964

1989-1994 / Coupe / Targa / Cabriolet / Germany

Common Engine

1. Oil Leaks (Chain Tensioner Housings)

Symptoms

Oil residue on the engine's lower surfaces, oil drips on exhaust components (burning oil smell), oil spots beneath the car.

Cause

The M64 engine's dual-row timing chain is enclosed in a housing bolted to the front of the crankcase. The gasket between this housing and the case deteriorates over time, and thermal cycling causes the joint to lose its seal. The housing is aluminium bolted to a magnesium crankcase, two dissimilar metals with different expansion rates, which stresses the gasket.

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// More 964 problems

Other known issues

Common Engine

2. Oil Leaks (Cam Cover Gaskets)

Oil on the cylinder heads and barrel surfaces, burning oil smell from exhaust contact.

Critical Engine

3. Oil Leaks (Cylinder Base Gaskets)

Oil around the cylinder bases, dripping down the engine. In severe cases, oil loss between services.

Minor Engine

4. Timing Chain Tensioner Failure

A rattling noise from the front of the engine on cold start-up (chain slap). Erratic idle. In advanced cases, a metallic rattling that worsens with engine speed.

Minor Engine

5. Engine Bay Fires

Burning oil smell from the rear of the car (this is the warning sign). Smoke from the engine bay.

Common Engine

6. Distributor Drive Belt Failure

Sudden misfiring, rough running, or complete engine failure (no spark). If the belt has slipped rather than broken, the ignition timing will be incorrect, causing poor performance and potential backfiring. ---

Common Drivetrain

7. Dual-Mass Flywheel Failure

Rattling or chattering noise from the bellhousing area at idle, which disappears when the clutch pedal is depressed. Shudder on clutch engagement, particularly from a standstill. Vibration through the drivetrain at certain RPM ranges.

All 964 problems