jnaarnold

I just bought this car two weeks ago. I can tell that is not running the way it should. It almost feels as if I have a valve sticking. It doesnt pop, crackle or anything else. It just feels like its not up on all eight. Is there something I should be looking for before I do a leak down test and compression test? It idles really good, just doesnt have the power I think it should. Also, sometimes it takes a while to start. It will crank great, just wont fire off for a few seconds. I pulled the plugs and they looked pretty good. This is not an intermittent problem, its always running like this.
Thanks in advance for the help...
John

tda1

Sounds exactly like mine. I'll be interested in the replies to this.

James Bailey

Your 87 has two ignition systems and will run reasonably well on 4 cylinders (two on each bank) however if the car still has cats they can and will catch on fire....other possibilities bad plug wires, loose injector wires, cam timing way off,

SMTCapeCod

vacuum leak, mis-calibrated maf...etc .etc.

Cam timing is a good suggestion to look into. Also, the flap for your variable intake is probably not functioning properly if you haven't refreshed it.

928 at last

What Mr. Bailey said.....
Lots of info here with a search.

928 at last

Just re-read the post. Still what Mr. Bailey said, and you really need to do a lot of reading here.
Without any further information, if the cats aren't glowing merrily after a run....sounds like you've got a top end refresh to look into....and BTW when was the last time the TB and water pump were serviced?
Sorry...Wasser Pomp.

928 at last

Fuel filter...fuel pump.......bad grounds could be causing the slow start too....

Stromius

Might as well pull the coil wires (coils to distributors) and see if you've got corrosion on the end plugs.

James Bailey

Highly unlikely to be a fuel filter.....in 16 or so years of selling 928 parts I do not think a fuel filter EVER fixed a running issue just like a trans filter change NEVER fixed a shifting issue. If a fuel filter is plugged up it will only restrict fuel at high rpm high demand not a lower rpm running issue....