oups59

I check my timing belt tension warning wire today and after reinstalling everything, the car has no idle. It seems running on less than 8 cylinders because I can smell gas when I rev the engine.

I removed the distributor (and clean it) but did not turn the engine at all.

Is it something special to do when putting it back ??

Thanks

1987 S4

GlenL

Sounds like an ignition problem.

Make sure all the wires are well connected to the distributor(s). If you don't find anything, use a timing light to check for spark on each wire.

Big Dave

Check your coil wires. If those are connected, make sure you don't have any of the spark plug wires in the wrong position on the distributors. I experienced exactly what you're describing when I had two wires swapped on the distributor.

oups59

I will re-check everything today.

Garth S

Ditto on the coil wire, as it in a more difficult position to connect correctly.

hupp

I know that the set up of an '87 s4 is different than a two valve '79, but I'll fire one off just in case this may apply. Check the ignition rotor rotor position at TDC. Also ensure that rotor is completely seated. When removing the distributer this can be an issue.

the flyin' scotsman

If all was well before you started to work on the car reverse engineer how you put things put back together. As has been mentioned check the rotor is fully seated and in correct position, all ignition wires are fully seated and in correct position including the coil wire.

oups59

It is true that the coil wire position is not at a easy position. I did replace it yesterday. I try again this afternoon.

I will check the rotor too.

shaaark89

just to state the obvious, make sure you fix it before you try and drive it. you've got a cat fire just waiting to happen as it stands now.

oups59

Just to be sure, I started the shark without doing anything first. Same result - very rough idle. But I noticed a loud suction sound from the airbox. Stopped the car.

I removed the air box and restarted. About 10-15 seconds of rough idle (+ that sound from or the MAF) then everything became normal again.

I did not re-check the ignition or wire at all !!!

Porsche probably use Microsoft software - reboot and it will work

What is the fonction of the Mass Airflow?

ErnestSw

It measures the amount of air and from that measurement determines the amount of gas to inject into the cyllinders.