This saga started Sunday. So far I've learned all kinds of things!

1. Heat is your friend
2. Previous owners and mechanics are "creative"
3. After 36 years, stuff gets rusty
4. Once again, heat is your friend
5. If it can break or strip, it will
6. The pictures in the Haynes manual are crap or non-existant
7. If it wasn't for the advice on this forum, I would be dead in the water
8. I HATE cone screws and 12 pt CV bolts
9. Heat is your friend!

Since Sunday I have encountered a stripped cone screw (I had to oull out the entire transmission selector), a "non-standard" top starter bolt (there is no nut in the engine compartment...it looks like the smooth top of a carriage bolt), A CV bolt that damn near cost me my sanity, and sore muscles I never knew I had.

The good news is I will be pulling the transmission tomorrow night. Only the transmission mounts and bolts to the engine remain!

Not to discourage you, but I can pull a transmission in about 30 minutes.

But then again, I have been wrenching on 914s for 26 years.

And remember, heat is your friend!

Yes and I hear he doesn't even need jackstands!

Sorry Clay! Welcome back!!!

You are right.. I DON'T need jackstands.

I have a lift (presently occupied by a 1950 Chevy sedan).

I'm sure after this one it will only take me half the time....maybe only a full day!

It only gets faster with practice, but why practice when you can get it right the first time Dont feel bad. Lots of stuff needing attention there, I am betting.

I admit that as an engineer I do tend to be methodical. I probably spend too much time analyzing rather than just doing.....trying to learn what is going on.

I have no doubt the next time will be faster. I hope there isn't a next time...

Bill,

Don't forget to pick up a 50 gallon drum of PB Blaster prior to serving.

Marinate all nuts, bolts, stuck assemblies and hinges for 2 weeks, turning occasionally while simmering.

Add plenty of #8 and #10 Stainless Steel garnish when serving up at 80mph

"...I love the smell of PB Blaster and heat in the morning...smells like...TEENER"



Get Some BILL!

I've used one full can so far

You own 4 914s. That means there WILL be a next time.

That's what I am afraid of!

Hey Bill...she is waiting on you and Phil's skilled hands and torches


Click to view attachment

It's these two reasons why working on old cars often times takes longer than some clients feel it should. But it's the price I pay to do what I enjoy.

Glad to hear you got it out O.K.

The first time is always the hardest. If you make sure everything is clean before you reinstall it will make everything much faster. You will get it to the point where you can drop it in under an hour

You only have to get dirty the first time. Yank everything out, clean, rebuild, replace and paint. From then on it is a clean job.

Don't forget the tranny ground cable!!! Good luck

What he means to say is, you only have to do it once for EACH car.

1 down, 3 to go

I'm looking forward to that! I get to learn on someone else's car!!!

That's the first thing I disconnected! I've read so many warnings about it I got paranoid.

Exactly!!!! ca

cant wait !! my grinder, sawzall etc are all packed an ready to go!!! now we just need to set a date for the party to begin