Reeves Porsche Tampa Feb 9, 2010

A free 28-point inspection until the 28th? Why not? I call and make an appointment. The service manager says 7:30 am. I arrive at 8 am, due to daily commuter traffic in Tampa on I-275. What was I thinking? The overall experience was pretty impressive. I was greeted with friendly salesman, and service. Most important, free fresh gourmet coffee! While I was waiting, I spent most of the time like a kid at Toys-R-Us, and got to droll, and play in the 2010' Boxster, Cayman S 911 series' cars, and the new Cayenne. Of course, I grabbed all the sales material I could get my hands on to read and effortlessly study and learn later, and the accessories for sale; well, they got me for a $17.00 t-shirt. To think I drove in a 32 year old car, older than most of the 'certified mechanics;' however, one of the old timers had remembered distinctively "Hey, that's Tony Montana's 'Scarface" car! My old dream car." When I peeked through the "Employee's Only" window, all the mechanics were conducting/learning the inspection, so I know it was completed, as they were gathered throughout the vehicle. What was most impressive, as she actually passed; ie..headlamp alignment, CV Drive axle boots, exhaust system, steering linkage, and of course, knew the tranny, and fluids were good due to prior service. I am concerned both front upper ball joint boots were documented as torn, as all the struts are original, so I must investigate.

Battery Test - Feb 6, 2010

Yesterday, while she was in idle, after a two (2) day cold start, I noticed the motor was whinding as the idle was fluxuating, and the headlamps were dimming and brightening. My first thought was the battery was old, and maybe a cell had died or something, or the alternator was bad, and the battery was taking too much of the load. I disconnected the battery, and had taken it to Advanced Auto Parts to confirm the battery was better than good! "12.74V" I also purchased (2) anti-corrosion washers (98 cents) * Side note: Well, while I was there, I picked up a bottle of 'Techron, ' a fuel system cleaner for $7.99, ...another posting later. Anyway, I returned home, and put the terminals back on. I also know disconnecting the battery is always a good thing with electronic gremlins, knowing the electrical system will 'reset' itself. I also asked the wife to press on the gas pedal, as I checked the cable on the idle control. While looking under the hood, it seemed to be moving alright, however noticed it was a brown rusty color on the old parts. I sprayed WD-40 on it (fix-all), and (wa-la), problem fixed. I think the car was looking for idle, and it was stuck? Who knows? Anyway, I think she was just mad at me for sitting for a few days with no attention. This weekend, she is getting another 300+ mile road trip with Techron in the gas tank, so I am planning on blowing out some thirty-year old carbon out of the pipes. :)

Preventive Maintenance Checks & Services Feb 1, 2010

Today was a slight rain, but it did not matter. For the past few days, I have read several articles about types of coolants, and over-heating issues on https://www.928gt.com/ This has been pressing on my mind for the past few days. One important lesson I learned in the military is PMCS, (Preventive Maintenance Checks and Services) which is designed to ensure your military vehicle is combat effective, and to ensure your mobility is not compromised during a mission. After reading several posts at rennlist, and research from other 928 owner pages on this issue, I have made two 'concrete' conclusions:

#1 The motor is aluminum, and a recommended brand is: Zerex G-05® Antifreeze with low-silicate, low-pH, and phosphate-free formula.

#2 My high maintenance 'priss' prefers: "distilled water." Of course on my previous Publix trip, I had to get a Crystal bottle for $1.09, so I completed a top off this morning.

I guess, I will spend some time with my wife now :)