1987 PORSCHE 944 engine coolant

Power Assisted Steering
The hydraulic assistance system allows
effortless steering under all driving conditions.
Slight hissing or squeaking sounds during
sharp turns (turning steering wheel from lock
to lock) are normal and do not indicate a
defective steering mechanism.
If the engine is not running, po
wer assisted steering is no longer effective. You can
continue to steer the car but more effort
will be required to turn the steering wheel.

Checking the fluid level
The hydraulic fluid level should be checked at
regular intervals. The fluid reservoir is
mounted on the right wheel housing in the
engine compartment.
1.
Unscrew cap from reservoir and wipe
dipstick with a lint free cloth.
2.
Let engine run at idle speed. Reinstall cap
and unscrew again. The fluid level should
be between the upper and lower mark on
the dipstick.
If necessary, top up with ATF-Dextron®.
3. Reinstall cap and handtighten securely.
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Cooling System
Only use additives recommended for
aluminium engines and radiators. Your
Porsche dealer will be able to advise you.
For year round driving, phosphate-free
antifreeze is added at the factory for
temperatures down to:
-31° F / -35° C
Because of its anti-corrosion properties,
antifreeze should also remain in the cooling
system for summer operation. Cooling system capacity and specified antifreeze and water
ratios are listed under "Filling capacities".
Use any quality phosphate-free anti-freeze
containing ethylene glycol, available at your
Porsche dealer. Anti-freeze other than
specified by Porsche for aluminium engi-
nes and radiators may cause corrosion of
the cooling system, leading to engine
overheating and damage.

Only
for topping up coolant, a small amount of anti-freeze containing ethylene glycol and
phosphates may be used if recommended
anti-freeze is not available.
The anti-corrosion properties and the
antifreeze consistency will diminish gradually.
We recommend renewing the coolant mixture
at least every 2 years.
WARNING
The radiator fan is electrically driven. It is
switched on automatically by a thermostat
when the coolant reaches 198°F / 92°C.
Even when the engine is turned off, the fan will continue running, until the coolant
temperature has dropped to 189°F / 87°C
and until the engine itself has cooled down sufficiently.
Checking coolant level in expansion tank
A correctly functioning cooling system requires only minor care. The coolant level
should be checked from time to time, and
always before going on a longer trip.
The
expansion tank with filler cap opening is
located in the engine compartment (see
illustration). Since the expansion tank is
transparent, the coolant level can be checked
visually without removing the filler cap.

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When the engine is cold, the coolant level
should reach the minimum mark on the
expansion tank. When the engine is warm, the coolant level will be above the minimum mark. Since the closed cooling system loses almost
no coolant, topping up is normally not
required. An obvious loss of coolant indicates
leakage. In this case contact your dealer.
WARNING

Do not open the filler cap when the engine is hot because of the danger of
scalding. Allow the engine to cool down.
Protect your hands, arms and face.

Using a thick rag, open the cap carefully and only enough to allow excess
pressure to escape before removing the
cap.
To avoid damage to the engine, only add
cold antifreeze and cold water
to the cooling system when the engine is also cold. A warm engine should only be topped up if the coolant level has dropped appreciably below
the minimum mark. Too much added coolant
will escape through the pressure cap when coolant warms up.
If more than about 1.06 U.S qt or 1 liter must
be added, the cooling system should be bled.

Winter operation At the beginning of the winter season, have the coolant checked for anti-freeze
concentration.
The ratio between water and anti-freeze
necessary to prevent freezing depends on the
anticipated outside temperatures. The ratios
can be taken from the mixing chart listed
under "Filling Capacities" or from the container of the antifreeze manufacturer.
Increasing the anti-freeze in the coolant
further than shown on the container is not
only uneconomical, it is also detrimental to engine cooling.
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944 Draining the coolant
Engine must be cold
1. Move temperature control lever to "warm".
2.
Remove filler cap from expansion tank.
3. Unscrew drain plug on radiator and on engine block (curved arrows). Allow coolant to drain completely.
Bleeding cooling system and topping up
coolant
1. Reinstall radiator drain plug. Do not overtighten plug (required torque is 43 in.
lb/5 Nm).
2.
When reinstalling engine block drain-plug,
use a new gasket. Do not overtighten plug
(required torque is 14 ft lb/20 Nm).
3.
Move temperature control lever to "warm".
4. Unscrew the vent plug (single white arrow)
and remove.
5. Remove the expansion tank filler cap and
slowly pour coolant into the tank. Stop
pouring as soon as fluid runs out of vent
plug opening.
6.
The expansion tank should only be about
half full so as to prevent any overflow once
the engine is warm.
7.
Screw in the vent plug loosely.
8. Start the engine. Let engine run at increased idle until it has reached operating temperature (the radiator fan will turn on
and off).
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944 S

944 Turbo

9. When air bubbles at vent plug disappear, tighten the plug (required torque is 15-18
Nm or 11-13 ft lb).
10.
Check coolant level in tank and top up to
"max" mark, if necessary.
11.
Reinstall the expansion tank filler cap. After a test drive recheck the coolant level. See "filling capacities" for amount
required.


