chris928

I have started pulling stuff off of the engine to see if I can find out what's wrong.

First, the MAF was installed backwards (the air flow arrow pointed to the AIR FILTER!). I assume this isn't cool. Could this cause a lean condition, I'm not too familiar with the operation of this guy other than basic principle.

Next, there are 2 shiny gold valves under the air cleaner, one right of the MAF and one left. Fuel pressure regulators maybe? One has a hose going into a large bolt that holds the device onto a bracket. The other has just a small bolt and a washer. It looks like a cluge that shouldn't be there. I have a picture but don't know how to post it. Should both of these have hoses going to them (facing the front of the car)?

Bernie

Hey Chris,

I will assume that you mean a almost stall / surge condition?
If that's the case, welcome to the club. There are probably a 1/2 dozen of us on the list that are trying to hunt down the same problem. If you do some searching over the first 4 pages of archives, you will see a bunch of posts on this topic. Mostly from me.
My MAF was not seated in the intake and was missing the sealing ring that goes around it.
Also had corroded terminals.
There are two conditions, given that your idle stabilizer is functioning normally, that would be excellent contributors to this problem. The first is vacuum leaks and the second is a false air condition. Don't really know which way to point you yet. I am still working on it myself. Do a little searching and you should find lots of posts on the topic.
BTW - your a neighbor, I live in Ojai.

<img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />

Bernie

I forgot,

To get help on the list, its a real good idea to post the particulars of your car. As you can see, most of us do this with our auto signatures.

chris928

Bernie,

I actually live in Oak View so we're really close. I've seen a white 928 and a maroon one around, are either of these yours?

My car is a 85 with a manual. It's pretty stock, but hopefully that will all change soon. I've only had it for a few months.

I'm thinking of swapping out the intake manifold with the S4 style first. I hate the stock one we have on our car as it covers everything you want to get to as well as that great looking motor. I haven't gotten the best support from the group regarding the particulars of this swap. By changing this out, I will be forced to really go through things.

My surging is right at 3000 rpm. It is due to a lean condition that I found by connecting a voltmeter to the O2 sensor. The car has lost most of it's power.

Anyways, it's nice to have someone close by to cry on their shoulder.

Bernie

Hey Chris,

Yes, the Granatrot Metallic is mine (maroon).
I've seen the white one around, it looks really clean.
You've probably seen my wife driving mine. I drive the Fiero for the time being. Its a gold 2M6 4-speed, my work beater. I've been looking to sell it to set my wife up with a 4-door so I can get the shark back.
I haven't seen yours around???
Can't agree with you on the intake. I love the way the intake looks on the 85,86. Looks like a picture when you open the hood. Hey, just my opinion that's all. Do what makes you happy.
Have you hooked up with Socal928 yet? I joined them a few weeks ago and they are a great bunch. Hit the site to have a look see.

<a href="http://groups.msn.com/socal928/aboutsocal928.msnw" target="_blank">http://groups.msn.com/socal928/aboutsocal928.msnw</a>

If you wanna hookup to go to the SSS (Socal Shark Shop) sometime, just let me know.
What color is yours?


<img src="graemlins/xyxwave.gif" border="0" alt="[bigbye]" />

Greg86andahalf

Chris,

[quote]One has a hose going into a large bolt that holds the device onto a bracket. The other has just a small bolt and a washer.<hr></blockquote>

That's normal.

The one with a bolt, left (driver's side)is a dampner.

The one on the right (pass. side) is a regulator.

Both have small vacuum nipples on the back side of them. they should be tested to see if they hold vacuum, don't pull too much vacuum through them or they can be damaged.

You also have a third dampner in the front of the engine which has the hose and looks like the pressure regulator. Don't swap them. They have different part numbers. The front one should also be tested to see if it holds vacuum.

Re: vacuum test of the three parts. If you pull the vacuum line and see an trace of fuel, the unit had a leaky diaphram and should be replaced.

HTH
Greg

chris928

Bernie and Greg:

Bernie: my car is white. There is someone else around Oak View who has a white one. He has long hair and I don't. His car looks cleaner than mine. If I remember correctly, he has polished wheels and I don't.

Greg: thanks for the ID on the parts.

Anyone know a good vacuum to test these at?

Also, anyone know what happens when the MAF is installed backwards?

Greg86andahalf

Chris,

YOu should purchase a Mityvac hand pump system I read where the tool warehouse has the kit with the brake bleeder attachment for under $30 on sale.

Local auto parts stores have them, as well as Sears. A mityvac is as much a part of 928 ownership as the car itself. You will need it and use it. A vacuum gauge is also a good tool as you can apply a known amount of vacuum with the mityvac, and gauge the vacuum at another point in the system.

With the mityvac, you can see leakage on the dial. Without a mityvac, you can put a short hose on the part being tested and suck. (you will taste the leaking fuel, if present as noted in my earlier post). Hold the vacuum with your toungue and see if it dissipates on it's own, or stays good. Again, I (strongly) recommend the Mityvac!!!

Greg

chris928

Greg

I do have one with the gauge and all the fancy attachments. I can see where it is going to come in handy. Now I just have to figure out all the places I need to check.

Bernie

OK Chris,
I've seen your car in Oak View. I think it was at a service shop there one day. Maybe exhaust or tires or something.
Yea, your right, its a long haired dude driving that other white shark. He's got polished rims. He smokes past me on my way to work sometimes. I keep cursing because I'm stuck driving this little Fiero (which is a great little car BTW but no match for 32valves a whirrin') and he's blowin' by me like I'm standin' still!! No problem, its kinda cool watchin' that big butt dissappear into the distance.
I would like to find out who it is. The interior, from what I have seen, looks mint!!!!
Have you checked out Socal928 Yet.
Keep in touch......

chris928

I met the socal guys at the Festival of Speed a couple of months ago. My car is such a piece still that I really don't want anyone to see it. It is sad how poorly the PO's took care of it. It is slowly becoming respectable again.

I want to go to the Devek days but I have a baby due that day and my car doesn't run. If my wife has the baby early, I may be able to coax her into leting me go! Let's hope.

V-Fib

Hey Chris,
Don't let a "work in progress" keep you from showing off your shark. You'd be very surprised how many of us start with a less than perfect shark. This way, others can appreciate how much you've done and how well you did it!
Anthony Tate
79/928 Silver Metallic <img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />

Greg86andahalf

Chris,

I agree with Anthony. Go to the events. I was hesitant to go to Sharks in the mountains because my car is not where I want it to be quite yet. When I got there, I felt mine was not the roughest 928 there, but I parked near the 55 gallon drum garbage can so my car would blend in.

Really, there are all levels of completion when it comes to these cars and almost everyone at the events regardless of their car's current condition, has seen a number of these cars in all conditions. You will not suprize or dissapoint anyone.

Greg