Silver batteries in my 911s, and have been very happy:
- Are there certain size or other restrictions I need to consider before I go buy a new battery?

Thanks all!
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23e Heure
post Mar 1 2016, 04:41 PM
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Light bump for dummies QUESTION SIX above
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Jeffs9146
post Mar 1 2016, 04:58 PM
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Charge the battery with a full over night charge. Then try to start. If it starts you are good, if not replace the battery.

Type is up to you. A lot of people use the sealed batteries so they don't have to worry about the acid, when it rains, was getting into the hell hole. I just don't drive mine in the rain or get water on the hell hole!
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SixerJ
post Mar 2 2016, 03:16 AM
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Agree with you on the sealed Bosch battery and use them on the 911. When I had to replace the -4 battery I got mine from Costco Watford (lowest cost I could find - like £20 cheaper)

Not sure if the old battery was undersized or not but after some measuring I managed to get a physically longer and higher ampere rated one on the battery tray for more oomph. No issues starting after the replacement

Unfortunately I can't tell you what the Bosch part number was as I've sold the car

Jon
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23e Heure
post Mar 14 2016, 10:15 AM
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It's been a while, I've been enjoying actually driving the car at last. That said, still not many miles yet, as it's still crappy winter weather in UK.

Answer to Question 6 above was: "063". As in "The correct sized Bosch battery for a 914 is an 063".
I invested in a Bosch S4 sealed battery, and now long gone are my zero charge woes!


Anyway it's high time I added to my list... Dummies QUESTION SEVEN:

- What's the easiest way of popping open a stuck engine cover?

My car has a GT style double grill cover, and opened fine until this weekend.
But now yanking on the cable seems to only part open the lock mechanism.
The actuator cable moves freely enough, so I'm hoping the cable just needs an adjustment to give it more "pull" travel.
Need to get the darned thing open to be able to try that though!

I looked here: Someone else got stuck
But only gleaned from there that it's possible to pop the mechanism if you open the rear trunk and do something with a screwdriver(?)

Any more specific pointers?
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porschetub
post Mar 15 2016, 12:25 AM
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QUOTE(23e Heure @ Mar 15 2016, 05:15 AM) *

It's been a while, I've been enjoying actually driving the car at last. That said, still not many miles yet, as it's still crappy winter weather in UK.

Answer to Question 6 above was: "063". As in "The correct sized Bosch battery for a 914 is an 063".
I invested in a Bosch S4 sealed battery, and now long gone are my zero charge woes!


Anyway it's high time I added to my list... Dummies QUESTION SEVEN:

- What's the easiest way of popping open a stuck engine cover?

My car has a GT style double grill cover, and opened fine until this weekend.
But now yanking on the cable seems to only part open the lock mechanism.
The actuator cable moves freely enough, so I'm hoping the cable just needs an adjustment to give it more "pull" travel.
Need to get the darned thing open to be able to try that though!

the funny plastic windows on both sides of your rear trunk can be popped out and you have acsess to the latch,I think,sounds like the metal leg into the latch is loose and has jammed...make sure its tight on the 8mm locking bolt, (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beer.gif)

I looked here: Someone else got stuck
But only gleaned from there that it's possible to pop the mechanism if you open the rear trunk and do something with a screwdriver(?)

Any more specific pointers?
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23e Heure
post Jun 26 2016, 09:54 AM
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It's been a while, but here is Dummies QUESTION EIGHT:

I have a nicely weathered Momo Prototipo that I want to fit to my 74 car.

Am I right in assuming that the boss that I used previously to fit the wheel to my 911 is no good for the 914?

If so, is this what I need?

https://www.merlinmotorsport.co.uk/p/momo-s...CFWoz0wodURkPlQ

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/www.merlinmotorsport.co.uk-19057-1466956439.1.jpg)
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