Engine Starving for Fuel
#1
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I filled up and drove on the freeway for about 15 miles and exited with no issues. After pulling away from the traffic signal the engine started misfiring @ 3K RPM's as if it was running out of gas. The engine idle was normal and rev'd smoothly in neutral. However, under load the car would hesitate, surge, lunge, etc while accelerating. The check engine light did not come on.
The service dept. was closed so my first stop was rennlist forum and my search turned up a few threads on misfire & bad gas, which suggested trips to the dealer with no clear resolution. I then contacted a knowledgeable salesperson (they do exist) and we discussed potential causes and solutions. He thought there could be a pressure equalization issue with the gas tank / fuel lines and suggested the following:
1. turn engine off
2. open gas cap
3. start engine and run for few minutes
4. put gas cap back on
I'm happy to report this worked! Hopefully this will save someone else the agony and frustration should this same problem happen to you.![thumbup](https://rennlist.com/forums/graemlins/thumbup.gif)
EDIT: The problem came back again 300 miles later. I went for a drive with the service manager and fortunately it was still misfiring. The service tech and manager did another 5 minute test drive when they came back it was running smoothly after they "opened it up".![burnout](https://rennlist.com/forums/graemlins/burnout.gif)
They think it's due to bad gas or a particle in the fuel system inhibiting the flow and suggested I drive it hard to keep it cleared out and don't use that gas station again.
I'm not convinced yet.![nono](https://rennlist.com/forums/graemlins/nono.gif)
Links to similar symptoms:
https://rennlist.com/forums/997-forum/235679-check-engine-return-to-workshop-she-s-home.html
https://rennlist.com/forums/997-forum/241365-help-something-is-wrong-with-my-car.html
https://rennlist.com/forums/997-forum/175369-warning-about-gas-quality.html
https://rennlist.com/forums/997-forum/238662-check-engine-light-triggered-twice-now.html
The service dept. was closed so my first stop was rennlist forum and my search turned up a few threads on misfire & bad gas, which suggested trips to the dealer with no clear resolution. I then contacted a knowledgeable salesperson (they do exist) and we discussed potential causes and solutions. He thought there could be a pressure equalization issue with the gas tank / fuel lines and suggested the following:
1. turn engine off
2. open gas cap
3. start engine and run for few minutes
4. put gas cap back on
I'm happy to report this worked! Hopefully this will save someone else the agony and frustration should this same problem happen to you.
![thumbup](https://rennlist.com/forums/graemlins/thumbup.gif)
EDIT: The problem came back again 300 miles later. I went for a drive with the service manager and fortunately it was still misfiring. The service tech and manager did another 5 minute test drive when they came back it was running smoothly after they "opened it up".
![burnout](https://rennlist.com/forums/graemlins/burnout.gif)
They think it's due to bad gas or a particle in the fuel system inhibiting the flow and suggested I drive it hard to keep it cleared out and don't use that gas station again.
I'm not convinced yet.
![nono](https://rennlist.com/forums/graemlins/nono.gif)
Links to similar symptoms:
https://rennlist.com/forums/997-forum/235679-check-engine-return-to-workshop-she-s-home.html
https://rennlist.com/forums/997-forum/241365-help-something-is-wrong-with-my-car.html
https://rennlist.com/forums/997-forum/175369-warning-about-gas-quality.html
https://rennlist.com/forums/997-forum/238662-check-engine-light-triggered-twice-now.html
Last edited by zumaron; 04-13-2006 at 09:39 PM.
#4
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Zuma...
I think what your dealer described is what is referred to as "vapor lock." It's usually more of a problem on hot days but I didn't realize it still happens with today's designs of gas tanks and tank caps.
And Ben,...I will refrain from saying that I have had bad gas in my 997 too.
I think what your dealer described is what is referred to as "vapor lock." It's usually more of a problem on hot days but I didn't realize it still happens with today's designs of gas tanks and tank caps.
And Ben,...I will refrain from saying that I have had bad gas in my 997 too.
#5
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Originally Posted by Coochas
Zuma...
I think what your dealer described is what is referred to as "vapor lock." It's usually more of a problem on hot days but I didn't realize it still happens with today's designs of gas tanks and tank caps.
And Ben,...I will refrain from saying that I have had bad gas in my 997 too.
I think what your dealer described is what is referred to as "vapor lock." It's usually more of a problem on hot days but I didn't realize it still happens with today's designs of gas tanks and tank caps.
And Ben,...I will refrain from saying that I have had bad gas in my 997 too.
![hiha](https://rennlist.com/forums/graemlins/roflmao.gif)
#6
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Originally Posted by gota911
Dave - "Cayman my ***" and "bad gas".... there could be a connection there! ![hiha](https://rennlist.com/forums/graemlins/roflmao.gif)
![hiha](https://rennlist.com/forums/graemlins/roflmao.gif)
#7
Pro
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I posted a similar incident a couple of weeks back. Was going to take it in but has not happened since, and it seem sto be a 'common' phenomenon with explanation sometimes:
https://rennlist.com/forums/997-forum/262872-car-fluttering-today.html
also another thread on rennteam:http://www.rennteam.com/showflat.php...885#Post211369
https://rennlist.com/forums/997-forum/262872-car-fluttering-today.html
also another thread on rennteam:http://www.rennteam.com/showflat.php...885#Post211369
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#8
Banned
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Originally Posted by gota911
Dave - considering a couple of your recent quotes, "Cayman my ***" and "bad gas".... there could be a connection there! ![hiha](https://rennlist.com/forums/graemlins/roflmao.gif)
![hiha](https://rennlist.com/forums/graemlins/roflmao.gif)
![Stick Out Tongue](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/smilies/tongue.gif)
#9
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Originally Posted by Coochas
Zuma...
I think what your dealer described is what is referred to as "vapor lock." It's usually more of a problem on hot days but I didn't realize it still happens with today's designs of gas tanks and tank caps.
I think what your dealer described is what is referred to as "vapor lock." It's usually more of a problem on hot days but I didn't realize it still happens with today's designs of gas tanks and tank caps.
![surrender](https://rennlist.com/forums/graemlins/surrender.gif)
I suspect it's something else with the 997 since the problem is occuring in varying climates. In addition, my car sat overnight and in the morning the symptoms still existed (low 40's). The good news is I didn't have to take it to the dealer.
![bigbye](https://rennlist.com/forums/graemlins/xyxwave.gif)
Originally Posted by Deven
I posted a similar incident a couple of weeks back. Was going to take it in but has not happened since, and it seem sto be a 'common' phenomenon with explanation sometimes:
#10
Three Wheelin'
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Guys this is happening to my 996 at the moment too, and I think it is bad gas. Actually I think it is "summer gas" that mixes in some different additives and is not as efficient or pure as the gas that is refined in the colder months. I have almost run the tank dry. I am going to run some techron additive through it, and use a different station for gasoline and see if that helps. I have about 3k miles too.
#11
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Any suggestion for stations with "good gas"? I recently saw a posting of high quality gasoline companies...is that an accurate list? It doesn't include Mobil, which i thought had very good gasoline.