Manual Transmission oil
Both transmission and final drive are
combined in one housing. The lubricant used
is hypoid oil.
The manual transmission oil should be
checked and changed by your Porsche dealer
and at the intervals specified in your
Maintenance Schedule.
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Automatic Transmission Fluid The torque converter and the transmission are lubricated with Automatic Transmission Fluid
(ATF). The final drive requires hypoid oil SAE
90 only.
Do not tow the car or run the engine
without ATF in the transmission.
Checking the ATF level
The ATF has to be checked at frequent
intervals, for instance, when the engine oil is
being checked or at least at the specified
intervals (see Maintenance schedule). A
correct ATF level is very important for the
proper functioning of the transmission. The
reading should be done when the ATF is warm, with the engine idling, the selector lever in Neutral and the parking brake applied.
The level of the ATF fluid can be checked
visually through the transparent reservoir. This reservoir is located at the rear end of the
transmission housing. You have enough ATF
if the fluid level is between the Min. and Max.
marks. It should never be above or below
these marks.
The difference between the two marks is 1
U.S. pint or 0.4 liter.
If level is too high or too low do not just add or
drain ATF. Have your dealer check and
correct the cause as soon as possible.
For correct ATF specifications, see "Filling
Capacities".
Changing the ATF

The ATF and the hypoidoil in the final drive
has to be changed at specified intervals (see
Maintenance schedule).
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944


5. Press together the housing cover with the air intake funnel (944 Turbo) and carefully
place in position. Tighten fastening screws,
connect hose and screw down hose clamp.

944 S
1. Unscrew the retaining screws and remove
the filter cover.
2.
Remove the filter element.
3. Clean the inside of the filter housing with a
lightly oiled lint-free cloth.
4.
Fit a replacement filter element. Carefully
place the housing cover in position and
tighten the retaining screws.

Reservoir for Windshield and Headlight
Washer System
The transparent reservoir is in the engine
compartment. As clear water is usually
inadequate for cleaning windshield or
headlights, add a cleaning solution, such as
windshield washer solvent and antifreeze offered by your dealer. To assure that the
system also functions at freezing
temperatures, antifreeze must be added to the water beforehand. Follow the instructions on the can for the right amount to be used (also
see "Filling Capacities"). Do not use engine
coolant anti-freeze or any other solution
that can damage the car paint.
81

Tires/Wheels
The original equipment tires and wheel rims
on your Porsche comply with all applicable
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
For your driving safety remember the
following:
Wheel rims and wheel bolts are matched to
fit your Porsche.
If you intend to use other than original equipment wheels, be sure that they conform to Porsche specifications for your model. The use of wheel rims and wheel bolts that
do not meet specifications of the original
factory installed equipment will affect the safe operation of your vehicle. Before you plan on exchanging wheels, or winter tires already mounted on wheel rims, consult your Porsche dealer. He has the
technical information necessary to advise
you which wheel rims and wheel bolts are
compatible with the original factory
installations.
Tire pressures
WARNING
Incorrect tire pressures cause increased
tire wear and adversely affect road holding of the vehicle, leading to loss of control.
Always use an accurate tire pressure
gauge when checking inflation pressures.
Do not exceed the maximum tire inflation
pressure listed on the tire sidewall. (Also
refer to "Technical data"). Cold tire infla-

tion pressure means: when a car has not been driven for at least 3 hours or less
than 1 mile. Never let any air out of warm
tires to meet cold tire pressure
specifications.
Tire traction
WARNING
When driving on wet or slushy roads, a
wedge of water may build up between the
tires and the road. This phenomenon is
known as aquaplaning and may cause
partial or com
plete loss of traction, vehicle control or stopping ability. Reduce speed
on wet surface.
Tire Life
Tire life depends on various factors, i.e.,
roads, traffic and weather conditions, driving
habits, type of tires and tire care.
Inspect your tires at least
every 2.000 miles or 3.000 km for wear and damage. If you notice
uneven or substantial wear, wheels might
need alignment or tires should be balanced or
replaced.
Tires must always remain on same side of
vehicle.
After changing, adjust tire pressure and torque wheel nuts diagonally to 94 ft Ibs (130 Nm) (see "Changing wheels").
The supposition that tire durability and
performance are immune to the effects of
storage and age is unfounded. Chemical
additives, which make the rubber elastic, lose
their effectiveness in the course of time and
the rubber becomes brittle and cracks.

