How to start a 1970 Porsche 917K.
The 1970 Porsche 917K is a legendary racing car from a less technologically advanced era, and this video from RM Sotheby's shows how to do it, using a car that will be on display at the Monterey auction on August 13-14.
First, on a cool day, the oil needs to be warmed to at least 140 degrees Fahrenheit, advises Paul Lanzante, the current manager. The car has a heating pad under the oil tank that needs to be connected to an external power source.
Next, two master switches are to be flipped. One is located on the side of the car, just in front of the oil tank, and the other is in the cockpit. The car has an on-board battery, but Lansante uses a jump box for starting. Once that is set up, a couple of switches on the dashboard turn on the fuel pump and ignition. Only then can the key be turned.
When cold starting the 917K flat-12 engine, it is important not to exceed 2,500 rpm. The rpm should be kept low until the oil is up to temperature.
Like most carbureted vehicles, the 917K has a choke, but Lasante does not recommend using it for cold starting because of the possibility of fouling the plug. Instead, he sprays brake fluid into the intake trumpet. A squirt of each to help ignite the fuel, crank the ignition, and you're ready to go.
The 917 was one of Porsche's most successful racing cars, dominating European sports car racing and the North American Can-Am series in various forms. the "K" denotes a version with a shorter rear body, which proved more aerodynamically stable than earlier long-tail versions It proved to be the first car to win the 1970 24 Hours of Le Mans, where the 917K gave Porsche its first overall victory.
This chassis 026 also raced at Le Mans in 1970, but crashed on lap 50 and did not finish the race; it was featured prominently in the 1971 Steve McQueen film "Le Mans."
This is not the only Steve McQueen "Le Mans" 917K. Another car used in the filming sold at auction in 2017 for $14 million. Let's see how much this one goes for during Monterey Car Week.
