About a year ago my Porsche 911 C2 went to HR Owen (St Albans) for a major engine work. This involved them replacing all the valves, fly wheel and lots of other major components.A year later my car needs another major overhaul after something called a belt drive in the distributor snapped and totally ruined the engine. Is this common?? Porsche GB together with HR Owen say that this is unheard of and hence the distributor belt is not a serviceable item and that there was no duty of care for them to replace it when repairing the engine first time round! Does anyone have any knowledge or advice on this please? Thanks

The 964 engine runs two spark plugs per. cylinder and has two distributors. These are linked by what is for want of a better description - something like a fan belt. Although, as with most things Porsche these are `engineered` they can perish due to fuel evaporation from below. It is worth considering having these changed on earlier model 964`s or high mileage cars. Porsche were aware of this and although the 993 runs basically the same system a breather was added to the distributors to eleviate this potential problem. It is also possible to retro fit this to the 964. Some members of the register have already done so and will probably provide more info. A fairly inexpensive solution to what could be an expensive problem. Should you wish to have a more expert opinion on this speak to David Webb (week days) at LINDBROOK PORSCHE on 01732 352222 or ANDY in the spares department at LANCASTER PORSCHE CAMBRIDGE on 01223 875674. They should be abl;e to provide part numbers, prices, fitting etc. Tell ANDY that you are a 964 register member and say that Gary told you a good discount would be forthcoming!!! Hope this helps, Regards Gary

Mine broke at about 60k, which is usual and advized mileage to replace same. It's a £16 item, but Main dealers would rather replace the whole dist unit at £180!!! The mod Gary talks of costs about a fiver and takes 5 mins to fit.... Can't understand why it should lead to damage though. After all, it only means u have 1 spark plug per cylinder operating instead of 2. Also see previous e's on the subject. Regards Melvin

Remove blanking plate from distributor, insert rubber grommet supplied with kit; drill hole in air blower thingy on left of engine (sorry, getting a bit technical here); insert rubber grommet supplied with kit; connect grommets with kit hose. It's THAT easy. To replace the drive belt; disconnect (some) plug leads from distributor and remove dist caps, unbolt dist (there's only one!!), carefully note position of rotors and DON'T MOVE THEM; get workshop to replace belt (honest, it's easier) and reverse above sequence. May be an idea to leave car in TDC (mark on fan). Phew! What an effort. The sun's below the yard arm now -I think I deserve a beer! Regards > Melvin,