Recommendations for Sportomatic repair capable Workshops in Melbourne

[Manni187]

Hello All,

Require recommendations for workshops that are capable at repairing issues relating to the Sportomatic system. Vehicle is an early 1974 911 sporto. Current issue is in relation to not being able to get the car in gear - Almost as if the clutch isn’t operating. Was running near perfect prior to this.

[911_sporto]

Did you want to have a look at it yourself?   Could be as simple as a blown/corroded fuse.  (Engine bay, number 1)  

[Manni187]

Thanks,

I have checked all the fuses and also swapped them out as well, then problem still persists.

I would like to purchase the contact switch but it seems they are ex Germany - 90561303900

[P-Kay]

Just a thought to rule out/in the switch - Could you bridge the wires to determine whether it is in fact the contact? Otherwise looks like Madri has them the cheapest?

[911_sporto]

The switches are usually very reliable. Are the switch contacts burnt?  Or has the casing cracked?  As P-Kay says above, it's very easy to bypass it to test.

[Manni187]

Cleaned contacts - problem persisted.

I touched the end of the blade wire from the interior harness onto the earthed bolt holding the gear shifter cover to the body and vehicle shifted into gear without grinding. I am thinking now that it’s either a switch problem or a grounding problem. Would love a recommendation for a good auto electrician for porches as I believe there could be a few other electrical gremlins that would be worth sorting. Thank you all for the advise.

[Russ]

check the engine harness is plugged in properly, and that you've got 12V to the solenoid

when i had a similar issue it was that i'd had the engine out and the connector wasn't clicked all the way in

[Damienb]

Try Steve Varrasso at SV Auto Elec in Ringwood. Has been really helpful to me in the past, I think others here have had good experiences too. Worth a call.

[Manni187]

Seems as though Steve is booked out for a while. By Electrical Engine Harness Connectors are you referring to the 2 rectangle multi-plugs that fit on to the engine fuse and relay box on the passenger side engine compartment. Tried that but problem persists.

 

[Russ]

i assume you have an early car? on a 2.7 there's a big plug on the passenger side rear of the engine bay to connect the engine harness to the body

I'd check you're getting 12V all the way too

[Manni187]

Thanks - so checked and cleaned - problem is still the same - I installed a new gear stick micro switch genuine - problem remains. Appears to be intermittent - I am now wondering if this could be an intermittent problem with the vacuum valve. Really need a good specialist now.

[Russ]

have you got a vacuum gauge? Porsche Sportomatic Vacuum Testing - 1970 911T 2.2L - YouTube

there's a good guide here - Sportomatic problem.... vacuum control valve - Pelican Parts Forums

I'd be surprised if there are any good Sportomatic specialists left, mine retired about 5 years ago (worked on them when they were new) but also converted a lot of them to manuals in the years since.

[911_sporto]

It may be a small fracture in the vacuum servo diaphragm due to age or use.  These have a habit of sealing intermittently- until the hole becomes too big to self seal. 

If you stick your head in the engine bay, you should be able to possibly hear or feel the big solenoid in the control valve "clicking" when the gearshift is moved, when the motor is not running but the ignition is on.   (Much harder in a post 72 car as the valve is under all of the CIS stuff....)   

More unlikely - It could be a loose lock nut or other play on the servo actuator linkages or low vacuum due to a failed check valve or inlet leaks.

 

[Manni187]

Great info - I’ll have a look tomorrow. I don’t think the vacuum diaphragms are available new anymore. I had the engine leak tested and replaced all lines and intake boots including injectors, seals, plugs, gaskets, sensors, leads, coil, cdi, dizzy, filters, accumulators ect replaced recently. I am surprised the diaphragm can intermittently fail like that. I’d also love to buy a new vacuum valve but again I think they are nla.

[911_sporto]

 

[911_sporto]

I had a limited number of these professionally made by a rubber manufacturer here in Brissie.  In both nitrile rubber and red silicone  

I think that I still have a couple left- if you end up needing one.

 

[Manni187]

Thanks - do you know anyone that can install in Melbourne.

[911_sporto]

Sorry, pity that you don't live up here...  

[Manni187]

I’d like to purchase one - how can this be organised?

[911_sporto]

I'll PM you.