Therefore, the tires, especially the collapsible
spare tire, should from time to time undergo a
visual check. To accomplish this,
pump up the collapsible spare tire.
Under no circumstances should tires older
than 6 years be used on your Porsche. The
age of the tire can be obtained from the "DOT" code number. If, for example, the last three
numbers read 125, then the tire was produced in the 12th week of 1985.
Tire wear
The original equipment tires on your Porsche
have built-
in wear indicators. They are molded into the bottom of the tread grooves and will
appear as approximately 1/2 in (12 mm)
bands when the tire tread depth is down to
1/2 of an in (1.6 mm).
When the indicators appear in two or more
adjacent grooves, it is time to replace the
tires. We recommend, however, that you do
not let the tires wear down to this extent. Worn tires cannot grip the road surface properly,
and are even less effective on wet roads.
In the United States, state laws may govern
the minimum tread depth permissible. Follow
all such laws.
WARNING
Do not drive with worn tires or tires
showing cuts or bruises as they may lead
to sudden deflation.
If you notice that tires are wearing unevenly,
consult your Porsche dealer. Uneven wear

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Fuel Evaporation Control
Fuel Tank Venting
The expansion chamber and the roll over valve prevent fuel from escaping to the outside at
extreme high outside temperatures and when
the car is driven or parked at an incline or in
any other nonlevel position. The safety valve
works as a restrictor in the tank vent line between the expansion chamber and the
canister.
Vapor Control System and Storage
When the fuel tank is filled, vapors are
collected in the expansion chamber and filler
tube by a vent l
ine leading the vapors via a roll over valve to the activated carbon canister where they are stored as long as the engine does not run. During engine operation, the
vapors are stored in the activated carbon
canister as long as the control valve I
(ON/OFF valve) is in the OFF-position.
The control valve I stops purging of the
canister during all other operating conditions of the engine if the coolant temperature of the
engine is below a defined temperature.
Purge System
Fuel vapors from the carbon canister will be
mixed with fresh air taken from the ambient


1 Control valve II
2 Temperature switch
3 Air flow meter
4 Throttle valve 5 Intake manifold
6 Engine
7 Injection valve
8 Control valve I
(ON/OFF) 9 Expansion chamber
10 Charcoal canister
11 Roll over valve
12 Pressure regulator
13 Pressure damper 14 Fuel filter
15 Fuel pump
16 Fuel tank
of the carbon canister or fuel vapors from the
fuel tank. The vapors will be directed via a
control valve I and control valve II to the air
intake system housing. The control valve I has the following functions:
To stop purging of the canister during idle (the rich vapor flow from the canister would
influence the mixture characteristic).
To allow purging of the canister during all
other operating conditions of the engine.
The control valve II controls the vapor flow to
the engine.
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http://www.9ss1.dk/porsche944

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Tires, Rims 944 Turbo
Tires, Rims
(Rim offset 52,3 mm) 205/55 VR 16 on rims 7 J x 16 H2 front and 225/50 V
R 16 on rims 8 J x 16 H2 rear
Snow tires
(Rim offset 52,3 mm) 205/55 R 16 82 Q M+S on rims 7 J x 16 H2 front and
rear
or 205/55 R 16 82 Q M + S on rims 7 J x 16 H2 front and
225/50 R 16 82 Q M + S on rims 8 J x 16 H2 rear
The load rating and identification letter for allow able maximum speed (e.g. 82 Q/VR 16)
represent minimum requirements.
Collapsible spare tire 165-15 8 PR 89 P on rim 51/2 J x 15 H2
Tire pressure always 36 psi (2.5 bar/atm.), front o r rear use. Maximum speed is 50 mph (80 km/h).
Cold tire pressure front and rear 36 psi (2.5 bar)
Snow chains Should snow chains be necessary, they m ust be mounted on the drive wheels only. Maximum
speed is 30 mph (50 km/h). Always use Porsche - app roved snow chains.

Important hint:
For tires with VR quality standard , there are currently no final standards concerning tire strength at speeds above 210 km/h. For this r eason,
only use tire makes and types tested by Porsche.
If you intend to use other than original equipment wheels, be sure that they conform to Porsche specif ications for your model. Check with your
Porsche dealer regarding the correct wheel specific ations for type and model year.

