1975 914 1.8 Engine Fire

[911997cs2]

Hoping some of you may be able to assist. Recently purchased from a good friend a 1975 914. Her pride and joy which won first place at Werks. Nonetheless, the engine unfortunately caught fire and literally toaster all the plastic above the engine and wiring.

So, I’d like to get this vehicle back on the road. Next month I am pulling the engine out to assess what components I will need. Note - pulled the dip stick out and the oil looked like it was just changed.

Questions

1. Would it be difficult to source the major fuel injection components?
2. Currently the 1.8 has 121,000 and ran perfectly when she had it. After tear down, are there any specific upgrade suggestions?
3. Some friends suggest going to carburetors and others to just go back to the stock fuel injection. Feedback please.


I am new to 914’s and looking to have a solid weekend car I can enjoy with my wife. In advance, thank you so much.

[[email protected]]

maybe you do not have to pull the engine at all. If you post some pictures I can look at and give you some advice. We have everything on the shelf you need to fix it

[911997cs2]

Currently on vacation. But I have attached some photos for your reference.

In advance, thank you so much.

[69BahamaYellow]

Beautiful car. I can see why you want to bring it back to life. That being an L-jet fuel injection system, parts should be available, but not easy to find. Lots of burned stuff there, so it won’t be cheap. Looks to be very original, so I’d advise you keep it that way if you ever intend to sell it one day. Air cooled Porsche’s are worth crazy money in original condition

[[email protected]]

actually not bad at all,AND a california car so cannot be rusted.Once the "stuff" is stripped off of the engine and cleaned, replacing the few bad components will not be hard to do at all. The burn needs to be thoroughly media blasted away and zinc chromate primer applied asap

[911997cs2]

Totally agree with you both and our goal is to return the vehicle to its original state. Too nice to outlaw it with non-oem components.

Phase 1
Refinishing - this is our priority as we can take our time with the engine as exposed metal doesn’t wait to deteriorate.

Phase 2
Engine removal, health check and assessment of needed components. I was able to download the parts manual with exploded views and part numbers. Additionally, found a great schematic of the fuel injection system as a guide.

In summary, found TheSamba site by mistake and looks to be an invaluable source.

Thanks so much your replies.

[nogoodwithusernames]

Carbs would likely be the easiest and fastest. But between 914world and the samba classifieds a complete L-jet system should be pretty easy to piece together. 914rubber also makes a lot of replacement parts for like the molded intake hose and things like that.
_________________
71 Squareback, 1.7l T4 w/ crank trigger fuel and spark
(Conversion thread https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=732508&highlight= or https://shoptalkforums.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=151375&sid=f0542d44a322d290c29d6609fac7f215 )
74 914, 2.0L w/ D-Jet

-Derek

[Starbucket]

CB Performance has a modern high performance F.I. for that motor which is more or less plug & play.

[[email protected]]

I woud not ruin this nice original car with carbs, repair it and put it back on the road and the show circuit

[911997cs2]

Wanted to ask if it would be possible for a body shop to duplicate the weld seal texture to provide OEM appearance before painting?

Thanks so much.

[[email protected]]

[911997cs2]

914dr thanks for the wurth recommendation on duplicating the Ken seam seal. Much appreciated.

[Vanagonsgoslow]

When you drop the engine, you should replace ALL of the engine seals and gaskets. The fire probably has cooked them all.

[911997cs2]

Totally agree with replacing all seals.

Next week I will start removing the motor and assessing all components to be replaced.

Sorry for some typos as I was replying while riding a tour bus.

[Wolfgangdieter]

I had a '72 914 that I bought new - there was a recall on the FI hoses shortly after I got it. All the lines were replaced under the recall. The FI pump puts out like 35 psi of fuel. Looks like the battery side got it worse with perhaps battery acid dripping over years on the lines. Keep it original - I mod'd mine with larger pistons and Webers. Never did get a smooth drive - plus increased noise. Nice car - worth restoring.
_________________
CMC '57 Porsche Speedster Replica and Dolphin boat tailed full pan VW MOD-T Street Buggy

[tedco]

nasty dust there, wear dust mask