Mamooguy

So I'm driving along, my (1987) 944 has been a champ, no probs whatsoever. Suddenly it starts to lose power, and before I know it I'm crawling along the street and the engine's coughing and chugging and rattling like mad. I've had some issues with a loose battery terminal, so I pull over, shut the engine, pop the hood, and check it. No prob, tho (and anyway that wouldn't have been the problem).

It actually felt like it was running out of gas. Luckily I was right across from a station, so I went in and got five bucks' worth, which did seem to do the trick (still seemed a bit sluggish, tho).

Thing is, I totally filled the tank not three days ago, and have not done ANY unusual driving (just tooling around the city a bit), so there's no way in HELL I can be out of gas. But what the hell else can it be?

My first thought of course was, "oh crap the timing belt let go," or maybe the water pump, but no, putting a bit of gas in it seemed to help.

What's the prognosis, doctor(s)?

Mamooguy

Hm, it suddenly occurred to me that I haven't checked the coolant levels ... might a low coolant level cause those symptoms?

marksportcts

Faulty fuel level sender? Worn O2 sensor also causes the DME to open the injectors longer.

xsboost90

how long did that car sit? Did you flush the tank out before you started driving it- could be a plugged up fuel filter.

Lanny Curlett

+1 fuel filter. possible fuel pump.

Mamooguy

It had clearly been sitting a long time when I bought it (it was covered in dust). A mechanic had gotten it running okay, but I do know he didn't change the fuel filter or o2 sensor, two items that have been on my list to take care of (in fact I ordered a new sensor just the other day).

The gas gauge is busted (reads empty no matter how much is in there) ... maybe there's something amiss with the fuel system. I'll try to check that filter today.

WizPorsche944

Try Techron

jpk

Check the vacume lines running to the fuel pressure regulator on the fuel rail (well, all the vacume lines really) I had a crack in one of the rubber elbows that was up under the throttle body - it was doing pretty much what you describe.

Z-man

Sounds like that to me as well.

If you open the hood, do you smell a strong odor of fresh gas? That would be a leaking fuel rail. If that is the case, DO NOT DRIVE THE CAR until the leak is fixed. The gas can leak on your exhaust headers and cause a fire.

-Z-man.

V2Rocket

If the rail isn't leaking, consider investing in a bunch of injector cleaner; the stuff works wonders.

84_944guy

This might be a stupid question but are you sure it was full? some times people siphon gas from cars.

bloodraven

Just bought my uncle a van, and on the way back, that is exactly the same problem we had. Two fuel filters and some fresh gas and some injector cleaner later, not a problem.

Mamooguy

There's definitely no gas smell, I wouldn't drive it if that were the case (hell, I'd be afraid to approach the damn thing).

When I filled the tank the other day I also put in a bottle of injector cleaner. I wonder if it's dislodging some crap from the fuel filter or maybe the lines?

Anyway I'm gonna see if I can get the fuel filter done today. Hopefully I don't need a fancy-as Porsche filter? I'll be able to find one at a big-box auto parts store?

Z-man

The issue is getting to the filter. It's way up there in the back above everything...

-Z

Mamooguy

Yeah, I figured as much. Well hopefully me and my buddy Mr. Haynes can make it happen.