113

Dimensions

Length
Width
Height
Wheel base
Wheel track, front
Wheel track, rear
Ground clearance*
Tuning circle (curb to curb)
Tuning circle (wall to wall)
Overhang angle, front*
Overhang angle, rear*
944 / 944 S
168.90 in. / 4290 mm 68.31 in. / 1735 mm
50.20 in. / 1275 mm
94.49 in. / 2400 mm
58.15 in. / 1477 mm
57.13 in. / 1451 mm
4.72 in. / 120 mm
31.17 ft. / 9.5 m
33.80 ft./ 10.3 m
14°
15°
944 Turbo
168.90 in. / 4290 mm
68.31 in. / 1735 mm
50.20 in. / 1275 mm
94.49 in. / 2400 mm
58.15 in. / 1477 mm
57.13 in. / 1451 mm
4.72 in. / 120 mm
31.17 ft. / 9.5 m
33.80 ft./ 10.3 m
12,5°
15°

Weights

Curb weight
Maximum load capacity
Total permissible weight
Maximum axle load, front**
Maximum axle load, rear**
Permissible rack load**/***

944
2778 Ibs. / 1260kg
661 Ibs. / 300 kg
3439 Ibs. / 1560kg
1587 Ibs. / 720kg
1984 Ibs. / 900kg
165 Ibs. / 75kg 944 S
2866 Ibs. / 1300 kg
661 Ibs. / 300 kg
3527 Ibs. / 1600 kg
1609 Ibs. / 730kg
1984 Ibs. / 900 kg
165 Ibs. / 75kg 944 Turbo 2998 Ibs. / 1360 kg650 Ibs. / 285 kg 3626 Ibs. / 1645 kg1675 Ibs./ 760kg
2028 Ibs. / 920 kg 165 Ibs. / 75kg

* At total permissible weight. ** Do not exceed tot al permissible weight.
*** Applies only if the basic rack of the original Porsche Roof Transport System is used. If old type Porsche ski and luggage racks are used the
permissible roof weight is 35 kg (77 Ibs.).
The vehicle capacity weight (max. load), the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and the Gross Axle Wei ght Ratings (GAWR) for front and
rear, are listed on the sticker on the left upper s ide member in the engine compartment.
The gross vehicle weight rating includes the weight of the basic vehicle plus full tank, oil and coolant, plus max. load which combines passenger
(150 pounds / 68 kg per designated position) and lu ggage weight. Luggage weight is not increased by th e use of roof, ski or luggage racks,
unless passenger capacity is reducted accordingly.

114

Engine hood release
Pull lever on left underneath
dashboard. Disengage safety
catch and lift engine hood up.
Battery
In cowl area in engine
compartment. Check each cell.
Top up with distilled water.
Never disconnect battery while
engine is running. It can ruin
the alternator.
Before connecting quick-charger,
battery must be disconnected. Brake fluid reservoir
Level should be between MIN and MAX marks.
Only use new brake fluid
according to SAE
recommendation J 1703, DOT 3
or DOT 4 and conforming to Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 116.
Do not use silicone base brake
fluid (DOT 5). Even the smallest
traces may cause severe
corrosion in the brake system.
Coolant reservoir
Antifreeze must remain in cooling
system all year round.
Coolant level should be between
minimum and maximum mark
when engine is cold. Always add antifreeze and water in ratio specified under "Filling
Capacities".
Use quality antifreeze containing
ethylene glycol.
Windshield and headlight
washer reservoir

1.6 U.S. gal. or 6.0 liters
127


Rear Lid
Unlock by turning door/ignition
key counter-clockwise or
operating the control switch.


Engine oil dipstick

Check oil level a few minutes after engine has stopped. Level should
be between upper and lower
marks on dipstick. Difference
between marks is approx. 1 U.S.
qt. or 1 liter.
WARNING
Before checking anything in
the engine compartment, let the
engine cool down. The fan
blades will rotate
spontaneously (even with
ignition off) until coolant
temperature drops.
Engine oil Always use quality oil labeled "API" Service "SE or SF". Details
under "Engine Oils" .
With filter change approx. 6.34 U.S. qts. (6.0 lite rs)
944 Turbo: approx. 6.87 U.S. qts. (6.5 liters)
Check oil level as described on "Engine oil level".

Manual transmission oil with differential
Hypoid oil SAE 80 according to API classification G L 4 or Mil-L 2105.

Automatic transmission
ATF lubricates torque converter and transmission. U se ATF "Dex-
ron®" only. Quantity at oil change: approx. 3 U.S. qts. or 2.8 liters.
Check ATF level visually through transparent reserv oir at rear end of
transmission housing.
Difference between marks approx. 1 U.S. pint or 0.4 liter. Check ATF
level when ATF is warm, with engine idling, selecto r lever in Neutral
and car on level ground.
For differential use oils API/GI 5 (or Mil-L 2105 B ), viscosity SAE 90.


128